Senior Citizen Scheme: People lose their regular income after retirement, yet their daily living expenses do not decrease. To address this issue, the government operates an Old Age Pension Scheme. Not everyone is aware of this scheme, which provides financial assistance to the elderly. This pension is administered by various state governments. Only those who meet the specified eligibility criteria can apply; therefore, let us first discuss the eligibility requirements.
Who is eligible for the scheme?
To begin with, the beneficiary must be at least 60 years old. Additionally, they must have been a resident of Delhi for at least five years. The beneficiary’s current income should not exceed ₹1 lakh, and they must hold a bank account with a bank in Delhi. Furthermore, the beneficiary must not be receiving any other form of pension.
Who receives the benefits?
Under the Old Age Pension Scheme, beneficiaries aged between 60 and 69 years receive a monthly pension of ₹2,000. If the beneficiary belongs to the SC or ST category, an additional ₹500 is provided. For those aged 70 years or older, the monthly pension amount is ₹2,500.
How to apply for the Senior Citizen Scheme
First, you must visit the official website of the Old Age Pension Scheme. There, you will need to enter the required details and submit the necessary documents. This procedure is how you can apply for the scheme; however, applications can only be submitted when the application process is open.
Required documents
The Old Age Pension Scheme requires certain essential documents. These include proof of age, proof of residence, bank account details, and proof of SC or ST category status (if applicable). Additionally, you must provide a passport-sized photograph and fill out the income self-declaration form available on the portal before clicking the submit button.