The Central Government’s PM Vidhawa Pension Yojana gives social security to widows from poor families. It was earlier called the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS). It is one of the five sub-schemes of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) and is run by the Ministry of Rural Development. On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet decided to continue NSAP till 2030-31 and rename it the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana; with that, IGNWPS became the PM Vidhawa Pension Yojana. The pension rates have not changed.
How much pension is given
The Central Government gives ₹300 a month to a BPL widow aged 40 to 79 years and ₹500 a month to a widow aged 80 years or above. This amount is the Centre’s share — state governments add their own top-up to it. In Haryana, the total widow pension is ₹3,200 a month, which is given under the state’s own scheme; it includes the Centre’s ₹300 or ₹500 share. So ₹3,200 is Haryana’s total pension, not an additional ₹3,200 from the Centre. Some sources quote an age band of 40–59 years, which is wrong — the correct band is 40–79 years (₹300) and 80+ (₹500).
Who can apply
The applicant must be a widow aged 40 years or above. Her family must be Below Poverty Line (BPL) — BPL status is identified as per the criteria prescribed by the Government of India. A widow of any caste or religion can apply — there is no caste condition. The pension goes directly into the bank account through DBT, so the applicant must have a bank account and Aadhaar in her name. If the widow remarries, the pension is stopped.
Duration and budget of the scheme
Under the Cabinet decision, NSAP — now the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana — will continue for five years, 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore. Around 3.20 crore beneficiaries across the country will benefit from it. The scheme was launched in 2009 and has been giving regular support to poor widows since then.
How to apply
Applications can be made online on the UMANG app or the NSAP portal (nsap.dord.gov.in). Offline applications are also accepted at the Gram Panchayat, Block office or Municipality. The application has to be submitted with the death certificate (of the husband), BPL card or ration card, age proof, Aadhaar card and bank account details. According to secondary sources, a decision is normally taken within 60 days; the status can be checked on the portal. Do not pay anyone for applying — this facility is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much money does the PM Vidhawa Pension give?
A: The Centre gives ₹300 a month (40–79 years) and ₹500 a month (80 years and above); states add top-ups — in Haryana the total is ₹3,200 a month.
Q2: What was the old name of this scheme?
A: Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS); on 14 October 2026 it was renamed PM Vidhawa Pension Yojana.
Q3: Who can apply?
A: A BPL widow aged 40 years or above; there is no caste condition.
Q4: Where do I apply?
A: On the UMANG app, nsap.dord.gov.in online, or offline at the Gram Panchayat or Block office.
Useful links
- NSAP portal: https://nsap.dord.gov.in/
- PM Vidhawa Pension Yojana on MyScheme: https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/ignwps
- Next Action: see all 726 Central Government schemes — /english/kendra-sarkar-ki-yojnayen-2/
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