Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana: What Benefits Does The Scheme Offer?

The Indira Gandhi Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) was renamed as the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana on October 14, 2026. The IGNDPS was launched in 2009, with an aim to provide monthly financial support to people with disabilities. Under the scheme, a monthly pension of Rs 300 and Rs 500 was stipulated for eligible individuals up to 79 years, and 80 years and older, respectively.

However, the scheme’s eligibility criteria and the monetary benefits have been revised on October 14, 2026, and guidelines on the change will be implemented within three months.

While approving the budget for the next five years for the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), the Cabinet also approved changes in four of the five schemes running under the NSAP programme. NSAP was introduced in 1995 to provide a basic level of financial security to people who live in penury and have a source of income.

The programme has been continuing since then, and runs five schemes under it, which, following the renaming, NSAP will be known as PM Samajik Sahayata Yojana. Its five schemes will now be known as Pradhan Mantri (PM) Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, PM Vidhawa Pension Yojana, PM Divyangjan Pension Yojana, and PM Parivar Labh Yojana. The fifth scheme, which remains unchanged, is the Annapurna Scheme.

What Benefits Does The PM Divyangjan Pension Yojana Offer?

Renaming is only one part of the change in these welfare pension schemes. While three schemes have only been renamed, PM Divyangjan Pension Yojana has gone through scheme-related changes as well.

Following the change, the scheme is available to an eligible individual from birth. Notably, under the existing criteria, one can apply for the scheme only after turning 18 years old.

Under the Disability Act 2016, the disability assistance is required to be 25 per cent more in the disability scheme compared to the similarly placed scheme for other categories of beneficiaries. To align with this, the monthly pension amount has been increased by Rs 75 per month for those up to 79 years old and by Rs 125 for those 80 years and above. So, the eligible individual will be eligible to receive Rs 375 and Rs 625 per month under the scheme.

One of the other major changes is related to the disability criteria. Under the existing scheme structure, a person having 80 per cent disability is eligible to receive benefits under the scheme, but under the renewed rules, it has been reduced to 40 per cent. An individual having 40 per cent or higher disability is now eligible for the scheme.

Under the existing version of the scheme, an applicant should belong to the ‘below poverty line (BPL) category' to apply for the scheme. It covers both physical and mental disability. Dwarfs are also eligible to apply for this scheme’s benefits.

Process To Apply 

• One can apply for the scheme offline by submitting the form to the Gram Panchayat or the Block office or the Municipal Council. Authorities verify the details and establish the disability level, and then the Sanctioning Authority decides whether to accept or reject the application.

• Under the online application process, an applicant needs to visit the official website or the UMANG app, and log in with their mobile number and OTP. After logging in, the applicant is required to provide personal details, a photograph, and select the mode of pension before submitting the application.

According to a reply by the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, B. L. Verma, in Lok Sabha in March 2025, there were a total of 880,000 beneficiaries under the disability pension scheme at that time.