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.

2021-02-28

883 Views

8 minutes read

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.

The death of your husband can shake your whole world. The pain of losing your partner is extremely hard to take. Your partner’s passing will not only take a toll on you mentally, as you will have to live the rest of your life without him, but financially as well.

Have you ever thought about how you and other members of the family will deal with the expenses if your husband dies? If your partner is the sole breadwinner of your family, then his death will lead to a financial struggle as his income will no longer be there to support you.

Also Read - Family Pension

To address this issue, the government has come up with a social security scheme to support you financially. One such initiative is 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

  • IGNWPS provides monthly pension assistance to BPL family widows between the ages of 18 and 60.

  • Pensions range up to ₹2,500/month based on your state.

  • Widows need not remarry 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.

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 Rs. 32 per day. That is, if you earn less than Rs 32 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.

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

Begin securing your future

Please enter correct name Please enter the Full name
Please enter valid mobile number Please enter Mobile Number
Please enter valid email Please enter Email

Application Status

Name

Date of Birth

Plan Name

Status

Name of the policy holder

Policy Holder Name

Policy No.

Policy Number

Address of the Policyholder as per records

Address

Unclaimed Amount

Unclaimed Amount
Error

Sorry! No records Found

.  Please use this ID for all future communications regarding this concern.

Thank you for your interest in our product. Our financial expert will connect with you shortly to help you choose the best plan.

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.

a) 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 fulfil 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 asked 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 (Aadhar Card, Voter ID, etc)
  - Address Proof
  - Original death certificate of husband
  - Birth certificate
  - Bank Account Details
  - Income Proof

Did You Know?

There are several state-specific widow pension schemes that offer additional support and may have different eligibility criteria.

 

iSelect Guaranteed Future Plus

b) 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 Rs 300 per month. However, most of the states offer more than this amount.

Here is the pension offered by some of the states:

StateMonthly Pension Amount
Uttar PradeshRs 300
Rs 500 (if the age is more than 80 years)
MaharashtraRs 600
Rs 900 (if there is more than one child)
RajasthanRs 500 (if age is less than 55)
Rs 1000 – 1500 (if age is more than 55)
UttarakhandRs 1200
GujaratRs 1250
DelhiRs 2500 (Quarterly)
HaryanaRs 1800

* Rates as of 15 Feb 2022

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.

Retirement - Top Selling Plans

We bring you a collection of popular Canara HSBC life insurance plans. Forget the dusty brochures and endless offline visits! Dive into the features of our top-selling online insurance plans and buy the one that meets your goals and requirements. You and your wallet will be thankful in the future as we brighten up your financial future with these plans.

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, such as the Guaranteed Income4Life Plan, offer a higher pension amount with the same reliability as the social security scheme. Additionally, these pension plans also have a life cover. The life cover will also provide your family with a lump sum amount upon your untimely demise.

Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their caution and not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature. Readers should research further or consult an expert in this regard.

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 you are a widow in India and believe you may be eligible for the IGNWPS, we recommend contacting your local authorities or visiting the relevant state government website for further details and application procedures. 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: A government programme that provides financial support to citizens in specific situations, such as old age, widowhood, or disability.
glossary-img

FAQs

Widows aged 18-60 (criteria may vary by state) who belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household are eligible for IGNWPS.

The eligibility criteria for monthly widow pension under IGNWPS are:

  • Age 18-60 (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 spouse's death

  • Widows with employed children (criteria may vary by state)

No, IGNWPS is a separate benefit for widows. They cannot collect their husband's pension.

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.

Recent Blogs

Single vs Joint-life Annuity: Which One is Better?
21 July '25
1253 Views
6 minute read
Choosing between single and joint life annuity? Understand benefits, differences, and which option suits your retirement goals for lasting income security.
Read More
Retirement Plan
Early Retirement Plan: How to Retire Before 50 Successfully?
21 July '25
135 Views
5 minute read
Want to retire before 50? Explore smart financial strategies, budgeting tips, and investment plans to achieve early retirement goals with confidence at Canara HSBC Life Insurance
Read More
Retirement Plan
Senior Citizen Card: How to Apply for it Online?
18 July '25
5583 Views
8 minute read
Learn the step-by-step process to apply for a Senior Citizen Card in India. Discover eligibility criteria, required documents, and benefits that come with the card for senior citizens.
Read More
Retirement Plan
How Does Annuity Payouts Work in Retirement Insurance?
13 July '25
122 Views
5 minute read
Explore how annuity payouts work in retirement insurance plans, including types, payout structures, and key factors for long-term financial security.
Read More
Retirement Plan
How to Withdraw from Your Retirement Plan Before Maturity?
13 July '25
139 Views
5 minute read
Thinking of early withdrawals from your retirement plan? Learn when it is allowed and how to avoid costly mistakes with smart planning.
Read More
Retirement Plan
5 Things to Consider while Buying a Retirement Plan
27 June '25
895 Views
5 minute read
Choosing a retirement plan? Discover 5 must-know tips to build a corpus that keeps up with inflation and supports your post-retirement life.
Read More
Retirement Plan
The Ultimate Father's Day Gift - A Retirement Plan for Your Dad’s Golden Years
12 June '25
25 Views
6 minute read
Read More
Retirement Plan
I Already Have a PF Account. Do I Still Need A Retirement Plan?
09 June '25
3178 Views
4 minute read
Already have a PF account? Learn why a retirement plan is still essential for complete financial security and stress-free life after retirement.
Read More
Retirement Plan
How do You Ensure You Won’t Run Out of Money in Retirement?
27 May '25
614 Views
Worried about retirement savings? Learn smart strategies to ensure you don’t run out of money and enjoy financial security in your golden years.
Read More
Retirement Plan