Launched in 1995 by the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) is a state-sponsored initiative providing financial assistance under several components – including pensions for Old Age Persons, Women in Distress, Physically Challenged Persons, and Transgenders. Under the “Women in Distress” component, destitute widows, divorced, or deserted women with no source of income receive a monthly pension of ₹1,000/- directly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The scheme is funded on a 50:50 basis through Plan and Non-Plan resources.
Benefits
- Women in Distress Pension:
- A monthly pension of ₹1,000/- is credited directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through DBT.
Eligibility Criteria
- Target Group:
- The applicant must be a destitute widow, divorced, or deserted woman.
- Income Limit:
- The applicant’s annual income must be less than ₹75,000/- or they must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
- Age Requirement:
- The applicant should be between 40 and 79 years of age.
Application Process (Offline)
- 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 accessed online via this link or collected in person.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all the mandatory fields and attach the required documents (e.g., proof of age, income, marital status, and address).
- Submit Application:
- Submit the duly filled and signed form along with documents to the concerned TSWO, ensuring you obtain a receipt or acknowledgment detailing the submission date, time, and a unique identification number.
- Verification & Approval:
- The TSWO consolidates the list of eligible applicants and forwards it to the DSWO.
- A designated District level Sanctioning Committee (headed by the Director General, Social Welfare Department, Kashmir) reviews and sanctions the applications.
- Disbursement:
- Approved pension amounts are disbursed directly through bank advice/money orders by the 5th of every month.
Documents Required
- Proof of Residence (e.g., Ration Card, Voter Card)
- Death Certificate of the Husband (in case of widowhood)
- Income Certificate (verifying income is less than ₹75,000 per annum or indicating BPL status)
- Copy of Aadhaar Card
- Copy of Bank Passbook
- Passport-sized Photograph
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Which are the components of ISSS?
The ISSS covers pensions for Old Age Persons, Women in Distress, Physically Challenged Persons, and Transgenders. -
What benefits are provided under the “Women in Distress” component?
A monthly pension of ₹1,000/- is provided directly to the bank account of eligible women. -
What is the aim of the “Pension to Transgenders” component of ISSS?
It aims to offer financial security to transgender individuals by providing a similar pension as other components. -
Is ISSS a central scheme or a state-sponsored scheme?
ISSS is a state-sponsored scheme implemented by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. -
Who are the beneficiaries of ISSS?
Beneficiaries include old age persons, widows, divorced/deserted women, transgender individuals, and physically handicapped persons. -
Is there an income criterion for the “Pension to Women in Distress”?
Yes, the applicant’s income must be less than ₹75,000/- per annum or they should belong to the BPL category. -
To whom should the application be addressed?
Applications should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer/Chief Officer of the concerned District Panchayat/Municipal Council as directed by the TSWO. -
Is there an age criterion for this scheme?
Yes, eligible women must be between 40 and 79 years of age. -
Who is the Chairman of the Pension Sanctioning Authority?
The Sanctioning Authority is headed by the Director General of the Social Welfare Department, Kashmir. -
Who is the Member Secretary of the Pension Sanctioning Authority?
The Member Secretary is appointed by the Social Welfare Department at the district level; specific details can be obtained from the local office. -
Who are the members of the Pension Sanctioning Authority?
The Authority comprises designated officers from the Social Welfare Department, including representatives at the district level. -
Where can applicants get more information?
Detailed guidelines, application forms, and contact details are available on the official website and through local Social Welfare offices.