Pension for Disabled Persons Scheme: Objectives, Benefits, Eligibility

The Pension for Disabled Persons Scheme, commonly referred to as the Indira Gandhi National Disabled Pension Scheme (IGNDPS), is one major initiative of the Government of India to offer monthly financial aid to persons with severe disability who are economically disadvantaged. This initiative is aimed at helping individuals lead a life with dignity and confidence by providing them with a steady source of support.

Pension for Disabled Persons Scheme Objectives

The key objectives of the Pension for Disabled Persons Scheme include:

• Provide disability financial aid to severely disabled persons living below the poverty line (BPL).
• Offer monthly pension support to individuals with significant disabilities (typically 80% or above), helping them manage daily expenses and basic needs.
• Empower disabled persons to live with dignity by ensuring financial security when earning a livelihood may be difficult due to disability.

Pension for Disabled Persons Scheme Eligibility

To qualify for the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (or similar disabled pension scheme efforts under NSAP), the applicant must meet certain criteria. While requirements vary slightly across states, typical eligibility includes:

• Age between 18 to 79 years.
• Must have a severe and multiple disability, generally assessed as 80% or above disability.
• Should belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household (or meet the poverty-line criteria as defined in the area).
• Applications must include valid documentation such as a disability certificate (medical board certificate), proof of age, BPL or income certificate, and local residence proof.

Disabled Pension Scheme Benefits

The handicapped pension (or disabled pension scheme) offer following benefits:

• Under the central scheme, eligible disabled persons may receive a monthly pension amount (for example, ₹300 per month under some implementations).
• In certain states or state-centre combined models, pension amounts may be higher — e.g., under some implementations in Madhya Pradesh, beneficiaries get ₹600 per month (₹200 from centre + ₹400 from state) after March 2019.
• This regular financial aid helps cover basic expenses — daily living costs, medicines, mobility aids, or other essentials, offering a modest but steady support to those who may not have other income sources.
• Because it is a social security measure, it represents a dignified way for disabled persons to receive support without dependence or charity — reinforcing their independence and self-respect.

How to Apply for Disabled Pension Scheme

Here is a typical process to apply for the disabled pension under IGNDPS / related schemes (note: processes may vary by state — check your local Social Welfare / Social Justice Department office).

1. Obtain the prescribed application form. In rural areas, this is usually available at the local Gram Panchayat / Janpad Panchayat; in urban areas, at the Municipal Corporation / Municipality / Nagar Panchayat office. Some states also allow application through a public service centre or online portal.

2. Collect required documents, which typically include:

• Disability certificate issued by the competent Medical Board (showing 80% or more disability)

• Proof of age (age certificate, Aadhaar card, etc.)

• Proof of being Below Poverty Line (BPL card / income certificate) or relevant family income proof.

• Residence proof / domicile / local identity (as per state requirement).

• Passport-size photographs, bank account/passbook for direct benefit transfer (if required).

3. Fill the form carefully and attach all required documents.

4. Submit the form and documents at the designated local office (Panchayat, Municipality, or public service centre). In some states, there may be an option to apply via an online portal.

5. After verification (including disability certificate and BPL status), eligible beneficiaries will start receiving the monthly pension as per the scheme.