National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): Components and Pension Amounts
Last updated: 2026-11-13 · MockMentor
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), launched on 15 August 1995, gives monthly pensions to poor elderly people, widows and persons with disabilities, and one-time help to families who lose a breadwinner. It draws on Article 41 of the Directive Principles. States add their own top-ups.
In one line: a basic social floor: Central pensions for the poorest elderly, widows and disabled, paid by DBT.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 15 August 1995 |
| Ministry | Rural Development |
| Constitutional link | Article 41 (Directive Principles) |
| Eligibility | Below Poverty Line households, based on SECC 2011 and Gram Sabha checks |
| Payment | DBT into Aadhaar-seeded accounts, monthly |
| Life certificate | Face authentication on the Jeevan Pramaan app |
The five components
| Scheme | Who | Central help |
|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS) | BPL, 60+ | ₹200 a month (60 to 79), ₹500 (80+) |
| Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension (IGNWPS) | BPL widows, 40 to 79 | ₹300 a month (₹500 at 80+) |
| Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension (IGNDPS) | BPL, 18 to 79, 80% disability | ₹300 a month (₹500 at 80+) |
| National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) | BPL family on death of a breadwinner aged 18 to 64 | ₹20,000 once |
| Annapurna | Destitute elderly not under IGNOAPS | 10 kg free food grain a month |
Possible exam questions
- Are India's Central social pension amounts adequate? Discuss.
- How has DBT changed the delivery of social pensions?
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