Cabinet Approves ₹53,428 Crore Social Assistance Programme for 2026–31; Disability Pension Eligibility Eased
The government has also approved changes to the scheme’s name, disability pension eligibility criteria and financial assistance rates. According to the approved proposal, approximately 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories will benefit.
Disability Pension: Eligibility Criteria Relaxed
A major change concerns the pension scheme for persons with disabilities. The benchmark disability requirement will be reduced from the existing 80% to 40%, widening eligibility for financial assistance.
The minimum age requirement for disability pension will also be removed, allowing eligibility from birth, subject to the scheme’s prescribed conditions.
Under the revised provisions, monthly assistance will be ₹375 for beneficiaries aged 0–79 years and ₹625 for those aged 80 years and above.
New Names for Social Security Schemes
The Cabinet has approved new names for the programme and its component schemes:
| Existing Scheme | Approved Name |
|---|---|
| National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) | 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 |
The existing pension schemes for elderly people and widows, along with the National Family Benefit Scheme, will continue in their current form.
Implementation Within Three Months
The Department of Rural Development will issue revised guidelines covering eligibility criteria, beneficiary numbers and assistance rates under the disability pension scheme. The changes are scheduled to be implemented within three months.
Launched on 15 August 1995, the National Social Assistance Programme provides central assistance to eligible vulnerable households. The programme is linked to Article 41 of the Constitution’s Directive Principles of State Policy, which addresses public assistance in cases including old age, sickness and disability.
The latest changes to disability pension eligibility also reflect the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which recognises benchmark disability at 40% and provides for enhanced disability-related assistance under applicable schemes.
