Big Update On Old Age Pension Scheme! Delhi Government Takes Key Decisions – Check Eligibility, Benefits And How To Apply

In a significant update, the pension scheme for the elderly, which was put on hold, is going to start in Delhi soon. In this regard, important meetings were held in the national capital on Saturday. At a review meeting of the Department of Social Justice, chaired by Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh, the officials were informed about the progress of the old age pension scheme.

Meanwhile, they were also instructed to expedite the disposal of old-age pension applications. Additionally, directions were laid out to promptly resolve those cases where pensions have been returned for any reason or where issues have been raised through applications. The other things that were discussed in the meeting include the process of adding new names to the pension, third party verification of beneficiaries, and the role of Common Service Centres (CSC).

Singh Directs Officials To Collect ‘Feedback From Beneficiaries‘

For timely and hassle-free payment of pension under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Minister Singh has directed the officials to ensure that the bank accounts of the beneficiaries are linked to all the necessary documents. At the same time, he has asked to collect feedback from the beneficiaries from time to time. At present, more than 4 lakh senior citizens are enjoying benefits under the old age pension scheme, supported by both the Central Government and the State Government. It was discussed in the meeting that more senior citizens will be added to the list.

About Old Age Pension Scheme

As per a notification issued by the Delhi Govt, Old Age Assistance, popularly known as Old Age Pension Scheme, provides financial assistance to destitute old people.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Above 60 years
2. Resident for a minimum of 5 years in Delhi before the date of application.
3. Annual family income of less than Rs 1,00,000 from all sources (including rent, interest/dividends on savings & investments, earnings from farm, property sale proceeds etc.) of the applicant & spouse.
4. The applicant should have an Aadhaar number.
5. The applicant should have a ‘singly-operated’ account in any Bank in Delhi only mapped with Aadhaar number of the applicant for receiving the payment through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
6. Must not be a beneficiary of any pension/ financial assistance from the Central Govt/ State Govt/ other governmental local bodies or any other source for this purpose.
   

Application Process

1. Application should be made online on the e-District portal: www.edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in. Applicants must register through the citizen login or by approaching the concerned District Social Welfare Office.
2. Aadhaar number is mandatory. Without it, the application portal will not work.
3. For applying, documentary proof for the following needs to be scanned and uploaded. The same document or a different set of documents from the list below may be submitted as proof for all.

– Age proof 

– Residence proof 

– Bank a/c number (Single a/c)

– In case of SC/ST applicants (60-69 years), a caste certificate in the name of the applicant issued by the Competent Authority has to be submitted.

– In case of Minority applicants (60-69 years), a self-declaration of the religion of the applicant, duly verified from the religious institution, has to be submitted.

– One passport size photo

– Income self-declaration in the format given on the portal itself

For detailed information regarding documents admissible as proof of age, proof of residence or receipt of application forms, sanction, etc, visit – https://socialwelfare.delhi.gov.in/social/financials-assistance-schemes

Mode Of payment

The assistance is remitted monthly to the bank account of the beneficiary as per the Aadhaar number of the beneficiary through PFMS portal.

Quantum Of Assistance/Benefits

1. Rs 2000 p.m. for 60-69 years, with additional Rs. 500 p.m. to SC/ST/Minority community beneficiaries
2. Rs 2500 p.m. for +70 beneficiaries

NOTE: The above-mentioned information has been taken from the official website of the Delhi Government, and it may be subject to changes now.

New Applications Were Closed In 2017

When the AAP government was in power, new applications under the old age pension scheme were closed in 2017. Just before the assembly elections in November 2024, the then Delhi government had announced the addition of 80,000 new beneficiaries and new applications were opened.

Also Read: Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana: Eligibility, Benefits And How To Apply

With Inputs From Divya Aggarwal