Introduction Pradhan Mantri Vidhwa Pension Yojana is a social security initiative intended to provide financial support to eligible widows from economically disadvantaged households. The scheme continues the widow pension assistance previously provided under the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS). According to the supplied information, the Union Cabinet approved the renaming on 14 October 2026 under Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, formerly known as the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). The central government provides monthly assistance according to the beneficiary's age. Eligible widows aged 40 to 79 years receive ₹300 per month, while beneficiaries aged 80 years and above receive ₹500 per month. State Governments may supplement the central contribution, so the total pension amount can differ across States and Union Territories. The scheme is intended to help eligible widows meet essential household expenses and improve their financial security. Applicants must satisfy the applicable age, widowhood and BPL household requirements, along with any verification conditions prescribed by their State or Union Territory. The renaming announcement described in the supplied content did not introduce a revised pension amount or new eligibility conditions. Applications can be made through the designated local pension authority or an online service where available. Applicants may contact their Gram Panchayat, Block Office, Municipality or other authorised pension office to confirm the procedure applicable in their area. The UMANG Portal may also provide access to widow pension services, depending on the services enabled for the applicant's State or Union Territory. The scheme is administered centrally by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, while implementation and beneficiary verification involve the relevant State or Union Territory authorities. Applicants should check official portals for the current service name, application requirements and payment-related updates. Benefits Eligible widows aged 40–79 years receive central assistance of ₹300 per month. Eligible beneficiaries aged 80 years and above receive central assistance of ₹500 per month. State Governments may provide additional pension support from their own funds. The pension is credited to the beneficiary's bank account or post office savings account through the applicable payment system. The financial assistance helps beneficiaries manage basic household and daily living expenses. Eligible widows in rural and urban areas may apply, subject to the rules implemented by their respective State or Union Territory. Eligibility Applicants must meet the applicable conditions for widow pension assistance. The requirements listed below reflect the scheme information provided and should be confirmed with the relevant local authority before applying. The applicant must be a widow. The applicant must be at least 40 years old to qualify for the central widow pension category described in the supplied information. The applicant must belong to an eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) household. Applicants from rural and urban areas may apply, subject to the applicable State or Union Territory rules. The applicant must satisfy the required document verification and other implementation conditions prescribed by the concerned authority. Beneficiaries aged 80 years and above fall under the higher central assistance category, subject to the applicable scheme requirements. Note: The State or Union Territory authority determines the applicable verification procedure and accepted proof of eligibility. Applicants should confirm the latest requirements before submitting their applications. Documents Applicants should prepare documents establishing their identity, age, widowhood, residence and BPL household status. The exact list may differ by State or Union Territory. Recent passport-size photograph. Aadhaar Card, if available. Age proof, such as a Birth Certificate, School Certificate, Ration Card, Voter ID (EPIC) or an age certificate issued by a Government Medical Officer, as accepted by the authority. Widow certificate or other accepted proof of widowhood. Death certificate of the deceased husband. BPL household eligibility proof. Proof of current residence. Bank account or post office savings account details for pension payments. Ration Card, if available and required by the local authority. Voter ID (EPIC), if available and accepted as supporting identification. Process to Apply Eligible applicants can use the online route where widow pension services are available or submit an application through the designated local authority. The procedure may vary by State or Union Territory. Online Application Visit the UMANG Portal or open the UMANG mobile application. Log in with your registered account. New users can complete registration. Search for the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) or widow pension services available for your State or Union Territory. Select the relevant widow pension service if it is available and review the instructions shown on the portal. Enter the required personal, age, residence and bank account details. Upload the requested documents, including proof of age, widowhood and BPL eligibility. Review the details and submit the application. Save the acknowledgement or application reference number, if provided, for future status enquiries. Important: The supplied content states that the UMANG service listing may still use the names "National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)" and "Widow Pension." If the renamed scheme is not displayed, search using those existing service names and follow the portal's current instructions. Confirm availability with the relevant authority if the service cannot be located. Offline Application Visit your Gram Panchayat, Block Office, Municipality or designated pension office. Request the application form for the widow pension scheme. Fill in the required personal information and bank or post office account details. Attach the documents requested by the authority, including age proof, the husband's death certificate, widowhood proof, BPL eligibility proof and residence proof, as applicable. Submit the completed form and supporting documents to the designated office. Keep the acknowledgement or reference number, if provided. Allow the concerned authority to verify the application and documents. After approval, check the pension payment status through the relevant State or Union Territory portal or local pension office. Important Links and Contact Official NSAP Portal – National Social Assistance Programme pension information. NSAP Contact Details – Contact information for pension-related enquiries. Ministry of Rural Development – Official ministry website. UMANG Portal – Access available online government services. UMANG Registration – Create an account. UMANG Login – Sign in to an existing account. Widow Pension Application Form – Form link provided in the source material; confirm that it is accepted by the local authority. Download UMANG for Android. Download UMANG for iOS. Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana – Related old-age pension scheme information. Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana – Related disability pension scheme information. Email: mis-nsap@nic.in Contact: For application assistance, eligibility verification or payment enquiries, contact the relevant Gram Panchayat, Block Office, Municipality or designated pension authority. The supplied material does not specify a single nationwide application helpline number. FAQs Q1. What is Pradhan Mantri Vidhwa Pension Yojana?It is a social security pension scheme that provides monthly central financial assistance to eligible widows from BPL households. Q2. Who can apply for the widow pension scheme?Widows who meet the applicable age, BPL household and verification requirements of their State or Union Territory may apply. Q3. How much pension is provided under the scheme?The central assistance described in the supplied information is ₹300 per month for eligible widows aged 40–79 years and ₹500 per month for eligible beneficiaries aged 80 years and above. Q4. Can the State Government provide additional pension assistance?Yes. State Governments may contribute additional assistance from their own funds, so the total amount can vary by location. Q5. Is the scheme available in rural and urban areas?Eligible applicants in rural and urban areas may apply, subject to the implementation rules of their State or Union Territory. Q6. Which documents are generally required?Common documents include age proof, the deceased husband's death certificate, widowhood proof, BPL eligibility proof, residence documents, a photograph and bank or post office account details. Additional requirements may apply locally. Q7. How can I apply online?Visit the UMANG Portal, sign in or register, search for NSAP or widow pension services, and follow the instructions if the service is available for your State or Union Territory. Q8. Can I submit an offline application?Yes. You can enquire at your Gram Panchayat, Block Office, Municipality or designated pension office and submit the required form and documents according to local procedures. Q9. What should I do if the new scheme name does not appear online?Search for "National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)" or "Widow Pension" if those names are still displayed, and confirm the current process with the relevant pension authority. Q10. Where can I get help with my application or pension payment?Contact your local designated pension office or consult the NSAP contact page. The supplied material also lists mis-nsap@nic.in for email enquiries.