Widow Pension Scheme: Eligibility, Amount, How to Apply & Status Check

The Widow Pension Scheme, or Vidhwa Pension Yojana, is a social welfare initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible widowed women to support their livelihoods and raise their standard of living. 

Widowed women receive a monthly pension from the Central Government under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS). In addition, State Governments also provide additional top-up pensions to beneficiaries covered under IGNWPS or offer pension amounts under their state-specific Widow Pension Schemes. 

The Central Government launched the IGNWPS as a component of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) in 2009. The NSAP was launched in 1995 as a fully funded, centrally sponsored scheme to help the destitutes by providing financial benefits.

Widow Pension Scheme 2026 - Key Highlights

Widow Pension Scheme Latest Updates (2025–2026)

• The Government of India allocated ₹9,652 crore for the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) in Budget 2025-26. The allocation for the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is ₹2,026.99 crore.
• NSAP beneficiaries may be required to complete periodic Digital Life Certificate (DLC) verification through Aadhaar biometric or face authentication, as prescribed by the authorities.
• NSAP pension payments are disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts using the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
• The Haryana Government increased the Widow and Destitute Women Pension to ₹3,200 per month, effective from 1 November 2025.

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) - Central Scheme Details

The Central Government introduced the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) to support widows living Below the Poverty Line (BPL). This scheme provides a monthly pension to help widowed women meet their basic needs and improve their financial security. 

IGNWPS aligns with the welfare principles under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), particularly Article 41 of the Constitution of India, which directs the State to make effective provision for public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, disablement, and other cases of undeserved want. 

Key features of the IGNWPS:

• The Ministry of Rural Development implements this scheme.
• A pension of ₹300 per month is provided to widows aged 40 to 79. 
• A pension of ₹500 per month is provided to widows aged 80 and above.
• The Central Government funds 100% of the pension amount under the IGNWPS.
• State Governments may contribute an additional top-up pension amount for IGNWPS beneficiaries.
• Pension benefits will be discontinued in case of remarriage, death, or if a widow moves above the poverty line.
• Every year, beneficiaries must mandatorily complete Digital Life Certificate (DLC) verification through face authentication or Aadhaar biometric authentication.

State-Wise Widow Pension Schemes in India

In addition to the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), State Governments also provide financial assistance to widows in their state.

The State Governments may provide an additional top-up amount to IGNWPS beneficiaries or offer pension benefits through separate state-run Widow Pension Schemes. Thus, the monthly pension amount, age criteria and eligibility conditions may vary from state to state. 

The table below lists state-wise Widow Pension Schemes of the top states in India along with their key details:

Eligibility Criteria for Widow Pension Scheme

Below are the general eligibility criteria for the Widow Pension Scheme:

• The applicant must be a widow.
• The widow must be aged 40 years or more (18 years or more in some states).
• The widow should be from a BPL household or meet the annual family income ceiling specified by the respective state government.
• The widow should not be receiving any other government pension.
• The widow must fulfil the domicile requirement of the applying state to receive the state widow pension scheme benefit.
• If the widowed woman remarries after the husband’s death, she will be disqualified from receiving widow pension benefits.

Note: Eligibility criteria may vary by state.

Documents Required for Widow Pension Application

• Husband's death certificate issued by Registrar of Births and Deaths.
• Aadhaar card.
• Age proof (Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, Voter ID or medical officer certificate).
• BPL card or income certificate from the Tehsildar.
• Domicile certificate.
• Bank passbook of the bank account linked with Aadhaar.
• Recent passport-size photograph.
• Self-declaration that she is not remarried and does not receive any other government pension.

How to Apply for Widow Pension Scheme Online?

Applicants who qualify for the IGNWPS may receive a consolidated payment containing both the Central Government’s baseline contribution and their respective State Government’s top-up amount. In many states, these benefits are processed through a common IGNWPS pension application.

However, many State Governments operate independent Widow Pension Schemes for widows not covered under IGNWPS or under different eligibility categories. In such cases, applicants may be required to apply separately under the relevant state scheme.

Eligible applicants can apply for a Widow Pension Scheme online through the UMANG App or the State Government portal.

How to Apply Via UMANG App?

Step 1: Download and open the UMANG App. 

