Widow Pension Scheme | Retirement and Pension Plan

Everything you Need to Know About the Widow Pension Scheme

The Widow Pension Scheme offers support when you need it the most.

Written by : Knowledge Centre Team

2026-01-29

895 Views

6 minutes read

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When you get married, you make promises to be with each other for as long as you can imagine. But life is uncertain, and the loss of a loved one can leave a lot of dreams and aspirations hanging.

In the event of an unfortunate occurrence leading to a partner’s untimely demise, several hardships arise. Therefore, for such times, it is critical to ensure there’s a pool of resources to back up your life and that of other loved ones.  

To address this issue, the government has come up with a social security scheme to support you financially. This initiative is called the Widow Pension Scheme. This scheme is also referred to as the "Vidhwa Pension Yojana".

The scheme offers minimum regular income support to widowed women who may not have any other income.

Key Takeaways


  • The Widow Pension Scheme helps women facing financial loss after a partner's untimely demise.
  • Eligibility depends on age, income level, and marital status.
  • Pension amounts vary by state and the widow's age.
  • Widows must remain unmarried to keep receiving the pension.
  • Online and offline applications are available across states.

What is the Widow Pension Scheme 2022?

Regular income is necessary when you have a household to run and to look after the needs of growing children. The widow pension scheme has been introduced to support bereaved women. A regular pension will be provided by the government so that widows can earn a living and be self-sufficient.

If you are in such a situation, then there are certain criteria that you must fulfil to be enrolled in this pension yojana. Let us look at them one by one.

  • Eligibility Criteria: The following criteria must be met by the women to be eligible under the widow pension scheme.
    1. The widow should be below the poverty line (BPL). The current parameter of BPL is ₹64 per day. That is, if you earn less than ₹64 per day, you will be counted as below the poverty line in India.
    2. The age of the widow must be 18–60 years old.
    3. The widow should remain unmarried to enrol in the widow pension scheme. If the widow marries someone else after the death of her partner, she cannot enrol in this scheme.
    4. If the widow does not have any children or other immediate relatives, then she is eligible.
    5. However, if the widow’s children are employed and earning, then she will not receive a pension under this scheme.

This pension scheme is for the widow only. So, if the widow dies, the pension will not be passed on to her children.

Also Read - Family Pension

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How to Open an Account Under the Vidhwa Pension Yojana?

If you fall under the eligibility criteria listed above, then you are eligible to receive the pension under the Widow Pension Scheme.

This is a country-wide scheme introduced by the government. All the states have their own widow pension schemes.

Here is how you can open your account.

  • Online Process: The online process is simple and convenient to follow with these steps:
    1. Visit the official site of the Scheme: The process of enrolling under the Widow pension scheme is different for each state. To fill out the form online, you need to visit the official website of the state you live in.
    2. Fill the Application Form: Register on the site if asked and go on to fill out the online application form. Enter the required details and click on submit.
    3. Upload the Documents: After entering your details, you need to submit the necessary documents for verification. Upload a copy of the required documents and submit the form.
    4. List of the Documents Required: You need to have the following documents to be able to open your account and receive the pension.
      • Passport-size photograph
      • ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.)
      • Address Proof
      • Original death certificate of husband
      • Birth certificate
      • Bank Account Details
      • Income Proof
         
  • Offline Process: If you do not want to submit your application online, you can opt for the offline method as well. For this purpose, you need to visit either the municipal corporation office or the Panchayat office. You can get the application form here. Carry the list of necessary documents with you.

    After you submit your documents, they will be verified. Your account will be opened after verification. The amount will be transferred every month to your linked bank account.

How much is the Pension?

The pension that you will receive monthly in the widow pension scheme depends on the state you live in and your age.

The minimum amount is ₹300 per month. However, most of the states offer more than this amount.

Here is the pension offered by some of the states:

State

Monthly Pension Amount

Uttar Pradesh

₹300

₹500 (if the age is more than 80 years)

Maharashtra

₹600

₹900 (if there is more than one child)

Rajasthan

₹500 (if age is less than 55)

₹1000 – 1500 (if age is more than 55)

Uttarakhand

₹1200

Gujarat

₹1250

Delhi

₹2500 (Quarterly)

Haryana

₹1800

* Rates as in 2025

We must be prepared for all the challenges life may throw at us. Financial preparedness should top that list. Thus, to make sure your family does not have to suffer financially, consider purchasing an annuity or a life insurance plan.

Pension Plans from Life Insurers

If the breadwinner is still present and supporting the family, investing in a pension plan is a must. Pension plans from life insurance companies offer the necessary financial support to the surviving members in the event of your untimely death.

Certain pension plans offer a higher pension amount with the same reliability as the social security scheme. Additionally, these pension plans also have life cover. The life cover will also provide your family with a lump sum amount upon your untimely demise.

Conclusion

The Widow Pension Scheme is a lifeline for many women who suddenly find themselves without income or support. While this government initiative offers timely help, long-term security calls for a stronger safety net. This is where planning ahead becomes essential. Life insurance and pension plans provide a more stable and assured future for your family. 

By taking a step today, you can avoid future uncertainty and ensure your loved ones are taken care of. There are several plans by Canara HSBC Life Insurance that help you build a steady income stream for the future, even if life takes unexpected turns. 

Whether you are planning for yourself or your spouse, a guaranteed income plan gives you the peace of mind and dignity you deserve in your later years.

Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.

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