Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

This scheme fulfils the purpose of providing a certain level of financial security to senior citizens living below the poverty line (BPL) who have little to no other means of support.  

1. Financial Security: To provide a certain level of financial security to senior citizens aged 60 and above who have little to no means of support. 

1. Poverty Alleviation: To alleviate poverty among the elderly population by providing a regular source of income. 

1. Social Safety Net: To create a safety net for vulnerable senior citizens, especially those in rural areas, who may lack financial support from traditional family structures due to economic hardships or migration. 

Features of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme is a fully funded Centrally Sponsored Scheme intended to secure the basic needs of elderly citizens such as food and medicine and provide a sense of financial independence and security in their final years.  This scheme encompasses several key features: 

1. Financial Assistance: It provides a monthly pension to eligible beneficiaries, which is a combination of a central government contribution and a top-up from state governments. This provides a steady income for survival. 

1. Non-Contributory: The scheme is entirely funded by the government. Beneficiaries do not have to make any financial contributions to receive the pension, making it accessible to the poorest sections of society who have no savings. 

1. Targeted and Inclusive: It specifically targets elderly individuals aged 60 and above. The eligibility criteria are tied to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) status, ensuring that the aid reaches the most vulnerable and destitute senior citizens. 

1. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The pension is directly transferred into the bank or post office accounts of the beneficiaries. This use of technology ensures transparency and efficiency, reducing delays and the potential for corruption. 

Benefits of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

The listed below are some of the benefits of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme: 

1. The scheme is beneficial for both individuals and society. 

1. It provides a small but stable income that helps cover essential expenses like food, clothing, and medicine. 

1. It ensures elders have a regular source of income, reducing their dependency on others. 

1. It improves the self-respect and dignity of senior citizens. 

1. This scheme acts as a safety net in an economy where many workers lack formal retirement plans or pensions. 

1. It also contributes to poverty reduction among the elderly poor. 

1. It uses a simple structure and direct benefit transfer system for efficiency and transparency. 

1. Moreover, this scheme ensures inclusivity so that no one is left behind. 

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme

The scheme follows strict eligibility criteria to ensure the benefits reach the truly needy. The eligibility criteria is as listed below: 

● The applicant must be a citizen of Inia.  

● The applicant must be at least 60 years of age regardless of gender. 

● The applicant must be living below the poverty line.  

● The applicant must not have any other significant source of financial support from family members or other schemes or any other sources.  

The scheme is put into use through a decentralised process where the pension is allotted to eligible beneficiaries on a monthly basis. 

Documents Required to Apply for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme: 

The listed below are some of the documents required to apply for the IGNOAPS:  

● Age proof - Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, voter ID card, or a certificate from a medical board. 

● Poverty Proof: Below Poverty Line (BPL) card or a certificate issued by the competent authority. 

● Identity and Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, or any other government-issued ID. 

● Bank/Post Office Account Details: Bank passbook or post office account statement, with the account number, branch name, and IFSC code. 

● Passport-Sized Photographs: Multiple copies of recently clicked photographs of the applicant. 

● Self-Declaration/Affidavit: A self-declaration or an affidavit stating that the applicant is not receiving any other pension or financial assistance from any other government scheme. 

How to Apply for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme?

You can apply for IGNOAPS scheme offline or online depending on the state and district. The most commonly used method is offline application.  

Offline:

Follow the steps given below to apply offline: 

Step 1: Visit the nearest government office responsible for social welfare schemes. This could be the Gram Panchayat, Block Development Office, Municipal Office, Tehsil/Talathi Office, or the District Social Welfare Department depending on urban or rural area. 

Step 2: Fill out the application form with all the required details, including personal information, address, bank details, and BPL status. 

Step 3: Attach self-attested copies of all the required documents. 

Step 4: Submit the complete application form and documents to the same office from which you obtained the form. Request an acknowledgment receipt with an application number for future reference. 

Online: 

Follow the steps given below to apply online: 

Step 1: Download the UMANG App or visit the official website https://web.umang.gov.in/web_new/home. 

Step 2: Log in using your mobile number and the OTP received on your registered number. 

Step 3: Search for the service NSAP (National Social Assistance Programme) in the portal/app. 

Step 4: Click on “Apply Online”. 

Step 5: Fill in the basic details, choose the mode of pension payment, and upload your photograph. 

Step 6: Click on “Submit” to complete the application process. 

In some states, a dedicated portal or website is available for online application like the UMANG app or UMANG website “https://web.umang.gov.in/web_new/home” or the state's Social Justice Department website. Applicants can register and fill out the online form, upload scanned copies of the required documents, and submit the application electronically. However, even with an online application, a physical submission of documents for verification may be required at a local office. 

After the online or offline application is submitted, it goes through a verification process where the designated officer verifies the applicant's details. Once the application is verified and approved, it is sanctioned, and the pension amount is transferred to the beneficiary's account on a monthly or quarterly basis. This direct transfer system, often leveraging digital payment infrastructure, minimizes delays and ensures the funds reach the intended recipients efficiently.