How to Apply for Old Age Pension / Vridha Pension Online — State-wise Guide

Growing old should bring peace, not financial worry. The Indian government — both at the Central and State level — provides monthly pension to senior citizens so they can live with dignity. This guide walks you through everything: which scheme applies to you, how much pension you will get, and exactly how to apply online.

In a hurry? Jump to your state: UP | Bihar | Rajasthan | MP | Maharashtra | Tamil Nadu | Karnataka | Delhi

What Is Old Age Pension (Vridha Pension)?

Old Age Pension — also called Vridha Pension or Vriddhawastha Pension — is a monthly financial assistance given by the government to senior citizens, especially those from economically weaker sections. The aim is simple: no elderly person in India should go without basic support.

There are two layers:

1. Central Government Scheme — Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), funded by the Centre
2. State Government Schemes — Each state adds its own top-up amount and may have separate pension schemes with higher amounts

Most states combine both into a single monthly payment deposited directly into your bank account via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Central Scheme: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

The IGNOAPS is part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) run by the Ministry of Rural Development.

Pension Amount

Note: The amounts above are the Central share only. Most states add their own contribution, so the actual pension you receive is higher. See the state-wise table below.

Eligibility for IGNOAPS

• Age: 60 years or above
• Income: Must belong to a BPL (Below Poverty Line) household
• Residence: Must be a permanent resident of the state where you apply
• Not receiving any other government pension (like EPF pension or government employee pension)

Documents Required

Keep these documents ready before applying:

State-wise Pension Amounts at a Glance

Here is what senior citizens actually receive (Central + State share combined):

💡 Tip: Pension amounts are revised periodically. Check your state portal for the latest figures.

How to Apply for Old Age Pension Online — State-wise Steps

Uttar Pradesh (UP) — Vridha Pension Yojana {#uttar-pradesh}

Portal: sspy-up.gov.in

Eligibility: Age 60+, annual income below ₹46,080 (rural) or below poverty line, resident of UP.

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Visit sspy-up.gov.in and click on "वृद्धावस्था पेंशन" (Old Age Pension)
2. Click "ऑनलाइन आवेदन करें" (Apply Online)
3. Fill in personal details: name, date of birth, gender, address, Aadhaar number
4. Upload documents: photo, age proof, income certificate
5. Enter bank account details (must be linked to Aadhaar)
6. Submit and note down your Application Number
7. Your application will be verified at the District Social Welfare Office

Check Status: Visit the portal → Click "आवेदन की स्थिति" → Enter your registration number.

Helpline: 18004190001 (Toll-free)

Bihar — Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana (MVPY) {#bihar}

Portal: serviceonline.bihar.gov.in

Eligibility: Age 60+, resident of Bihar. All senior citizens eligible (not limited to BPL for state scheme). Those already receiving government pension are not eligible.

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Visit serviceonline.bihar.gov.in
2. Go to "समाज कल्याण विभाग" → "मुख्यमंत्री वृद्धजन पेंशन योजना"
3. Enter Aadhaar number for verification
4. Fill in personal and bank details
5. Upload required documents
6. Submit — you will receive an acknowledgement receipt

Check Status: Use your application reference number on the same portal under "Application Status."

Helpline: 1800-345-6262 (Toll-free)

Rajasthan — Social Security Pension {#rajasthan}

Portal: rajssp.rajasthan.gov.in

Eligibility: Age 55+ (women) / 58+ (men) for state scheme; 60+ for IGNOAPS. Income limit: ₹48,000/year or less. BPL families get priority.

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Visit rajssp.rajasthan.gov.in
2. You can also apply through eMitra centres or SSO Portal (sso.rajasthan.gov.in)
3. Login/Register on SSO with Jan Aadhaar or Aadhaar
4. Search for "Old Age Pension" and fill in the application form
5. Upload documents: Aadhaar, Jan Aadhaar, bank passbook, photo
6. Submit and save your application ID

Check Status: Visit rajssp.rajasthan.gov.in → "Pensioner Status" → Enter PPO number or application ID.

Helpline: 0141-5111007, 5111010

Madhya Pradesh — Social Security Pension {#madhya-pradesh}

Portal: socialsecurity.mp.gov.in

Eligibility: Age 60+, BPL family or destitute, resident of MP.

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Visit socialsecurity.mp.gov.in
2. Click "पेंशन हेतु ऑनलाइन आवेदन"
3. Enter your Samagra ID (mandatory for MP residents — get it from samagra.gov.in)
4. Fill personal details, upload documents
5. Application goes to the local body (Gram Panchayat / Nagar Palika) for verification
6. After approval, pension is credited to your bank account

Check Status: Visit the portal → "पेंशन की स्वीकृति की स्थिति" → Enter your Samagra ID.

Helpline: 0755-2556916

Maharashtra — Shravan Bal Yojana {#maharashtra}

Portal: aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in

Eligibility: Age 65+ (for state scheme, 60+ for IGNOAPS), annual family income below ₹21,000 (rural) / ₹28,000 (urban), resident of Maharashtra.

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Visit aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in
2. Register / Login with mobile number
3. Go to Social Justice Department → Old Age Pension
4. Fill the form with personal details, age proof, income certificate
5. Upload scanned documents and passport photo
6. Submit — you will get a tracking ID

Check Status: Login to AapleSarkar → "Track Application" → Enter application ID.

