The Central Government has approved changes to its social assistance programme that could help more persons with disabilities access pension support. The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) will continue for five years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31, with a total outlay of ₹53,428 crore.

The programme has also been renamed the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. The revised framework includes changes to disability pension eligibility, the amount of central assistance and the number of people covered under the scheme.

Who Can Benefit From the Revised Disability Pension Rules?

One of the key changes concerns the eligibility criteria for disability pension. Under the revised rules announced by the government, the benchmark disability requirement has been reduced from 80% to 40%, in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

The minimum age requirement of 18 years has also been removed. This means eligible persons with disabilities can qualify from birth, subject to the scheme's other conditions.

The government has also increased the number of beneficiaries covered under the disability pension component from approximately 8.33 lakh to 27.48 lakh.

How Much Pension Assistance Will Be Available?

Under the revised disability pension framework, the central government's monthly assistance will be:

• ₹375 per month for eligible beneficiaries aged 0–79 years.

• ₹625 per month for eligible beneficiaries aged 80 years and above.

These figures represent the central contribution. State and Union Territory governments may provide additional assistance, so the total pension received can vary depending on the applicable state-level scheme.

It is important to check the amount payable in your state rather than assuming that the central contribution is the entire monthly pension.

What Happens to Old-Age and Widow Pensions?

The government has stated that the pension schemes for senior citizens and widows, along with the family benefit scheme, will continue in their existing form under the approved programme.

The revised scheme includes new names for its components:

• Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana for old-age pension.

• Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana for widow pension.

• Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana for disability pension.

• Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana for family benefits.

The programme continues to focus on providing social assistance to eligible vulnerable households, including those meeting the applicable poverty-related criteria.

How to Check Eligibility and Apply

People interested in applying should contact their state's social welfare department, local Gram Panchayat or municipal office. They can ask about the application process, income or household eligibility requirements, disability certification, required documents and the pension amount applicable in their area.

Applicants should keep relevant identity documents, bank account details and disability certification, where applicable, ready. The exact documentation and verification process may differ by state.

Before submitting an application, confirm that the revised provisions have been implemented by the relevant state authority and ask whether any additional state-specific eligibility rules apply.

Why the Change Matters

Reducing the disability threshold and removing the minimum age requirement may make pension support accessible to a wider group of eligible people with disabilities. The revised programme also provides a longer funding horizon, covering the five financial years from 2026–27 to 2030–31.

For families seeking financial assistance, the most important step is to verify eligibility with the local implementing authority and understand the total pension available under the central and state provisions.

The changes were announced by the Press Information Bureau following the Union Cabinet's approval on October 14, 2026.