The Indira Gandhi National Special Ability Pension is a centrally launched scheme designed to support specially-abled persons across India. In Himachal Pradesh, the scheme provides financial assistance to individuals with 80% or more disability from below-poverty-line (BPL) households, enabling them to lead lives of dignity and independence. Under this scheme, eligible individuals aged between 18 and 79 receive a basic pension from the Government of India, with additional support provided by the state government. The scheme also offers separate Disability Relief Allowances for persons with lower degrees of disability or for mentally challenged individuals.
Benefits
- For Individuals with 80% or More Disability:
- Monthly pension of ₹300 from the Government of India.
- An additional ₹1,000 per month provided by the state government.
- Total Monthly Pension: ₹1,300.
- Disability Relief Allowance:
- For individuals with 40% to 69% disability and annual income not exceeding ₹35,000, a relief allowance of ₹750 per month is available.
- For Individuals with More Than 70% Disability (Not Employed in Government/Semi-Government/Corporations/Boards):
- A monthly pension of ₹1,300 is provided without any income limit.
- For Mentally Challenged Persons:
- Disability Relief is provided without any income limit.
Eligibility
- Citizenship:
The applicant must be a citizen of India. - Age:
The applicant should be between 18 and 79 years old. - Disability Level:
- For the special ability pension: The individual must have a disability of 80% or more.
- For other relief allowances, different disability thresholds apply as per the scheme details.
- Economic Status:
The applicant should belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household (for those applying under the 80% disability category with income criteria). - Banking:
The applicant must have a valid bank account for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of the pension.
Application Process
The application process is conducted offline:
- Visit the Social Welfare Office:
The applicant should visit the nearest Department of Social Welfare office. - Fill in the Application Form:
Complete the application form with all necessary details. - Attach Documents:
Attach all relevant documents (self-attested if required). - Submit the Application:
Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the required documents to the Department of Social Welfare.
Documents Required
- Disability Certificate:
Certifying that the applicant is 80% or more disabled. - Latest BPL Certificate:
To verify below-poverty-line status. - Copy of the Parivar Register:
As applicable. - Aadhaar Card:
For identity verification. - Bank Account Details:
Proof such as a bank passbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who is eligible for the National Special Ability Pension Scheme?
Eligible individuals are Indian citizens between 18 and 79 years old, having a disability of 80% or more and belonging to a BPL household. Other categories under the scheme have specific criteria as well. -
What is the monthly pension amount provided?
Eligible individuals receive ₹300 from the central government plus an additional ₹1,000 from the state government, totaling ₹1,300 per month. -
What is Disability Relief Allowance?
It is a separate benefit of ₹750 per month for individuals with a disability between 40% to 69% (with an annual income cap of ₹35,000) and special provisions for those with more than 70% disability not employed in specified sectors. -
Are mentally challenged individuals eligible for disability relief?
Yes, disability relief for mentally challenged persons is provided without any income limit. -
Is there any application fee for this scheme?
No application fee is mentioned under the scheme. -
Can a person apply online for this scheme?
Currently, the application process is conducted offline by visiting the Department of Social Welfare office. -
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit a valid Disability Certificate (80% or more), the latest BPL Certificate, a copy of the Parivar Register, Aadhaar Card, and bank account details. -
What if a person with more than 70% disability is employed in a government or semi-government organization?
Individuals working in government/semi-government/corporations/boards are not eligible for the ₹1,300 pension under that provision.