Helpline: 022-22025251

Tamil Nadu — Old Age Pension {#tamil-nadu}

Portal: tnsocialwelfare.tn.gov.in

Eligibility: Age 60+, destitute or with no regular income, resident of Tamil Nadu for at least 5 years.

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Visit tnsocialwelfare.tn.gov.in or apply through TN e-Sevai centres
2. Click on "Pension Schemes" → "Old Age Pension"
3. Fill the application with Aadhaar number, personal details
4. Upload: photo, age proof, income certificate, ration card
5. Application is verified by the Revenue Department at Taluk level
6. Approved pension is disbursed via bank transfer or post office

Check Status: Visit the portal or contact your nearest Revenue Divisional Office.

Helpline: 044-25671444

Karnataka — Sandhya Suraksha Yojana {#karnataka}

Portal: sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in

Eligibility: Age 65+, BPL, annual income below ₹17,000 (rural) / ₹22,000 (urban), resident of Karnataka.

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Visit sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in
2. Register / Login
3. Search for "Old Age Pension" or "Sandhya Suraksha"
4. Fill the form — provide Aadhaar, BPL card details, bank account
5. Upload documents and submit
6. Application is forwarded to the Taluk Social Welfare Officer for approval

Check Status: Login to Seva Sindhu → "Track Application."

Helpline: 080-22230282

Delhi — Old Age Pension Scheme {#delhi}

Portal: edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in

Eligibility: Age 60+, resident of Delhi for at least 5 years, annual income below ₹1,00,000.

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Visit edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in
2. Register / Login (using Aadhaar or mobile OTP)
3. Go to "Social Welfare Department" → "Old Age Pension Scheme"
4. Fill the application form with personal details
5. Upload: Aadhaar, age proof, residence proof, income certificate, bank passbook, photo
6. Submit — receive acknowledgement number
7. Verification by SDM office; pension starts after approval

Check Status: Login to e-District portal → "Track Application" → Enter application number.

Pension Amount:

• Age 60–69: ₹2,000/month
• Age 70 and above: ₹2,500/month

Helpline: 011-23935730, 1076

How to Check Old Age Pension Status Online

No matter which state you are in, follow these general steps:

1. Visit your state's pension portal (see links above)
2. Look for "Application Status" or "आवेदन की स्थिति"
3. Enter your Application Number / Registration Number / Aadhaar Number
4. Your current status will show: Pending, Under Verification, Approved, or Rejected
5. If rejected, the reason will usually be mentioned — you can re-apply after correcting the issue

Track Pension Payment

Once approved, you can check if your monthly pension has been credited:

• Check your bank statement or passbook for DBT credit
• Visit the NSAP portal at nsap.nic.in for central scheme payment tracking
• Many states also send SMS alerts to your registered mobile number
• Submit your Jeevan Pramaan (Life Certificate) annually to ensure pension continues without interruption

Important Tips for Applicants

✅ Do's

• Link your Aadhaar to your bank account — this is essential for DBT pension payment
• Submit Jeevan Pramaan (Digital Life Certificate) every year — learn how here
• Keep your mobile number updated with the bank and Aadhaar
• Apply early — verification can take 1–3 months in most states
• Save your application number — you'll need it to track status

❌ Don'ts

• Don't pay any middleman or agent — applying is free
• Don't provide false age or income details — it can lead to rejection and blacklisting
• Don't miss the annual Jeevan Pramaan submission — your pension may be paused

💰 Related Benefits for Senior Citizens

• Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) — Earn 8%+ interest on your savings with quarterly payouts
• Jeevan Pramaan — Digital Life Certificate — Submit your annual life certificate online from home
• Pension Benefits & Status Check — Track your pension payments and resolve issues

Helpline Numbers — Quick Reference

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the minimum age to apply for old age pension?

A: For the central IGNOAPS scheme, the minimum age is 60 years. Some state schemes allow application from age 55 (women) or 58 (men) — like Rajasthan.

Q: Can I apply if I am not BPL?

A: For the central IGNOAPS scheme, BPL status is required. However, many state schemes (like Delhi, Bihar) have income-based criteria instead — so even if you don't have a BPL card, you may be eligible if your income is below the state's threshold.

Q: How long does it take to get the pension after applying?

A: Typically 1 to 3 months after application, depending on verification by local authorities. Some states are faster with Aadhaar-based instant verification.

Q: Can I apply offline?

A: Yes. You can visit your nearest Block Development Office, Tehsil Office, District Social Welfare Office, or Common Service Centre (CSC) to apply in person. The CSC operator will fill the online form on your behalf.

Q: What if my pension stops suddenly?

A: This usually happens because of missed Jeevan Pramaan (Life Certificate) submission. Submit it immediately via Jeevan Pramaan portal or at your bank. Your pension will resume.

Q: Is the pension taxable?

A: Old age pension under social welfare schemes is generally not taxable as it is a welfare benefit, not income from employment.

Last updated: February 2026. Pension amounts and eligibility criteria are subject to revision by respective state governments. Always verify the latest details on your state's official portal.