The Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) is a state-sponsored initiative by the Social Welfare Department of Jammu & Kashmir aimed at providing financial assistance to vulnerable sections of society. Under ISSS, various sub-components offer monthly pensions to groups including Old Age Persons, Widows, Divorcees, Women in Distress, Transgenders, and Physically Handicapped Persons. The scheme is funded through both Plan and Non-Plan resources, shared equally on a 50:50 basis. This overview focuses on the “Pension for Old Age Person” component.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension:
- Eligible Old Age Persons receive ₹1,000/- per month directly transferred into their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Requirement:
- Men: 60 years or above.
- Women: 55 years or above.
- Income Requirement:
- The applicant’s annual income must be less than ₹75,000/- or the applicant must belong to the “Below Poverty Line (BPL)” category.
Application Process
Offline Process:
- Obtain Application Form:
- Application forms are available free of cost from the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) or Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO).
- The form can be downloaded from this link.
- Form Submission:
- Fill in the required details (age, income, status, and address) and attach the necessary documents.
- Submit the completed and signed form to the concerned Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO) and obtain a proper receipt.
- Verification and Consolidation:
- The TSWO consolidates the list of eligible applicants and forwards it to the District Social Welfare Officer.
- The District-level Sanctioning Committee, headed by the Director General of the Social Welfare Department, reviews the applications and arranges for fund disbursement.
- Disbursement:
- The pension is disbursed to the beneficiaries through bank advice or money orders.
Documents Required
- Proof of Residence:
(e.g., Ration Card, Voter ID, etc.) - Proof of Age:
(e.g., Birth Certificate, Medical Certificate, Aadhaar Card, or Voter ID) - Income Certificate:
Confirming an annual income of less than ₹75,000/- or indicating BPL status. - Aadhaar Card:
A copy of the applicant’s Aadhaar Card. - Bank Passbook:
A copy of the bank passbook. - Photograph:
Passport-sized photograph. - Personal Declaration:
A self-declaration form as required by the scheme.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the components of ISSS?
ISSS covers multiple groups, including pensions for Old Age Persons, Women in Distress, Physically Challenged Persons, and Transgenders. - What benefit does the “Pension for Old Age Person” component provide?
It provides a monthly pension of ₹1,000/- per pensioner. - What is the aim of the Old Age Pension component?
To provide financial assistance to elderly individuals who have little or no livelihood support. - Is ISSS a central or a state-sponsored scheme?
ISSS is a state-sponsored scheme. - Who are the beneficiaries?
Beneficiaries include Old Age Persons (men 60+ and women 55+), along with other vulnerable groups under different sub-components. - Is there an income criterion for the Old Age Pension?
Yes; the applicant’s annual income must be less than ₹75,000/- or the applicant should belong to the BPL category. - To whom should the application be addressed?
The application is submitted to the concerned Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO). - Who is the Chairman of the Pension Sanctioning Authority?
The authority is headed by the Director General of the Social Welfare Department, Jammu & Kashmir. - Who verifies the applications?
The verification is conducted by the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer, who forwards the consolidated list to the District Social Welfare Officer and the District Level Sanctioning Committee. - Is there any application fee?
No, the application process is free of cost.