The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme for five more years, with revised disability pension amounts and easier eligibility criteria. The scheme has also been renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
Highlights
- Cabinet approves ₹53,428 crore for social assistance schemes from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- Disability pension increased to ₹375 per month for beneficiaries below 80 years.
- Beneficiaries aged 80 and above will receive ₹625 per month in central assistance.
- Minimum disability requirement reduced from 80% to 40%.
- Disability pension eligibility extended to children from birth.
Government Increases Disability Pension, Relaxes Eligibility Rules: Who Will Get ₹375 and ₹625?
The Central Government has announced major changes to its social assistance programme, bringing relief to eligible persons with disabilities while continuing financial support for elderly citizens, widows and economically vulnerable families.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total allocation of ₹53,428 crore.
The programme will now be called Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.
According to the government, approximately 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 states and Union Territories will benefit from the decision.
Disability Pension Increased: How Much Will Beneficiaries Receive?
The biggest change concerns financial assistance for persons with disabilities.
Under the revised provisions, eligible beneficiaries aged below 80 years will receive ₹375 per month as central assistance, while those aged 80 years and above will receive ₹625 per month.
Revised central disability pension
Age 0–79 years
₹375
Per month
Age 80 years and above
₹625
Per month
These are central assistance amounts. Any additional state contribution may vary.
Disability Eligibility Reduced From 80% to 40%
The government has also relaxed the disability eligibility requirement.
Previously, applicants needed to meet an 80% disability threshold. Under the revised rules, persons with benchmark disabilities of 40% or more will be eligible, subject to other scheme conditions.
Another important change is the removal of the previous minimum age restriction. Eligible children with disabilities can now receive assistance from birth.
These changes could expand access to financial assistance for more families caring for persons with disabilities.
What About Old-Age and Widow Pensions?
The Cabinet has decided to continue the existing old-age pension and widow pension schemes without changing their assistance rates or eligibility conditions.
The National Family Benefit Scheme will also continue in its existing form.
This means the newly announced pension increase applies specifically to the disability pension scheme, not to every pension beneficiary.
Government Renames Social Assistance Schemes
As part of the decision, several existing welfare schemes will receive new names.
| Previous scheme | New approved name |
|---|---|
| National Social Assistance Programme | Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana |
| Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana |
| Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana |
| Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana |
| National Family Benefit Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana |
When Will the New Pension Rules Take Effect?
The government has stated that revised guidelines covering disability pension eligibility, beneficiary numbers and assistance amounts will be issued and implemented within three months.
Therefore, beneficiaries should not assume that the increased pension amount will appear immediately in their accounts.
Existing beneficiaries and new applicants should follow announcements from their state social welfare departments regarding implementation and application procedures.
Who Can Benefit From the Scheme?
The social assistance programme primarily supports eligible people from poor households, including elderly citizens, widows, persons with disabilities and families facing the death of their primary earning member.
The government launched NSAP on August 15, 1995, to provide financial assistance to vulnerable households.
With the latest Cabinet approval, the government aims to continue this support while making disability pension eligibility more inclusive.
For beneficiaries, the most important changes are the higher disability pension amounts, the reduced disability threshold and the extension of eligibility from birth.
