NSAP Widow Pension (IGNWPS): Eligibility, Amount, and How to Apply

The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is a Central Government scheme under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) that provides monthly pension to widows from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The scheme was introduced in 2009 to provide financial security to destitute widows across India.

What is IGNWPS?

IGNWPS provides a monthly pension of ₹300 per month from the Central Government to BPL widows aged 40-79 years. Widows aged 80 and above receive ₹500 per month. Most state governments add their own contribution, increasing the total pension amount significantly.

Who is Eligible?

• Gender: Women (widows only)
• Age: 40 years to 79 years (₹300/month); 80 years and above (₹500/month under IGNOAPS)
• BPL status: Must belong to a Below Poverty Line household
• Marital status: Must be a widow (husband deceased)
• Indian citizen: Must be a citizen of India
• Resident: Must be a permanent resident of the state where applying

Pension Amount

Most states add ₹200-₹1,200 from their own funds. Total pension varies by state.

Documents Required

• Aadhaar card
• Husband's death certificate
• Age proof (birth certificate, school records, voter ID, or Aadhaar)
• BPL card or BPL list inclusion proof
• Bank account passbook (Aadhaar-linked)
• Ration card
• Passport-size photographs (2)
• Address proof
• Income certificate (if required by state)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Online Application

1. Visit NSAP portal — Go to nsap.nic.in or your state's pension portal
2. Select IGNWPS — Choose the widow pension scheme
3. Register/login — Create an account or use existing credentials
4. Fill application — Enter personal details, husband's death details, age, BPL status, and bank account information
5. Upload documents — Upload Aadhaar, death certificate, age proof, BPL card, bank passbook, and photograph
6. Submit application — Review and submit
7. Note application number — Save for tracking

Offline Application

1. Get the form — Collect the application form from Gram Panchayat (rural) or Municipal/ULB office (urban)
2. Fill completely — Enter all required details accurately
3. Attach documents — Attach self-attested copies of all documents including husband's death certificate
4. Submit — Submit at Gram Panchayat or ULB office
5. Verification — BDO or designated officer verifies the application
6. Approval — Application forwarded for district/state approval
7. Pension starts — After approval, pension is credited via DBT to the bank account

Processing Time

• Verification: 30-60 days
• First payment: 2-3 months from application (varies by state)
• Payment frequency: Monthly or quarterly depending on the state

Important Tips

1. Death certificate is mandatory — Obtain your husband's death certificate from the Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat. Without it, the application will be rejected
2. Check state schemes — Many states offer higher widow pensions. For example, check UP Vidhwa Pension for Uttar Pradesh
3. Link Aadhaar to bank — Mandatory for receiving pension through DBT
4. Annual life verification — Complete Jeevan Pramaan (life certificate) annually to continue receiving pension
5. Remarriage — If the widow remarries, she becomes ineligible for the pension under IGNWPS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the age limit for IGNWPS?

Widows aged 40 years and above from BPL families are eligible. At age 80, the beneficiary is shifted to IGNOAPS with ₹500/month from the Centre.

Q2. Can I get both IGNWPS and state widow pension?

Usually, IGNWPS is implemented through the state pension system. The central and state shares are combined into one payment.

Q3. Is there an income limit for IGNWPS?

The scheme is for BPL families. There is no separate income limit — your household must be listed in the BPL list.

Q4. How do I get my husband's death certificate?

Apply at the Municipal Corporation (urban) or Gram Panchayat (rural) where the death occurred. You need to register the death within 21 days, but late registration is also possible with a penalty.

Q5. Can a divorced woman apply?

No, IGNWPS is specifically for widows (women whose husband has died). Divorced or separated women are not eligible under this scheme. They may check other state-specific schemes.

Q6. What if I don't have a BPL card?

Check with your Gram Panchayat or Block office if your name is in the SECC/BPL list. Some states accept income certificates as an alternative.

Q7. Is the pension amount same in all states?

The Central share (₹300/month) is the same across India. However, total pension varies as states add their own contribution — ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,500 total per month.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of India. For official information, visit nsap.nic.in.