Widow Pension Scheme: Complete Guide for Indian Widows

What is the “Widow Pension Scheme”?

IGNWPS is a centrally sponsored scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, under the Government of India. Through this non-contributory pension scheme, the government offers financial help to poor and socially vulnerable widows. While the Widow Pension Scheme is a Central Government initiative, different states implement the scheme while offering several state-level benefits. The Widow Pension Scheme is not a standalone central scheme that applies uniformly; rather, the benefits may vary from state to state.

Through this pension scheme, the government aims to provide the much-needed financial support and help widows maintain their social dignity. The Widow Pension Scheme aims to empower women by making them financially independent, thereby providing social protection.

Eligibility Criteria for Widow Pension Scheme

The eligibility criteria for the Widow Pension Scheme are quite simple and straightforward. Anyone fulfilling the Vidhwa Pension eligibility can apply for it. The criteria are as follows:

• Income Status

  The widow applicant should belong to a household below the poverty line, as prescribed by the Government of India. In some states, the applicant’s annual income should be under a specified amount.

  
  

• Marital Status

  Typically, the scheme is limited to widowed women. However, in some states, the scheme also extends to destitute, unmarried women.

  
  

• Age Criteria

  Typically, widows between the ages of 40 and 79 years are eligible. However, age limits can vary by scheme and state.

  
  

• Remarriage of Widows

  In case an eligible widow remarries another person after the death of her husband, she will no longer be eligible for the benefit.

  
  

• Above Poverty Line

  If the widow moves above the poverty line, she is no longer eligible for the benefits under the Widow Pension Scheme.

  
  

Benefits of the Widow Pension Scheme

From financial help to emotional support, the Widow Pension Scheme benefits in multiple ways. The scheme applies across Indian states, though benefits may differ in each state¹. Some of the highlighted benefits of the Widow Pension are listed below:

• Monthly Income

  While ₹300/month is the central government’s contribution under IGNWPS, the minimum monthly benefit of the Vidhwa Pension can be different for different states. For instance, Maharashtra’s Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Anudan Yojana provides an additional ₹1200/month to eligible widows, taking the total pension to ₹1500/month.

  Note: After 80 years of age, the minimum monthly benefit increases to ₹500 per month.

  
  

• Emotional Support

  In a situation where it becomes tough to cope with basic expenses, women also face emotional setbacks. Having a regular monthly income can also help them get over this emotional trauma.

  
  

• Social Impact

  The Widow Pension Scheme also has several social impacts. Widows with regular monthly income can start their life of dignity once again. It also makes them financially independent and allows them to make decisions on their own.

  
  

• Disbursement of Funds

  The scheme benefits are disbursed directly into the registered bank account of the widows. So, they don't have to depend on any other official to collect their funds. They can directly get the funds from their bank accounts.

  
  

How to Apply for a Widow Pension Scheme Online

Applying for the Widow Pension Scheme is an easy task. Below, we have discussed a step-by-step guide on the Widow Pension online application. Follow these steps along with the required documents to apply for the Widow Pension online:

Step 1: UMANG App

You can download the UMANG application on your mobile or visit the official website (https://web.umang.gov.in/web_new/home)

Step 2: Login

You need to log in to your account using the OTP (One-Time Password) received on your mobile number

Step 3: Fill the Form

Now, you need to fill out the form with basic details, including the mode of pension payment.

Step 4: Verification of the Form

The application form will be verified by the department. Upon verification, you will become eligible for the scheme’s benefits.

The benefit of the Vidhwa Pension will directly be disbursed into your linked bank account. You may also check the status of the application form on the official social welfare website of your state.

Offline Application Process for Widow Pension Scheme

You may also submit an offline pension application. For this, you may have to visit a nearby office with documents. Here are the steps that you have to follow for the Widow Pension offline application:

Step 1: Panchayat Office/Municipal Office

Visit a nearby panchayat office or the municipal corporation office and ask for the Vidhwa Pension Scheme application form.

Step 2: Fill & Submit the Form

Fill the form carefully. You may take help from the officials if needed to correctly fill in the details asked in the form.

