If you live in Delhi and are widowed, divorced, or destitute for any reason, the Delhi government’s “Women in Distress” pension scheme can prove to be a great support for you. Under this special scheme, eligible women receive financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month directly into their bank accounts.
As of the latest update on January 29, 2026, the Delhi government has made this pension process completely digital and transparent so that assistance reaches eligible women without any middlemen.
Delhi government’s Women in Distress pension scheme
This scheme, run by the Delhi government, is also commonly known as “widow pension” or “destitute women pension.” Its primary objective is to provide financial support to women who are struggling alone in society. It is not a loan, but a respectable financial assistance from the government.
This amount is given to women who do not have a solid source of income and are dependent on others for their daily expenses. The government’s goal through this scheme is to integrate women into the mainstream of society and make them self-reliant.
Essential Eligibility and Conditions
The Delhi government has set certain criteria to avail the benefits of this scheme. The first requirement is that the applicant must be 18 years of age or older. The woman must be a widow, divorcee, abandoned by her husband, or completely destitute. Additionally, the applicant must have been permanently residing in Delhi for at least five years.
Regarding economic criteria, the family’s total annual income must be less than ₹100,000 (1 lakh rupees). This income also includes house rent, income from farming, or interest on deposits. Another important condition is that the woman must not already be receiving benefits from any other social security pension scheme of the central or state government.
Required Documents and Bank Accounts
To successfully apply for the scheme, you must have certain documents. These include the applicant’s Aadhaar card, age proof (such as a birth certificate or school certificate), and the husband’s death certificate or legal divorce documents. To prove you’ve lived in Delhi for five years, you can submit a voter ID card, ration card, or electricity bill.
The government has strict rules regarding bank accounts. The bank account must be held in a Delhi bank and must be in the name of a single woman; joint accounts are not valid for this scheme. Furthermore, the bank account must be linked to Aadhaar to ensure secure transfer of funds through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). Applicants must also submit a self-declaration of income, a passport-sized photo, and, if applicable, a caste or minority community certificate.
Process to Apply Online
The Delhi government has now made the application process completely online, so you don’t have to run around offices:
- First, visit the Delhi government’s official e-District Portal. If you’re using this website for the first time, click on ‘New User’ and create your ID and password.
- After logging in, go to the ‘Apply Online’ section and select the ‘Women in Distress Pension Scheme’ link.
- Fill in your personal information, address details, and bank account details accurately in the application form.
- Upload scanned copies and photos of all required documents in the prescribed format.
- After submitting the form, you will receive an Acknowledgement Receipt, which you should print for future reference. Once the department completes the verification, the ₹2,500 amount will begin to be credited to your account.