National Social Assistance Program
To help the people coming below poverty line (BPL), the government has launched five different pension schemes under the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP). NSAP is a scheme completely funded by the central government, which is applicable in both rural and urban areas. It is operated by the Ministry of Rural Development. This program includes schemes like old age pension, widow pension, disabled pension, family assistance and Annapurna. Under Annapurna, free food grains are provided to those elderly people who are eligible for the Old Age Pension Scheme but are not able to get the pension.
Currently these 5 schemes are running under NSAP
- 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)
- Annapurna scheme
Highlights of NSAP Schemes
• Beneficiaries are identified by the Gram Panchayat and Municipality. • Pension is mostly sent through DBT i.e. directly into bank or post office account. Cash delivery at home is also allowed if needed. • Every state has to appoint a nodal secretary and is required to send progress report every quarter. Funds can be stopped if the report is not sent.
How to apply online for these schemes?
- Download UMANG app or visit website: https://web.umang.gov.in/web_new/home
- Login with mobile number and OTP, or create a new account.
- Type NSAP in search.
- Click on Apply Online.
- Fill in your basic information, choose payment method, upload photo and submit.
- Now let us know the easy details of these five schemes.
1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension (IGNOAPS)
Senior citizens aged 60 years or above, who belong to BPL families, are given pension. • 60 to 79 years: Rs 200 per month • 80 years or above: Rs 500 per month
2. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension (IGNWPS)
Widows aged between 40 to 79 years, who belong to BPL families, get Rs 300 per month. • Above 80 years: Rs 500 per month
3. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension (IGNDPS)
BPL persons aged 18 to 79 years with severe or multiple disabilities are given Rs 300 per month. • Above 80 years: Rs 500 per month
4. National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
If the earning member (18 to 59 years) of a BPL family dies, a lump sum assistance of Rs 20,000 is given to the family.
5. Annapurna Scheme
The elderly who are eligible for IGNOAPS but are not getting pension are given 10 kg of free food grains every month.