he Government of Puducherry introduced the Old Age and Destitute Pension Scheme to provide monthly financial assistance to Old Age Persons, Widows, Deserted Women, Unmarried Women, and Transgender individuals to help cover basic personal expenses without dependency on others.
Benefits
The scheme provides monthly financial assistance based on age:
- ₹1500 per month – For Old Age Persons, Destitute Women, Widows, and Transgender individuals below 60 years.
- ₹2000 per month – For Old Age Persons, Destitute Women, Widows, and Transgender individuals between 60 and 79 years.
- ₹3000 per month – For Old Age Persons, Destitute Women, Widows, and Transgender individuals 80 years and above.
Eligibility Criteria
- Old Age Persons (Men & Women): Must be above 55 years.
- Widows: Must be above 18 years.
- Deserted Women: Must have been deserted for at least 7 years.
- Unmarried Women: Must be above 40 years.
- Transgender Individuals: Must be above 21 years (with additional proof of being 40 years and above along with a Medical Certificate).
Application Process
How to Apply?
The application process is offline. Applicants must submit their forms to the respective district offices.
Where to Apply?
- Puducherry: Deputy Director (Social Defence), Old Age Pension Section, Department of Women and Child Development, Puducherry.
- Karaikal: Child Development Project Officer, Karaikal.
- Mahe/Yanam: Welfare Officer, Mahe/Yanam.
Processing Time
- Selection is periodic and depends on vacancies and fund availability.
In Case of Delay, Contact:
- Puducherry: Director, Department of Women and Child Development, Sithankudi.
- Karaikal: Collector, Karaikal.
- Mahe/Yanam: Regional Administrator, Mahe/Yanam.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following:
- Identification Certificate
- Income Certificate (Not exceeding ₹75,000 per year)
- Residence Certificate
- Proof of Age:
- Attested copy of Birth Certificate or other proof
- Identity Proof:
- Attested copy of Ration Card/Identity Card
- Bank Details:
- Attested copy of Aadhaar and Bank Passbook
- Category-Specific Documents:
- Widows: Attested copy of Husband’s Death Certificate.
- Deserted Women: Certificate from MLA & Anganwadi Worker confirming 7 years of desertion + sworn affidavit (Appendix I).
- Unmarried Women: Sworn affidavit (Appendix II).
- Transgender Individuals: Proof of being 40 years and above + Medical Certificate from a Medical Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is eligible for the Old Age and Destitute Pension in Puducherry?
A: Old Age Persons above 55 years, Widows above 18 years, Deserted Women (deserted for 7 years), Unmarried Women above 40 years, and Transgender individuals above 21 years can apply.
Q: How can I apply for the pension?
A: The application is offline. Submit the required documents to the designated government office in your region.
Q: What documents are required to apply for the pension?
A: Identification, income, residence, birth proof, ration card, Aadhaar, bank passbook, and specific documents based on eligibility (widow certificate, desertion proof, unmarried affidavit, or transgender medical certificate).
Q: How much pension amount is provided?
A: ₹1500 for those under 60 years, ₹2000 for 60-79 years, and ₹3000 for those aged 80 and above.
Q: How frequently is the pension disbursed?
A: The pension is paid monthly.
Q: Can I receive both Old Age Pension and another pension simultaneously?
A: This depends on the specific government policies. Check with the local authorities.
Q: Can my pension application be rejected?
A: Yes, if eligibility criteria or documents are not met.
Q: Can I appeal if my application is rejected?
A: Yes, you can appeal to the relevant authorities listed under Contact Information.