The YSR Pension Kanuka scheme, launched in 2019, offers a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to senior citizens, widows, and differently-abled people from the economically weaker section of Andhra Pradesh. The pension amount has been increased several times over the years. The age criterion to be eligible for the scheme has also been reduced from 65 to 60.

Scheme Benefits: This social security scheme provides pensions to different categories, such as people aged 60 and older, widows, fishermen, toddy-tapers, cobblers, etc. The pension amount has been increased to Rs 3,000 from Rs 2,250 in its last revision.

Also Read: A Spiritual Sojourn: 5 Temples Elderly Travellers Must Visit In Madurai

Eligibility Criteria: The entry age for the scheduled tribe (ST) is 50, while for the rest, it is 60. Additionally, people who are bedridden for conditions like paralysis, wheelchair-bound, etc., have no age limitation. The family’s monthly income should not exceed Rs 10,000 in rural and Rs 12,000 in urban areas. Also, those who own a four-wheeler, 3 acres of wetland, 10 acres of dry land, or 10 acres of combined wet and dry land are ineligible for the scheme. Additionally, to be eligible, no family member should have a government job, pensioner or taxpayer, and the electricity consumption of the house should not exceed 300 units per month.

The Application Process And Documents Required: To apply for the scheme, one must provide Aadhaar card details matching the ration card details and proof of age. After verification, the local officials will prepare a recommendation report and submit it to the municipal commissioners or mandal parishad development officer. Then, they review the report and forward it to the panchayat raj and rural development department. After successful verification, the government publishes the list of eligible beneficiaries. If left out, eligible beneficiaries can raise a grievance on the citizen schemes portal. After they verify the eligibility, the pension is disbursed into the beneficiary’s bank account.

Also Read: Three Financial Changes Effective April 1: Know How They Will Affect Senior Citizens