Not yet classifiedNSAP
National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
A centrally sponsored social security program providing financial pension assistance to BPL senior citizens, widows, and persons with severe disabilities.
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Highlights and Media
Key Highlights
Direct Social Pensions
Monthly financial assistance paid directly to bank/post office accounts under DBT.
Breadwinner Family Benefit
One-time cash assistance of ₹20,000 on the death of the primary breadwinner (aged 18-64).
Annapurna Food Security
10 kg of free food grains monthly for senior citizens who are eligible but not getting old-age pension.
Central Pension Contributions
Comparing monthly central pension outlays across different sub-schemes
Old Age Pension (60-79 years)
₹200 / MonthIGNOAPS central contribution. States are urged to match this with an equivalent amount.
Old Age Pension (80+ years)
₹500 / MonthHigher pension contribution targeting the oldest cohort of BPL senior citizens.
Widow Pension (40-79 years)
₹300 / MonthIGNWPS central contribution to support BPL widow household livelihoods.
Disability Pension (18-79 years)
₹300 / MonthIGNDPS central contribution for individuals with 80% or severe disabilities.
Who is eligible
- Eligible BPL citizen matching the age and disability criteria under NSAP sub-schemes.
Eligibility rules · v1 · effective 1 January 2020
Who is not eligible
- Social assistance is open to BPL individuals and operating beneficiaries.
How to apply
Apply Online or visit local Gram Panchayat/Municipality
Apply online via the state social welfare portal or submit physical form to the Gram Panchayat / Block Development Office (Rural) or Municipality (Urban).
Typical duration · 1 day
Verification by Social Welfare Officers
Local officers verify the BPL status, age proof (Aadhaar or certificate), and disability rating certificate if applying for IGNDPS.
Typical duration · 15 days
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Activation
Upon verification, the pension gets sanctioned and is directly credited to the linked bank or post office account monthly.
Typical duration · 10 days
Sources
- National Social Assistance Programme Portal, Ministry of Rural DevelopmentMINISTRY_PORTAL · Fetched 5 July 2026
Additional Details
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) is a flagship social security initiative launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. In accordance with Article 41 of the Constitution, it aims to provide public assistance and financial security to vulnerable citizens below the poverty line (BPL).
NSAP comprises five major sub-schemes:
1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) - for BPL elderly aged 60+ (₹200-₹500/month Central contribution, often matched by States).
2. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) - for BPL widows aged 40-79 (₹300/month).
3. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) - for BPL persons aged 18-79 with 80%+ severe disability (₹300/month).
4. National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) - one-time ₹20,000 lump sum on death of primary breadwinner (aged 18-64).
5. Annapurna Scheme - 10 kg of free foodgrains per month for uncovered senior citizens.