Step 3: Attach Documents

Attach the necessary documents to the form and submit it to the office.

Upon verification of the application form, you will become eligible for the benefits of the Vidhwa Pension Scheme. The scheme’s benefits will be disbursed directly into the registered bank account or post office account of the beneficiary. You may ask about the status of your application by visiting the office.

Documents Required for Widow Pension Scheme

With the application form, you will be required to submit a few supporting documents. The list of essential Vidhwa Pension documents is given below:

• Death certificate of the husband
• BPL (Below Poverty Line) card
• Proof of age, such as a birth certificate or school certificate. Ration card and EPIC are valid if the birth or school certificate is not available.
• If no proof is available, a medical officer from any government hospital can issue an age certificate.

Usually, these are the documents required. Depending on the latest updates, you may be required to submit any other documents for the Widow Pension as well.

Related Financial Supports and Insurance Options for Widows

For many, it's not just the loss of the husband but also the financial support in life. Widows who do not have any supportive income may find it very difficult to even fulfil the basic necessities of life. This is why schemes like Vidhwa Pension Yojana are very helpful. In this direction, life insurance companies also take steps to provide retirement plans for widows. These plans can provide a regular income even after retirement, so you don't have to financially depend on anyone.

MWP Act (Married Women's Property Act) is another step towards the financial stability of women². The MWPA insurance ensures that the life insurance death benefit of the husband is protected and goes only to the wife of the deceased and no one else². Under MWPA, if the husband (the proposer) passes away with a pending loan burden on his name, the creditor or bank cannot claim recovery amount from the life insurance death benefit of the husband².

You may also find various life Insurance options suitable for single women, widows, and girl children. These aim to protect the financial interests of women and provide them a life of dignity and financial independence!

Key Takeaways

• IGNWPS benefits widows below the poverty line and typically between 40 and 79 years of age
• Every state may have a different application process, and benefits may also slightly differ.
• The scheme offers a regular monthly income directly to the bank/ post office account of the widow
• The application for the Vidhwa Pension can be submitted via both online and offline methods.
• Widows who remarry are not eligible for the benefits of the Widow Pension Scheme.
   

Conclusion

In India, many widows have no financial support in life. Some may not even have anyone to take care of them. In this case, schemes like the Vidhwa Pension Scheme can be quite helpful. It gives them regular income support to at least fulfil the necessities of life. In each state, the benefits of this pension plan may slightly differ. So, check the details of the scheme before applying. You may use a pension calculator to have a better idea. So far, the IGNWPS has helped many women across India!

FAQs

1. What is the minimum age to apply for the Widow Pension Scheme?

   The central minimum age is 40 years for Widow Pension Scheme, but some states allow widows as young as 18 to apply for state schemes^1,6

   
   

2. Can a widow receive a pension if she remarries? (H3)

   No. If a widow remarries after the death of her husband, she is no longer eligible for the vidhwa pension scheme. The scheme's benefit is limited only to widows¹.

   
   

3. How long does it take to get approval after applying for a widow pension scheme online?

   The approval for the Widow Pension Scheme depends on the specific state, and it usually ranges from 30-45 days, wherein Delhi takes 45 days⁴, while other states process the application within one month⁵.

   
   

4. Can widows working in the private sector apply for the Widow Pension Scheme?

   The purpose of the widow pension scheme is to benefit women below the poverty line. It covers those who have a poor or no source of income. Working widows with financial support may not be eligible for the scheme¹.

   
   

5. How can I check the status of my widow's pension application?

   To check the application status of your widow's pension, you may visit the official social welfare website of your state. It may have the option to check the status of your social welfare scheme. Select the scheme and enter details to check the status.

   
   

References:

1. https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/ignwps
2. https://m.economictimes.com/wealth/insure/empower-the-woman-in-your-life-with-mwp-act/amp_articleshow/63285185.cms
3. https://ds.wb.gov.in/Portal.aspx
4. https://wcd.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/WCD/circulars-orders/flow_chart_1_3-6_1.pdf
5. https://lsgkerala.gov.in/en/welfarepension/wp
6. https://anand.nic.in/scheme/indira-gandhi-national-widow-pension-scheme/