Launched in 2010 by the West Bengal state government through the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department, the Old Age Pension scheme is a compassionate initiative designed to provide financial support to senior citizens. This scheme targets persons above 60 years who are unable to work and earn a living. For physically or mentally handicapped individuals, the eligibility age is reduced to 55 years.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension:
Beneficiaries receive ₹1,000/- per month via direct benefit transfer.
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency:
The applicant must be a resident of West Bengal for at least ten years (the government may relax this in cases of undue hardship). - Age Requirement:
- General: 60 years or above.
- For physically or mentally handicapped: 55 years or above.
- Income Criterion:
The applicant’s income should not exceed ₹1,000/- per month. - Dependency:
The applicant should not have any relative (son, grandson, husband, wife, unmarried daughter, or parents) capable of providing financial support. - Pension Exclusion:
Applicants must not be recipients of any other government pension (e.g., Disability, Widow, Farmers’ or Political Sufferers’ Pension). - Exclusions:
- Professional beggars and mendicants in urban areas are not eligible.
- Persons already receiving other state or central government pensions are excluded.
Application Process (Offline)
- Obtain Application Form:
- The form (Form-P) is available free of cost at designated offices:
- Rural Areas: Office of the Block Development Officer or Executive Officer of the concerned Panchayat Samity.
- Municipal/Notified Areas (outside Kolkata Municipal Corporation): Office of the Sub-Divisional Officer.
- Within Kolkata Municipal Corporation: Office of the Controller of Vagrancy, West Bengal at Purta Bhawan, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata-700091.
- The form (Form-P) is available free of cost at designated offices:
- Submission:
- The completed application form should be addressed to the District Magistrate of the concerned district and submitted to the appropriate local office based on the applicant’s area of residence.
- Assistance:
- For queries, District Nodal Officers can be contacted.
Documents Required
- Self-attested copy of Aadhaar Card
- Copy of Ration Card
- Copy of Voter ID
- Copy of Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Copy of Income Certificate
- Copy of Husband’s Death Certificate (if applicable)
- Copy of Bank Passbook
- Nomination Form (in case of death)
- Passport-size Photograph
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the Old Age Pension scheme?
A state-run initiative to provide financial support to senior citizens who are unable to work. -
What are the benefits?
Beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of ₹1,000/-. -
Who can get the benefits?
Residents of West Bengal aged 60 years and above (or 55 years for handicapped individuals) who meet the income and dependency criteria. -
What is the financial eligibility criteria?
The applicant’s income should not exceed ₹1,000/- per month. -
Can applicants from other states get this benefit?
No, only residents of West Bengal are eligible. -
What is the minimum residency requirement?
At least ten years of residence in West Bengal (subject to relaxation in cases of hardship). -
How can one apply for the scheme?
By obtaining and submitting the application form (Form-P) from the designated local offices. -
Can the application form be downloaded online?
The scheme requires offline submission; forms are obtained in person at the designated offices. -
What documents are required?
Refer to the documents list above.