Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): Benefits & Application Process Explained

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), launched in 2007 under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), aims to provide financial support to elderly citizens in India who are in need. As part of the government's effort to offer social security, the scheme ensures that seniors from economically disadvantaged backgrounds can receive a monthly pension. This initiative is designed to assist older citizens who do not have a regular income source and are often vulnerable to poverty. Let’s explore the key features, benefits, eligibility, and application process of IGNOAPS, along with how beneficiaries can track their status and payments.

Key Features of IGNOAPS
IGNOAPS is an essential government-backed pension scheme that provides financial assistance to elderly citizens. The scheme ensures that no contribution is required from the beneficiaries, making it accessible to those without any financial support or savings. The pension is credited directly to the bank or post office accounts of eligible beneficiaries, which makes the process streamlined and efficient. This initiative is a part of the government's broader effort to offer social security to the elderly.

Benefits of IGNOAPS
The pension amount provided under IGNOAPS varies depending on the age group of the beneficiary. The following are the monthly benefits

• For those aged between 60 to 79 years, the pension amount is ₹200 per month.
• For individuals aged 80 years and above, the monthly pension increases to ₹500.

This structured pension system helps the elderly meet daily expenses and healthcare costs, particularly for those who lack family support or have no other financial safety net.

Eligibility Criteria for IGNOAPS
To qualify for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age requirement: Applicants must be at least 60 years old.
• BPL status: The applicant should belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, as defined by the government. This is an essential eligibility criterion, and the applicant must be listed under the BPL census.
• No regular financial support: The individual should not have regular financial assistance from family members or other sources.

These criteria ensure that the benefits reach the most vulnerable segments of society, primarily targeting elderly individuals in economically weaker sections.

How to Apply for IGNOAPS
The application process for IGNOAPS is straightforward and can be done through the Social Welfare Department or the District Social Welfare Officer. Here’s what you need to do:

• Urban Areas: Visit the local Social Welfare Department to obtain the application form.
• Rural Areas: Reach out to the District Social Welfare Officer for the same.

Once the application form is acquired, fill in details like

• Name, address, and age.
• Details of the applicant’s spouse or parents.
• Aadhar number, ration card number, EPIC number (Voter ID), and BPL card details.
• Bank account information, identity proof, and income certificate.

After completing the form, submit it along with the necessary documents, and make sure to keep a note of your application number for tracking purposes.

Documents Required for IGNOAPS
To apply for the scheme, the following documents are mandatory

• A recent photograph of the applicant.
• Valid identity proof (Aadhaar, voter ID).
• Ration card and BPL card.
• Age certificate and income certificate.
• Bank account details.

These documents help in verifying the identity and eligibility of the applicant, ensuring that the benefits are disbursed accurately.

Checking the IGNOAPS Application Status
After submitting your application for IGNOAPS, you can track its status online. Follow these simple steps to check the progress:

1. Visit the NSAP website.
2. Navigate to the ‘Report’ section.
3. Select the ‘Application Tracker’ option under the “Beneficiary search, track and payment details” tab.
4. Enter your application number and captcha code.
5. Click on the 'Submit' button to view the application status.

This online feature simplifies the process and ensures that applicants can stay updated on the progress of their application.

Pension Payment Details
Once your application is processed and approved, the pension is credited to your bank or post office account. To check the payment details

1. Visit the NSAP website again.
2. Go to the ‘Report’ section and select ‘Pension Payment Details’.
3. Choose the ‘Sanction Order No/Application No’ option.
4. Enter the required details, such as the sanction order number or application number.
5. Submit the form to view the payment details.

This process allows beneficiaries to track payments and ensure timely receipt of their pension.

Implementation of IGNOAPS
The implementation of IGNOAPS is carried out by the respective Social Welfare Departments in both urban and rural areas. In rural areas, the identification of eligible beneficiaries is done based on the BPL list created by the states. Similarly, urban areas rely on BPL lists under the poverty alleviation programmes run by the Ministry of Urban Housing and Poverty Alleviation.

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme plays a pivotal role in providing financial assistance to elderly citizens in India. By offering a monthly pension to those in need, it provides much-needed relief and security to the elderly population, especially those from vulnerable socioeconomic backgrounds. Whether you are in a rural or urban setting, the application process is simple, and the benefits are designed to ensure that seniors can live with dignity and some degree of financial independence.