How to Apply for Widow Pension / Vidhwa Pension Online — State-wise Guide

What is Widow Pension (Vidhwa Pension)?

Widow Pension — also called Vidhwa Pension or Nirashrit Mahila Pension — is a monthly financial assistance given to women whose husbands have passed away. Both the Central Government (through the National Social Assistance Programme) and State Governments run their own widow pension schemes.

The goal is simple: to provide basic financial support so that widowed women can live with dignity and meet their daily needs.

💡 Most states offer ₹500 to ₹2,500 per month. Some states like Delhi offer higher amounts.

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)

This is the Central Government scheme under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). It provides a base pension that states often top up with their own funds.

Key Details

Note: After age 80, beneficiaries are shifted to the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) at ₹500/month from the Centre.

Eligibility for IGNWPS

• Woman whose husband has passed away
• Age between 40 and 79 years
• Family must be Below Poverty Line (BPL)
• Must be a resident of India

State-wise Widow Pension — Amount & Portals

Each state runs its own widow pension scheme, often adding a top-up to the central NSAP amount. Here is a summary of major states:

Amounts may vary based on age slabs and periodic government revisions. Always check the official portal for the latest amount.

Documents Required

While exact requirements vary by state, you will generally need:

Mandatory Documents

1. Husband's Death Certificate — issued by Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat
2. Aadhaar Card of the applicant
3. Bank Account Details — passbook copy or cancelled cheque (account must be in applicant's name)
4. Age/Date of Birth Proof — Aadhaar, voter ID, or birth certificate
5. Passport-size Photograph (recent)

Additional Documents (state-specific)

• BPL Certificate or Income Certificate (annual income usually below ₹2 lakh)
• Ration Card
• Residence/Domicile Certificate
• Voter ID Card
• Marriage Certificate (some states)

💡 Tip: Keep scanned copies (PDF/JPEG, under 200 KB each) ready before starting the online application.

How to Apply for Widow Pension Online — General Steps

The process is similar across most states. Here is the general flow:

Step 1: Visit Your State's Pension Portal

Go to your state's official pension or e-district website (see the table above).

Step 2: Register / Create Account

• Click on "New Registration" or "Apply Online"
• Enter your basic details: name, Aadhaar number, mobile number
• You will receive an OTP on your mobile for verification

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

• Select "Widow Pension" or "Vidhwa Pension" as the scheme
• Fill in personal details: name, father's/husband's name, date of birth, address
• Enter bank account details (IFSC code, account number)
• Fill in income details

Step 4: Upload Documents

• Upload scanned copies of all required documents
• Ensure each file is clear and within the size limit

Step 5: Submit & Note Application Number

• Review all details carefully
• Click Submit
• Save your Application/Registration Number — you will need this to track your application

Step 6: Verification

• Your application will be verified by the local SDM/Tehsildar/BDO office
• Some states may require a physical verification visit
• Once approved, pension is credited directly to your bank account (DBT)

State-wise Application Process

Uttar Pradesh — Nirashrit Mahila Pension

1. Visit sspy-up.gov.in
2. Click on "निराश्रित महिला पेंशन" (Widow Pension)
3. Click "ऑनलाइन आवेदन करें" (Apply Online)
4. Fill the form with personal and bank details
5. Upload photo and documents
6. Submit and save the registration number

Status Check: Go to sspy-up.gov.in → "आवेदन की स्थिति" → Enter registration number

Bihar — Laxmibai Social Security Pension

1. Visit serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
2. Navigate to: समाज कल्याण विभाग → लक्ष्मीबाई सामाजिक सुरक्षा पेंशन
3. Click "Apply" and fill the online form
4. Upload required documents
5. Submit and note the application reference number

Status Check: serviceonline.bihar.gov.in → "Track Application Status"

Rajasthan — Widow Pension Scheme

1. Visit ssp.rajasthan.gov.in
2. Click on "Pension Application" or visit your nearest eMitra kiosk
3. Fill the application form with Jan Aadhaar details
4. Upload documents and submit

Amount by Age:

