Launched in the financial year 1980-81 by the Government of Haryana, the Pension to Widows and Destitute Women scheme aims to provide social security and financial assistance to women who are unable to support themselves. Targeting widows and destitute women aged 18 years and above, the scheme is intended to help those residing in Haryana for at least one year secure a steady income.
Benefits
- Monthly Pension: Eligible beneficiaries receive a pension of ₹2,500 per month.
- Direct Bank Transfer: The pension amount is directly credited to the beneficiary’s bank account for ease and transparency.
Eligibility
To qualify for the scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Permanent Resident: The applicant should be a permanent resident of Haryana.
- Beneficiary Categories: The applicant must satisfy at least one of the following:
- Be a widow.
- Be a destitute woman without a husband, parents, or children.
- Be a destitute woman due to desertion or the physical/mental incapacity of her husband (for married women) or parents (for other women).
- Age Requirement: The applicant must be 18 years or older.
- Income Limit: The applicant’s annual income from all sources should be less than ₹2,00,000.
- Exclusions:
- Women employed by any Government or Local/Statutory Body, or organizations substantially financed by such bodies, or those receiving pension or family pension from them, are not eligible.
Application Process
Offline & Online Application via CSCs
- Application Form:
- Obtain the application form in the prescribed format.
- Photograph:
- Affix a recent passport-size photograph on the application.
- Submission:
- Approach the concerned Social Justice Department (SJD) in your locality and submit the duly filled application form along with all required documents.
- Verification and Beneficiary ID:
- The SJD authority will verify the form and documents. Once approved, a beneficiary ID will be issued and sent to the registered mobile number. This ID should be kept safe for future reference.
- Pension Disbursement:
- Approved beneficiaries will start receiving the monthly pension directly credited to their bank account.
Documents Required
- Application Form in the prescribed format
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card (of the applicant or parents, as applicable)
- Age Proof Certificate: Birth Certificate or Mark sheet
- Address Proof: BPL Ration Card
- Income Certificate
- Domicile Certificate
- Death Certificate of Husband (for widows)
- Photograph of the applicant
- Bank Account Details
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the benefits provided under this scheme?
A1: Eligible beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of ₹2,500, which is directly credited to their bank account.
Q2: Who is not eligible for the widow pension?
A2: Women employed by any Government, Local/Statutory Body, or organizations substantially financed by such bodies, as well as those already receiving a government pension, are not eligible.
Q3: Who is eligible for the pension under this scheme?
A3: Widows and destitute women who are permanent residents of Haryana, aged 18 years and above, with an annual income below ₹2,00,000.
Q4: What is the age requirement to apply for the pension?
A4: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Q5: Does the scheme cover only widows?
A5: No, the scheme also covers destitute women without a husband, parents, or children, and those affected by desertion or incapacity of their husbands or parents.
Q6: Is there an income limit for eligibility?
A6: Yes, the applicant’s annual income must be less than ₹2,00,000.
Q7: What documents are required to apply for the pension?
A7: Applicants need to submit the application form, identity proof (Aadhaar), age proof (Birth Certificate/Mark sheet), address proof (BPL Ration Card), income certificate, domicile certificate, death certificate of husband (if applicable), photograph, and bank account details.
Q8: How long must the applicant reside in Haryana to qualify for the scheme?
A8: Applicants must have been residing in Haryana for at least one year at the time of application submission.
Q9: Can women deserted by their husbands apply for the pension?
A9: Yes, women deserted by their husbands, as well as those facing physical or mental incapacity of their husband or parents, are eligible.
Q10: Can women living outside Haryana apply for this pension?
A10: No, the scheme is only for permanent residents of Haryana.