Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) — Complete Guide 2026

A comprehensive guide to the IGNOAPS scheme covering eligibility, pension amounts, application process, required documents, and how to check your application status online.

Last reviewed: 15 September 2026 | Senior Citizen Information Researcher

Official Sources: This article is based on information from the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) Portal, the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and official state government notifications. Last updated: September 2026.

Written by Aruna Sane · Last updated: September 15, 2026

What is IGNOAPS?

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is one of India's most important social security programmes designed to provide financial assistance to elderly citizens living below the poverty line. Launched in 1995, the scheme operates under the broader umbrella of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), which is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.

The primary objective of IGNOAPS is to ensure a basic level of income security for senior citizens who have no regular source of livelihood and belong to families classified as Below Poverty Line (BPL). Under this scheme, eligible beneficiaries receive a monthly pension directly credited to their bank accounts, helping them meet essential daily expenses such as food, medicine, and shelter.

Since its inception, IGNOAPS has been a lifeline for millions of elderly Indians. The scheme covers citizens across all states and union territories, making it one of the largest old-age pension programmes in the world. The Government of India periodically revises the pension amounts to keep pace with inflation and rising costs of living. As of 2026, the scheme provides ₹200 per month to beneficiaries aged 60–79 years and ₹500 per month to those aged 80 years and above.

IGNOAPS is distinct from other pension schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) or the Atal Pension Yojana (APY), as it is specifically targeted at the poorest sections of society and does not require any contribution from the beneficiary. The entire pension amount is funded by the Government of India with matching contributions from state governments.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, applicants must satisfy the following conditions:

Age: The applicant must be at least 60 years of age or older at the time of application.
BPL Status: The applicant must belong to a family classified as Below Poverty Line (BPL). This is typically verified through inclusion in the BPL list or the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data.
Not Receiving Any Other Pension: The applicant must not be receiving any other pension from the Central or State Government, including pensions under the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), armed forces, or any other statutory body.
Indian Citizen: The applicant must be a citizen of India and a resident of the state from which the application is being made.
BPL Card: Possession of a valid BPL card or inclusion in the latest BPL list published by the state government is mandatory.

It is important to note that each household can have only one beneficiary under IGNOAPS. If both husband and wife are eligible, only one of them can receive the pension. However, some states have introduced additional schemes that allow both spouses to receive benefits simultaneously.

Pension Amount

The pension amount under IGNOAPS is determined by the age of the beneficiary. The current pension structure (as of 2026) is as follows:

₹200 per month for beneficiaries aged 60 to 79 years
₹500 per month for beneficiaries aged 80 years and above

The pension is paid on a monthly basis and is credited directly to the beneficiary's bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This ensures transparency and eliminates intermediaries, reducing the chances of corruption or leakage in the system.

Several states provide additional top-up amounts over and above the Central Government's contribution. For example, states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi offer higher pension amounts to their senior citizens. Beneficiaries are encouraged to check with their respective District Social Welfare Office for any additional benefits available in their state.

How to Apply

The application process for IGNOAPS is available both online and offline, making it accessible to senior citizens across the country.

Online Application Process

Visit the official NSAP portal at nsap.nic.in.
Click on the "Apply Online" or "New Registration" option under the IGNOAPS section.
Create an account using your mobile number and Aadhaar details.
Fill in the application form with your personal details including name, date of birth, address, bank account details, and Aadhaar number.
Upload scanned copies of the required documents (Aadhaar, BPL certificate, bank passbook, photograph, etc.).
Review your application carefully and submit it.
Note down the application reference number for future tracking.
Your application will be verified by the Block Development Officer (BDO) or District Social Welfare Officer.

Offline Application Process

Visit the nearest District Social Welfare Office or Block Development Office.
Obtain the IGNOAPS application form from the help desk.
Fill in the form completely with accurate details.
Attach photocopies of all required documents.
Submit the completed application to the concerned official.
Obtain an acknowledgment receipt with the application reference number.
The verification process typically takes 30 to 45 days.
Once approved, the pension will be credited to your bank account from the date of approval.

