NSAP - Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme 2026

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is a key part of the National Social Read More... Assistance Programme, providing financial support to elderly citizens living below the poverty line. Read less

Details

This article breaks down the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), a crucial initiative by the Government of India to support its elderly citizens.

What Is This Scheme?

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, often called IGNOAPS, is one of the five important sub-schemes under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). Launched to provide a basic financial safety net, it specifically targets individuals who are 60 years or older and belong to families living below the poverty line.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is designed for Indian citizens who meet specific age and economic criteria. If you are 60 years or above and your family is identified as Below Poverty Line (BPL), you could be eligible to receive monthly pension benefits.

Why This Scheme Is Important

NSAP, including IGNOAPS, reflects India's commitment to social welfare as outlined in the Constitution. The program aims to ensure a minimum standard of living and provide a consistent financial cushion for vulnerable populations, especially the elderly, helping them meet their basic needs and live with dignity.

Objective

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is a key part of the National Social Assistance Programme, providing financial support to elderly citizens living below the poverty line.

Benefits

A monthly pension of ₹ 200 up to 79 years and ₹ 500 thereafter.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a citizen of India.
Must belong to a household identified as Below Poverty Line (BPL).
Must be at least 60 years of age.

How To Apply

The application process typically involves obtaining the prescribed application form from the relevant authorities. While the exact procedure can vary slightly by state, here are the general steps:

Obtain the application form, usually available from local government offices or as per scheme guidelines.
Fill out the form completely and accurately.
Attach all the required documents as listed.
Submit the duly filled and attested application form to the designated office, which could be the Gram Panchayat, Municipal office, or District Social Welfare Department.
The application will be processed, and eligible beneficiaries will be identified and enrolled in the scheme.

For specific details and to download the application form, refer to the official scheme guidelines and state-specific implementation portals.

Documents Required

Duly filled and self-attested Application Form (as per scheme guidelines).
Domicile Certificate.
Residential Proof (e.g., Voter ID card, Electricity Bill, Aadhar Card).
Age Proof (e.g., Birth Certificate from municipal authority, school certificate, or certificate from a Medical Board).
Aadhar Card/Number.
Bank Passbook.
Ration Card.
An affidavit, attested by a Judicial or Executive Magistrate, confirming that you are not receiving any pension or financial assistance from any other source.

FAQ’s

When did the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) start?

The National Old Age Pension Scheme was renamed and formally launched as the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) on November 19, 2007. Prior to that, it existed as the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS).

What is the main goal of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)?

NSAP aims to provide social assistance to poor households, especially during times of old age, death of the primary earner, or maternity. It also works towards setting minimum national standards for social protection benefits and ensuring these benefits are delivered consistently across the country.

Can a person get pension under IGNOAPS if they are already receiving another government pension?

No, you cannot receive a pension under IGNOAPS if you are already receiving any pension or financial assistance from another government source. You will need to provide an affidavit stating this.

How are beneficiaries identified for NSAP schemes in rural and urban areas?

In rural areas, new beneficiaries are identified from the official Below Poverty Line (BPL) lists prepared according to the Ministry of Rural Development's guidelines. For urban areas, identification is done using the BPL lists prepared for poverty alleviation programs by the Ministry of Urban Housing and Poverty Alleviation.

Is the pension amount under IGNOAPS the same for everyone?

The central government contributes ₹ 200 per month for beneficiaries up to 79 years old and ₹ 500 per month for those 80 years and above. State governments may add to this amount, meaning the total pension received can vary from ₹ 200 up to ₹ 1000, depending on the state's contribution.

What is the difference between the old NOAPS and the current IGNOAPS?

The earlier National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) provided pensions to destitute individuals aged 65 years or older with little or no regular income. IGNOAPS expanded this to cover individuals aged 60 years and above who belong to a Below Poverty Line household, making it more inclusive.

What does NSAP stand for, and when was it introduced?

NSAP stands for the National Social Assistance Programme. It was introduced by the Government of India on August 15, 1995.

Does IGNOAPS cover only one person per family?

No, the scheme is inclusive. If multiple individuals in a Below Poverty Line family meet the age requirement of 60 years or above, they are all eligible to receive an old age pension under IGNOAPS.

What are the main components of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)?

NSAP currently comprises five components: the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS), National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), and the Annapurna Scheme.

What is the basic requirement for all NSAP schemes?

The fundamental eligibility criterion for receiving benefits under any NSAP scheme is that the applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, as defined by the Government of India's prescribed criteria.

Who is responsible for implementing the NSAP schemes?

NSAP schemes are primarily implemented by the Social Welfare Departments in various states and Union Territories. However, implementation can also be managed by other departments like Rural Development, Women & Child Development, Revenue, or Labour Employment & Training, depending on the specific state.

What happens to existing beneficiaries who are not on the new BPL list?

Individuals who were already receiving pensions under the old criteria and were eligible will continue to receive their benefits without any interruption, even if their names are not currently on the updated BPL list.