Virdha pension, or old-age pension scheme, is a government-backed social security programme to provide financial support to people from the poorest section of society or below the poverty line. You can apply for the scheme if you are 60 and above, although the quantum of aid may vary from state to state. Virdha pension has been in focus lately as it has become a rallying point for political parties in some poll-bound states to lure voters, assuring them of a timely or higher pension. The pension amount is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. 

The Central government also provides the old age pension at the national level, called the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), or National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) under the Ministry of Rural Development of India. IGNOAPS was launched in 2007.  

Vridha Pension Scheme 

Each state may name the scheme differently, and the pension amount may vary. For instance, in Rajasthan, it is called the Rajasthan Social Security Pension, or RajSSP, and the pension amount ranges from Rs 750-1,000 per month. In Uttar Pradesh, it is called UP Social Security Pension (UPSSP), which provides Rs. 1,000 under the scheme. Every year, the government updates the list of beneficiaries for this programme. In Punjab, women who are 58 and above and men who are 65 and above are eligible for old age pension. The Delhi government provides Rs 2,000 per month for those aged 60-69 years and an additional Rs. 500 monthly for people from Schedule Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and minority communities, as per its official website.  

Last week, the Haryana government announced a raise in the old-age pension from Rs 2,750 to Rs 3,000 monthly. In Mizoram, the Congress party promised to increase the assistance to Rs 2,000 per month under IGNOAPS if voted to power.  

How To Apply For Vridha Pension Online?  

One can apply for old age pension assistance by visiting the state government’s official websites.  

The applicant must first fill out the registration or the application form, with inputs like name, gender, date of birth, father’s name, and husband’s name in case of a female applicant, category, mobile number, and complete address—district, residence, tehsil, etc. The applicant must also fill out the bank details, like the bank name and branch, account number, and the IFSC code. These details are crucial, as the pension amount is transferred to the registered account.  

To complete the registration process, the applicant must also give details of his income source and an income certificate to prove the applicant falls under the BPL category. Also, they must upload a colour photograph of themselves and a birth or age certificate. After filling in these details, they must sign a declaration stating they are accurate.  

To bring transparency to the process, the state governments update the beneficiary list regularly.