• Age 18–54: ₹500/month
• Age 55–59: ₹750/month
• Age 60–74: ₹1,000/month
• Age 75+: ₹1,500/month

Status Check: ssp.rajasthan.gov.in → "Pensioner Status"

Madhya Pradesh — Vidhwa Pension Yojana

1. Visit socialsecurity.mp.gov.in
2. Click on "पेंशन योजनाओं हेतु ऑनलाइन आवेदन"
3. Select "Vidhwa Pension Yojana"
4. Fill form with Samagra ID and personal details
5. Upload documents and submit

Status Check: socialsecurity.mp.gov.in → "पेंशन की स्वीकृति की स्थिति"

Maharashtra — Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana

1. Visit sjsa.maharashtra.gov.in or apply via Aaple Sarkar portal
2. Register and select "Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana"
3. Fill application form with personal, income, and bank details
4. Upload documents and submit
5. Application is verified by Taluka office

Status Check: aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in → Track Application

Tamil Nadu — Destitute Widow Pension

1. Visit the e-Sevai portal or nearest Taluk office
2. Apply through tnesevai.tn.gov.in
3. Fill the form and upload documents
4. Pension is sanctioned after verification by Revenue Department

Status Check: Visit the nearest Taluk office or check via the e-Sevai portal

Karnataka — Widow Pension

1. Visit sw.kar.nic.in or Seva Sindhu portal
2. Apply under "Women & Child Development" → "Widow Pension"
3. Fill the form with Aadhaar details
4. Upload documents and submit

Status Check: sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in → Track Application

Delhi — Widow Pension Scheme

1. Visit edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in
2. Register with your Aadhaar/mobile number
3. Apply under "Women & Child Development Department"
4. Select "Widow Pension Scheme"
5. Fill form, upload documents, and submit

Amount: ₹2,500/month (one of the highest in India)

Status Check: edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in → "Track Application"

How to Check Widow Pension Application Status

General Steps (works for most states):

1. Visit your state's pension portal (see table above)
2. Look for "Application Status" or "Track Application" or "आवेदन की स्थिति"
3. Enter your Application Number or Registration Number
4. Some portals also allow tracking via Aadhaar number or mobile number
5. The status will show: Pending / Under Verification / Approved / Rejected

Check Pension Payment Status

• Once approved, pension is transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to your bank account
• You can check payment credits in your bank passbook or via PFMS (pfms.nic.in)

Common Reasons for Rejection

Applications may be rejected if:

• Incomplete documents — missing death certificate or income proof
• Income above threshold — annual income exceeds the state limit
• Remarriage — in most states, remarried women are not eligible
• Already receiving pension — from another government scheme
• Incorrect bank details — mismatch between Aadhaar name and bank account name
• Age not meeting criteria — for NSAP, must be 40+

💡 If rejected, you can usually re-apply after correcting the issue. Check the rejection reason on the portal and resubmit with the correct documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit for widow pension?

It varies by state. Generally, annual family income should be below ₹2 lakh. For NSAP, you must be from a BPL family. Some states like Delhi have higher thresholds.

Can I apply offline?

Yes. Visit your nearest Tehsil office, Block Development Office (BDO), District Social Welfare Office, or Common Service Centre (CSC). They will help you fill and submit the form.

How long does approval take?

Typically 1 to 3 months after submission, depending on the state and verification process.

Is widow pension taxable?

No. Social security pensions for widows are not taxable under the Income Tax Act.

Can I receive both state pension and NSAP pension?

The NSAP amount is usually included within the state pension (Centre + State top-up). You will not receive two separate pensions — the state combines both into one payment.

What if my husband's death certificate is not available?

You can apply for a late death registration at your local Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat. An FIR copy or hospital records can help in getting the certificate issued.

Helpline Numbers

Summary

Widow Pension is a vital support for women who have lost their husbands. Whether you apply through the Central NSAP scheme or your state's own portal, the process is now largely online and straightforward. Keep your documents ready, apply through the correct portal, and track your application regularly.

Remember: You deserve this support. Do not hesitate to apply, and seek help at your nearest CSC or government office if needed. 🙏