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Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana 2026: Check new disability pension rates, 40% eligibility, age rules, documents and how to apply.
Latest update: 12 November 2026
The Union Government has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31, with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore. The programme has been renamed the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The Cabinet decision also revises the disability pension eligibility criteria and central assistance under the disability pension component.
This update is especially important for eligible persons with disabilities and families receiving social assistance through State and Union Territory welfare departments. The revised detailed guidelines are expected to be issued within three months of the October 2026 approval. Applicants should check their State's official welfare department for implementation instructions.
| Programme | Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (formerly NSAP) |
| Responsible department | Department of Rural Development, Government of India |
| Approval period | 2026–27 to 2030–31 |
| Total approved outlay | ₹53,428 crore |
| Cabinet approval | 14 October 2026 |
| Main change | Revised disability pension eligibility and assistance |
| Application route | State/UT welfare department and local authorities, as applicable |
| Official information | Cabinet press release |
Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana is the new name for the National Social Assistance Programme. It is a social assistance framework that supports eligible vulnerable households through pension and family-benefit components. The Union Cabinet approved its continuation for another five years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31.
The programme includes assistance for older persons, widows, persons with disabilities and eligible families facing the death of a primary breadwinner. The October 2026 decision renamed the programme and its sub-schemes and introduced important changes to the disability pension component.
The most significant change announced in October 2026 concerns the disability pension. The benchmark disability requirement is being reduced from 80% to 40%, in line with the benchmark disability definition under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The earlier minimum age requirement of 18 years is also removed, so the revised eligibility is intended to cover eligible persons from birth.
| Age group | Revised central assistance |
| Birth to 79 years | ₹375 per month |
| 80 years and above | ₹625 per month |
The Government has also announced an increase in the projected coverage of the disability pension component. The figures above refer to central assistance. States and Union Territories may provide additional assistance from their own funds, so the total pension received can vary by location.
Based on the Cabinet announcement, the revised disability pension is intended for eligible persons with benchmark disability of at least 40%, including children, subject to the programme's household and other eligibility requirements.
Important: The Cabinet has announced the policy changes, but detailed revised guidelines covering implementation, verification and eligibility are to be issued. Do not assume that every person with a disability automatically qualifies. Confirm the final rules with the relevant State or UT welfare department.
The existing NSAP components have also been renamed:
| Earlier name | New name |
| Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) | Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana |
| Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) | Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana |
| Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) | Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana |
| National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) | Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana |
According to the Cabinet announcement, the old-age pension, widow pension and family benefit components continue in their existing form. The major eligibility and assistance revisions announced in October 2026 relate to the disability pension.
The application and beneficiary-verification process is administered through the relevant State or Union Territory authorities. The Cabinet announcement does not establish a new nationwide direct online application form for this renamed programme.
Existing beneficiaries should contact their local implementing office to understand whether any fresh documents or verification are required under the revised rules.
Document requirements vary by pension component and State/UT. Applicants may be asked for some of the following:
This is a general checklist, not a final official document list. Follow the current instructions issued by your State or UT authority.
The Union Cabinet approved the continuation and changes on 14 October 2026. The Government stated that revised guidelines carrying the eligibility criteria, beneficiary coverage and assistance rates would be issued and implemented within three months. Until the detailed guidelines are published, applicants should treat the Cabinet announcement as the policy decision and seek implementation details from their State or UT welfare department.
For application forms, local eligibility checks and payment-related questions, contact the social welfare or rural development office responsible for pension implementation in your State or Union Territory.
The National Social Assistance Programme has been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana following the Union Cabinet approval of 14 October 2026.
The revised central assistance announced is ₹375 per month for eligible beneficiaries from birth to 79 years and ₹625 per month for those aged 80 years and above.
Yes. The benchmark disability threshold announced for the disability pension is 40%, reduced from the earlier 80% requirement.
The Cabinet decision removes the earlier minimum age requirement, so the revised policy is intended to cover eligible persons from birth. The child must still meet the disability certification, household and final scheme conditions.
No. The announced criteria include a benchmark disability requirement and a BPL household condition. Final eligibility must be checked against the revised guidelines and State/UT rules.
The Cabinet announcement does not specify a new nationwide online application portal. Contact your State or UT welfare department or local implementing authority for the correct application route.
The Cabinet announcement says the old-age pension, widow pension and family benefit components will continue in their existing form. The announced revisions described here concern the disability pension.
The Government stated that revised guidelines would be issued and implemented within three months of the October 2026 approval. Check official government updates for publication and local implementation details.
Jobs.AsomLive.com is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Government of India or any State Government. Scheme rules, eligibility, payment rates and application procedures may be clarified through subsequent official guidelines. Do not pay agents or share OTPs, passwords or banking PINs to obtain a pension. Always verify the latest instructions with the official government authority before applying.