The Delhi Pension Scheme to Women in Distress (Widow Pension) is a social welfare initiative by the Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The scheme provides financial assistance to widows, divorced, separated, abandoned, deserted, or destitute women who do not have adequate means of subsistence.
This scheme ensures social security by granting a monthly pension of ₹2,500 to eligible women residing in Delhi.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance: Eligible beneficiaries receive ₹2,500 per month.
- Direct Bank Transfer: The pension amount is credited directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the applicant.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Delhi Pension Scheme to Women in Distress, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Widow, divorced, separated, abandoned, deserted, or destitute woman above 18 years of age.
- Must be a resident of Delhi for at least 5 years before the date of application.
- Annual income should be less than ₹1,00,000 from all sources (including rent, interest, farm earnings, etc.).
- Must have an Aadhaar number.
- Must have a single-operated Aadhaar-linked bank account in a bank located within the NCT of Delhi.
- Must not be receiving any other pension/financial assistance from the Central Government, State Government, MCD, NDMC, or any other government/local body.
Exclusions
- Not applicable to women already receiving financial assistance from any other government scheme.
Application Process
Online Application Process
Applicants must apply through the e-District Portal of Delhi:
e-District Delhi Portal
Steps to Register on the e-District Portal
- Visit the e-District portal: https://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in/
- Click on “New User” under the Citizen Corner section.
- Select Aadhaar Card or Voter ID as the identity document.
- Enter the Aadhaar or Voter ID number.
- Fill in the Captcha and proceed to the Citizen Registration Form.
- Complete all mandatory fields, including residential address details.
- Click on Continue and verify your details.
- You will receive a Login ID and Password on your registered mobile number and email.
- Your registration on the e-District Portal is now complete.
Steps to Apply for the Scheme
- Log in to the e-District Portal using your Login ID and Password.
- Click on “Apply Online”.
- Select the Department of Women & Child Development from the list of departments.
- Click on the Widow Pension Scheme (WPS) and proceed.
- Verify the Basic/Personal Details Form and click Continue.
- Fill in all required fields and upload scanned copies of mandatory documents.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph and click on Finish.
- Enter the OTP received on your registered mobile number and submit the application.
- Download the acknowledgment receipt for future reference.
Documents Required
Applicants must upload the following documents while applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- Age Proof (Birth Certificate, School Certificate, etc.)
- Proof of Widowhood/Divorce/Separation (Death Certificate of Husband, Divorce Decree, Separation Papers, or any other relevant document)
- Residence Proof of Last 5 Years in Delhi
- Bank Account Details (Aadhaar-linked, single-operated bank account in Delhi)
- Latest Bank Passbook or Statement (Last Year)
- SC/ST Certificate (if applicable)
- For Minority Applicants: A self-declaration of religion verified by a religious institution
- One Passport-Size Photograph
- Income Self-Declaration (Format available on the portal)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q Is an Aadhaar number necessary for applying for the Widow Pension Scheme
A Yes, an Aadhaar number is mandatory for registration and receiving benefits under the scheme.
Q What kind of bank account is required to avail of WPS benefits
A The applicant must have a single-operated Aadhaar-linked bank account in a bank located within Delhi.
Q Is there any annual income limit
A Yes, the annual income of the applicant must be less than ₹1,00,000 from all sources.
Q Is any recommendation or attestation required
A No, recommendations or attestations are not required. However, applicants must submit self-attested documents.
Q What is the quantum of financial assistance under the scheme
A Eligible applicants receive ₹2,500 per month as financial assistance.
Q What is the procedure to change the bank account details
A Applicants must visit the Department of Women & Child Development and submit a written request along with updated bank details.
Q What is the procedure to change the address if the applicant shifts within Delhi
A The applicant must update the address through the e-District portal by submitting a valid proof of new address.
Q Is there any provision for punishment if someone tries to get financial assistance through forged documents
A Yes, if fraudulent documents are submitted, the applicant may face legal action, including the cancellation of benefits and recovery of funds.
Q How can I check my Aadhaar linking status
A You can check the Aadhaar linking status by visiting the UIDAI website or through your bank’s internet banking portal.