The Union government has approved changes to the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), including a new name and revised eligibility rules for disability pensions.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the programme for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore. According to the government, around 3.20 crore beneficiaries across 36 states and Union Territories will benefit from the decision.
NSAP renamed PM Samajik Sahayata Yojana
The National Social Assistance Programme will now be known as the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. Its four sub-schemes will also receive new names.
The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme will be renamed the Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana. The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme will become the Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana.
Similarly, the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme will be called the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana, while the National Family Benefit Scheme will be renamed the Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana.
What are the changes in disability pension?
The main changes under the revised programme concern disability pensions. The government has revised the eligibility criteria and assistance amounts to include more eligible persons with disabilities.
Under the new rules, the monthly assistance will be ₹375 for beneficiaries aged below 80 years and ₹625 for those aged 80 years and above. Earlier, beneficiaries aged 18-79 received ₹300 per month, while those aged 80 and above received ₹500 monthly.
The benchmark disability requirement has also been reduced from 80% to 40%. This means that people with a benchmark disability of 40% or more may qualify, subject to the other eligibility conditions.
Another major change is the minimum age requirement. Disability pension eligibility will now begin from birth, instead of being restricted by a minimum age criterion.
The government said these changes are linked to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which provides for a benchmark disability level of 40%. The Act also requires disability-related assistance to be at least 25% higher than comparable schemes for other categories.
Will old-age and widow pensions change?
The government has clarified that pension schemes for elderly people and widows will continue in their existing form. The National Family Benefit Scheme will also remain unchanged.
The Cabinet announcement does not specify any revised pension amounts or new age limits for these categories. These guidelines will be issued and implemented within three months.
What is the National Social Assistance Programme?
Launched on August 15, 1995, the National Social Assistance Programme provides support to poor households. It was introduced in line with Article 41 of the Constitution, which deals with the state’s responsibility to provide public assistance in cases such as old age, sickness and disability.
The programme is fully funded by the Central government, with the aim of ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive assistance across states and Union Territories.