Widow Pension Scheme | Retirement and Pension Plan

Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme

While the grief of losing a spouse is heavy, the IGNWPS offers financial security for widows facing this challenge.

Written by : Knowledge Centre Team

2026-01-08

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7 minutes read

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

When a husband passes away, his wife and dependents often face emotional distress along with the sudden loss of household income. This can make it difficult to manage daily expenses, long-term goals, and basic financial stability, especially if he was the primary or sole breadwinner.

Have you ever considered how someone in your family or community would cope financially in such a situation? In many households across India, family members, relatives, and well-wishers play a crucial role in helping widows understand and access financial support options that can help them regain stability.

To address this issue, the government has come up with a social security scheme to support widows financially. One such initiative is the Widow Pension Scheme. This govt scheme for widow woman is also referred to as the "Vidhwa Pension Yojana".

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

Key Takeaways


  • IGNWPS provides monthly pension assistance to BPL family widows between the ages of 40 and 79.
  • Pensions range up to ₹2,500/month based on your state
  • Widows should not have remarried and cannot have income-earning children to be eligible
  • Apply offline or online on your state government's official portal or local office
  • Personal pensions and savings may improve long-term financial stability

What is the Widow Pension Scheme 2026?

Regular income is necessary when widowed women have a household to run and to look after the needs of growing children. The Widow Pension Scheme, officially called the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), was launched in 2009 to provide financial assistance to widows aged between 40 and 79 years. In many Indian households, women rely on their spouses for financial support. After the husband’s death, managing daily expenses can become challenging. This government-supported scheme provides a monthly pension to help widows meet their basic living needs and maintain financial stability.

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Eligibility Criteria

The following criteria must be met by the women to be eligible under the widow pension scheme.

  • The widow should be below the poverty line (BPL). The current parameter of BPL is ₹32 per day. That is, if you earn less than ₹32 per day, you will be counted as below the poverty line in India.

  • The age of the widow must be between 40 and 79, depending on the state.

  • 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.

  • If the widow does not have any children or other immediate relatives, then she is eligible.

  • 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.

How to Open an Account Under the Vidhwa Pension Yojana?

If a woman falls under the eligibility criteria listed above, then they are eligible to receive the pension under the Widow Pension Scheme.

This is a nationwide social welfare initiative introduced by the Government of India. While the broader objective remains the same across the country, each state administers its own Widow Pension Scheme, with separate application processes and specific eligibility conditions. Applicants need to apply through their respective state government portals, local municipal offices, or social welfare departments.

Here is how a Vidhwa Pension Yojana account can be opened: 

  • 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, visit the official website of the applicant’s respective state.
    2. Fill the Application Form: Register on the site, and go on to fill out the online application form. Enter the required details and click on submit.
    3. Upload the Documents: After entering the details, submit the necessary documents for verification. Upload a copy of the documents asked for and submit the form.
    4. List of the Documents Required: You need to have the following documents to be able to open an account.
      • Passport-size photograph
      • ID proof (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, etc.)
      • Address Proof
      • Original death certificate of husband
      • Birth certificate
      • Bank Account Details
      • Income Certificate/Proof
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Did You Know?

The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme is implemented under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) by the Ministry of Rural Development


Source: PIB

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  • Offline Process: If you do not want to submit theapplication 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. The account will be opened after verification. The amount will be transferred every month to your linked bank account.

How Much is the Widow Pension Amount in India?

The pension that the widowed woman will receive monthly under the widow pension scheme depends on the state they live in and their 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

₹1000

Maharashtra

₹1500

Rajasthan

₹1000 (if age is between 40 and 75)

₹1500 (if age is more than 75)

Uttarakhand

₹1500

Gujarat

₹1250

Delhi

₹2500 

Haryana

₹1800

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 Insurance Companies

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 the breadwinner’s untimely death. They are designed to ensure that thefamily continues to receive a steady income or a lump sum benefit, depending on the plan chosen. This financial cushion helps the loved ones manage regular household expenses, children’s education costs, loan repayments, and other essential needs without facing sudden financial strain.

Additionally, certain pension plans come with annuity options that provide lifelong income to the spouse, helping them maintain financial independence and dignity.

Conclusion

The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is a crucial social security programme that provides financial aid to widows in India. It helps ensure a minimum level of income for those who may be struggling financially after the loss of their spouse. While the eligibility criteria and pension amounts may vary by state, the scheme offers much-needed support during a difficult time.

If someone in your family or community is a widow and may be eligible for the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, you can help her access this important financial support. Reach out to your local panchayat office, municipal authority, or visit the relevant state government portal for application details and assistance. Remember, financial preparedness is essential. Consider exploring additional options like life insurance or pension plans to create a more secure future for yourself and your family.

Glossary

  1. Below Poverty Line (BPL): A government-defined standard that determines an individual's or family's economic disadvantage 
  2. Pension: A fixed amount of regular payment typically made to a retiree or someone who is unable to work
  3. Social Security Scheme: Government programs that provide financial support during old age or disability, to ensure basic welfare
  4. Income Certificate: An official document that proves the annual income of a person or family for eligibility verification
  5. Death Certificate: A legal document issued by the government confirming the death of an individual, required for widow pension claims
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FAQs

Widows aged 18-79 (criteria may vary by state) who belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household are eligible for IGNWPS.

The eligibility criteria for the monthly widow pension under IGNWPS are:

  • Age 18-79 (may vary by state)
  • Below Poverty Line (BPL) household
  • Unmarried
  • No employed children

No, the IGNWPS is meant for widows, not parents.

Here’s the list of people not eligible for a widow’s pension:

  • Widows above the poverty line
  • Widows remarried after their spouse's death
  • Widows with employed children (criteria may vary by state)

Yes, a widow can collect her husband’s pension in many cases. This is called a family pension or survivor’s pension, and it provides financial support after the pension holder’s death.

A widow can apply for the scheme either online or offline, depending on her state’s process:

  • Online: Visit the official state social welfare or pension portal, complete the application form, and upload the required documents.

  • Offline: Visit the nearest Panchayat office, Municipal Corporation, or Social Welfare Office and submit the form manually.

After document verification, the pension amount is credited directly to the bank account.

 

The widow pension amount varies from state to state. On average, it ranges between ₹300 to ₹2,500 per month, depending on:

  • State government rules
  • Age of the widow
  • Financial status (BPL category)

Some states also offer higher pension amounts to senior widows.

To apply for the widow pension scheme, the following documents are required:

  • Aadhaar Card
  • Death Certificate of Husband
  • Age Proof
  • Income Certificate (BPL proof)
  • Bank Account Details
  • Passport-size Photograph
  • Residence Proof

All documents must be valid and verified by local authorities.

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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