IGNOAPS 2025– The central government has introduced the old age pension scheme to give a fixed amount every month to senior citizens to help them live their lives. If there are senior members in a family and they do not have any source of regular income, then they can avail the old age pension scheme of the central or state government.

Both the central and state governments contribute together in the old age pension scheme. Therefore, the pension amount may vary according to the state. The government has started the verification process to provide the benefits of this pension scheme.

When did it start?

The National Old Age Pension Scheme was started in the year 1995. This scheme was started by the Ministry of Rural Development as part of the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP). On 19 November 2007, the name of this scheme was changed to Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme. Later, this scheme was expanded to include all eligible persons living below the poverty line i.e. BPL.

How much amount is received as pension?

The amount that the senior citizen who gets the benefit of old age pension receives, some part is from the center and some from the state. Therefore, the pension amount is different in every state. In states like Delhi, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh, senior citizens get more than 1000 rupees per month as old age pension. Whereas in Himachal, 550 rupees, in Rajasthan 500, in Maharashtra 600, in Bihar 400 and in UP 300 rupees are given per month.

Under the scheme, senior citizens between the ages of 60 and 79 are given pension benefits at the rate of Rs 300-1000 per month. In this amount, Rs 200 is contributed by the Government of India and the rest by the state government. Elderly people aged 80 years and above are given Rs 500 per month as Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension.

What are the conditions to avail the scheme?

The benefit of the National Old Age Pension Scheme is given only to those senior citizens whose age is 60 years or more. Earlier the age limit was 65 years.

The applicant for Old Age Pension Scheme should belong to a family living below the poverty line (BPL).

If the son or grandson in the applicant’s family is more than 20 years of age, but he is also living below the poverty line, then the applicant will still get the benefit of this scheme.

Senior citizens above 60 years of age, even if they are not from a BPL family, can get the full amount of old age pension from the state government.

How does one receive old age pension amount?

Money is sent to the applicant in his bank account through DBT i.e. Direct Benefit Transfer. For this, the bank account must be linked to Aadhaar.

How to apply?

Those eligible for the National Old Age Pension Scheme can apply for it from home. The application process has been made online from 1 April 2016. Senior citizens of 60 years or above from BPL families can complete the process by clicking on http://pensions.samagra.gov.in/ignoapdetails.aspx. Apart from this, one can also apply for the National Old Age Pension Scheme at the RTPS office at the block level in every district.