Required Documents

Keep the following documents ready before applying for IGNOAPS:

Aadhaar Card — Mandatory for identity verification and DBT linkage
BPL Certificate — Proof of Below Poverty Line status issued by the competent authority
Age Proof — Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or any government-issued document confirming date of birth
Bank Passbook — First page of the passbook showing account number, IFSC code, and account holder's name
Passport-size Photographs — 2 to 4 recent photographs
Self-Declaration — A signed declaration stating that the applicant is not receiving any other pension from Central or State Government
Residence Proof — Ration card, electricity bill, or any document proving residence in the state

State-wise Implementation

IGNOAPS is implemented across all states and union territories, but the level of implementation and additional benefits vary significantly from state to state. The scheme follows a 75:25 funding pattern between the Central Government and the State Government for normal areas, and 90:10 for special category states (Northeast states, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim).

Some states provide additional top-up amounts to make the pension more meaningful:

Kerala: The state provides an additional ₹200 per month over the central pension, making the total ₹400 for 60-79 age group.
Tamil Nadu: Offers ₹1,000 per month to senior citizens through the Universal Old Age Pension Scheme, over and above IGNOAPS.
Delhi: Provides ₹2,000 per month to senior citizens under the Delhi Old Age Pension Scheme.
Karnataka: Offers ₹1,000 per month to BPL senior citizens through the Sandhya Suraksha Yojana.
Rajasthan: Provides ₹750 per month to eligible senior citizens under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (state top-up).
Andhra Pradesh: Offers ₹1,000 per month to BPL senior citizens through the YSR Pension Kanuka scheme.

Beneficiaries who are already receiving IGNOAPS can also apply for the state-specific top-up pensions by visiting their respective District Social Welfare Office. Some states have integrated their pension schemes with the NSAP portal for a seamless application experience.

How to Check Application Status

After submitting your IGNOAPS application, you can track its status through the following methods:

NSAP Portal Tracking

Visit nsap.nic.in
Click on "Track Application Status" or "Beneficiary Search"
Enter your application reference number or Aadhaar number
Enter the captcha code and click "Search"
Your application status will be displayed showing current stage of processing

Helpline Numbers

For any queries or assistance regarding IGNOAPS, you can contact:

NSAP Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-118-111
National Helpline for Senior Citizens: 14567 (Elder Line)
Ministry of Rural Development: 011-23389806
State Social Welfare Department: Contact your state's dedicated helpline number
District Social Welfare Office: Visit in person with your acknowledgment receipt

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for IGNOAPS?

Any Indian citizen aged 60 years or above, belonging to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family, and not receiving any other government pension is eligible for IGNOAPS.

How much pension is given under IGNOAPS?

Beneficiaries aged 60-79 years receive ₹200 per month, while those aged 80 years and above receive ₹500 per month under IGNOAPS.

Can both husband and wife receive IGNOAPS pension?

No, only one member per household can receive the IGNOAPS pension. However, some states offer additional schemes that may allow both spouses to receive benefits.

Is Aadhaar mandatory for IGNOAPS?

Yes, Aadhaar is mandatory for applying under IGNOAPS as it is required for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of the pension amount to your bank account.

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

After successful verification of documents and approval, the pension is typically credited within 30 to 45 days from the date of application.

Can I apply for IGNOAPS online?

Yes, you can apply online through the NSAP portal at nsap.nic.in. You can also apply offline through the District Social Welfare Office.

What if my BPL card has expired?

You will need to renew your BPL card before applying for IGNOAPS. Contact your local Panchayat or Municipal Office for the renewal process.

Is IGNOAPS pension taxable?

No, the pension received under IGNOAPS is exempt from income tax under Section 10(35) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Can NRI senior citizens apply for IGNOAPS?

No, IGNOAPS is available only to Indian citizens who are residents of India. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible for this scheme.

What should I do if my pension stops suddenly?

If your pension stops without any intimation, visit your District Social Welfare Office with your Aadhaar card and bank passbook. You can also call the NSAP helpline at 1800-118-111 for assistance.

Related Schemes

If you are a senior citizen looking for financial security, you may also want to explore the following government schemes:

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) — A voluntary pension scheme for unorganised workers with a monthly contribution of ₹55 to ₹200, providing a guaranteed pension of ₹3,000 per month after age 60.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) — A life insurance scheme providing ₹2 lakh coverage at a premium of ₹436 per year, available to citizens aged 18-50.
Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) — A government-backed savings scheme for citizens aged 60+ offering 8.2% interest per annum with a maximum deposit of ₹30 lakh.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) — Housing scheme for BPL families including senior citizens, providing financial assistance for house construction.
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) — Health insurance scheme providing ₹5 lakh coverage per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.

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