Step 2: Log in with your mobile number and mPIN or OTP.

Step 3: Search ‘NSAP’ in the search bar and click on the ‘Apply Online’ option.

Step 4: Select the scheme name as ‘IGNWPS’. 

Step 5: Enter the applicant, account and Aadhaar details.

Step 6: Upload the required documents and click ‘Submit’.

How to Apply Via State Portal?

Step 1: Visit the official website of the State Pension portal or the state’s e-service portal.

Step 2: Register and log in to the portal with your credentials.

Step 3: Select the ‘Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme’ or the Widow Pension Scheme offered by the state.

Step 4: Fill out the application form with the required details.

Step 5: Upload the documents, then click ‘Submit’.

After submitting the application, you will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN). The Gram Sabha or Ward Sabha will verify the application, sanction order and provide the pension passbook to the beneficiaries. It may take around 30-45 days to process the application and receive the approval.

Note: Aadhaar e-KYC (OTP or face authentication) is now mandatory while filling out and submitting the application.

How to Apply for Widow Pension Scheme Offline?

Step 1: Visit the Gram Panchayat office (in rural areas) or the Municipal Council/ Ward Office (in urban areas).

Step 2: Collect the ‘Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme’ or the state’s Widow Pension Scheme form.

Step 3: Fill out the form, attach the documents and submit it to the Block Development Office (BDO).

Step 4: Receive the acknowledgement slip with date and serial number.

How to Check Widow Pension Status Online?

You can check the status of the Widow Pension Scheme through the UMANG app, NSAP website, the State Government portal or by visiting the Panchayat office/ Municipal Council.

How to Check Via UMANG App?

• Log in to the UMANG App with your credentials.
• Search ‘NSAP’ in the search bar. 
• Click on ‘View Beneficiary Payment Status’ option. 
• Enter the application number and click ‘Submit’.

How to Check Via NSAP Website?

• Visit the NSAP website.
• Click on ‘Reports’.
• Click on ‘Application Tracker’ under the ‘Beneficiary Search’ heading.
• Enter the application number, code and click ‘Submit’.

How to Check Via State Portal?

• Visit the State Pension portal or the state’s e-service portal.
• Log in to the portal with your credentials.
• Click ‘Application Status’ option.
• Enter the Application Reference Number and click ‘Submit’.

How to Check Offline?

• Visit the Gram Panchayat office (in rural areas) or the Municipal Council/ Ward Office (in urban areas).
• Request the status of your pension application.
• Provide your Aadhaar card and the acknowledgement receipt to check your status.

Pension Not Credited? Troubleshooting Guide

If your widow pension amount has not been credited to your bank account, it may be due to verification issues, incorrect bank details, or non-compliance with scheme requirements. Below are the common reasons and solutions:

If your widow pension is not credited, contact the Social Welfare Department, State Welfare Office (District Social Welfare Office, BDO, Gram Panchayat or Municipality office) or raise a grievance on the Public Grievance portal.

How to Update Bank Account or KYC Details?

Follow the steps to update your bank account details or KYC details for the Widow Pension Scheme:

• Visit the nearest Social Welfare office.
• Submit a written application to the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) to update bank details or complete bank account KYC.
• Attach a new bank passbook copy, cancelled cheque, and Aadhaar copy with the application.
• The PFMS beneficiary records will be updated in 7-15 days.

Benefits of the Widow Pension Scheme

• The Widow Pension Scheme provides beneficiaries with a regular monthly pension, offering financial support and improved economic security.
• Pension benefits are disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, ensuring prompt and timely payments.
• The pension provides a stable source of income, helping widows manage financial difficulties while reducing their dependence on others.
• Eligible widows continue receiving pension benefits even in their old age (80 years and above) under the IGNWPS.
• Pension assistance helps beneficiaries meet essential living expenses such as food, healthcare, medicines, shelter, and other daily needs.

Tax Treatment of Widow Pension

Widow pensions received under government welfare schemes, such as the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), and state widow pension schemes are treated as social welfare benefits and are not taxable as salary income.

However, the beneficiary should file an Income Tax Return (ITR) if she has other taxable income sources, such as interest income, rental income, capital gains, or business income, and the total taxable income exceeds the applicable basic exemption limit.