Increase in pensions for persons with disabilities announced; those with 40 percent disability will also be eligible for a pension..

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal by the Ministry of Rural Development to continue the 'National Social Assistance Programme' (NSAP) for another five years, from the financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31. The government has allocated a total budget of ₹53,428 crore for this scheme. The decision includes renaming certain schemes, easing eligibility criteria and pension rates for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan), and continuing pension provisions for the elderly and widows. This will directly benefit 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 states and union territories of the country.

The central government has introduced significant changes to the pension scheme for persons with disabilities. The scheme has been renamed from 'Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme' to 'Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana'. Additionally, the government has revised the disability percentage threshold and, most notably, increased the pension amount.

Major Changes to the Pension for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)
In line with the provisions of the 'Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016', the government has introduced several important relaxations and enhancements to the disability pension. Under the new rules, the eligibility threshold has been lowered from 80 percent disability to a 40 percent benchmark disability. This means that individuals with a 40 percent disability are now eligible for the pension. Furthermore, the minimum age requirement for receiving the pension has been removed; individuals are now eligible from birth.

Pension Amount Increased
Under the revised pension structure, the monthly assistance for the 0–79 age group has been increased from ₹300 to ₹375. For those aged 80 years and above, the monthly assistance has been raised from ₹500 to ₹625.

When will the new rules come into effect?

New guidelines concerning revised eligibility criteria, the number of beneficiaries, and assistance rates for disability pensions will be issued within the next three months and implemented at the grassroots level.

The existing terms and pension amounts for old-age pensions, widow pensions, and the National Family Benefit Scheme will remain unchanged and continue in their current form.

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