Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana

The brief in 5 cards

1. Note1 / 5

   WHY IN NEWS?

   • On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five more years, 2026-27 to 2030-31.
   • The outlay is ₹53,428 crore.
   • The programme is renamed the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, and its four sub-schemes are renamed too.
   • Old-age, widow and family benefit schemes continue in their existing forms.
   • The disability pension has been revised.
2. Note2 / 5

   THE RENAMED SCHEMES

   The table shows the new names.

   Former name	New name
   National Social Assistance Programme	Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana
   Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme	Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana
   Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme	Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana
   Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme	Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana
   National Family Benefit Scheme	Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana

   Three are monthly pensions; the family benefit is a one-time payment when a household's main earner dies.

3. Note3 / 5

   WHAT CHANGES FOR THE DISABILITY PENSION

   The table compares the old and new rules.

   Feature	Until 14 October 2026	From 14 October 2026
   Disability threshold	80% (severe or multiple, National Trust Act 1999)	40% benchmark (RPwD Act 2016)
   Minimum age	18 years	None; from birth
   Central assistance, up to 79 years (₹ a month)	300	375
   Central assistance, 80 and above (₹ a month)	500	625
   Beneficiaries	8.33 lakh	27.48 lakh

   Households must still be below the poverty line, and a disability certificate is still required.

4. Note4 / 5

   KEY CONCEPTS

   1. What is NSAP's constitutional basis?

   It gives effect to Article 41, a Directive Principle. It asks the State to provide public assistance in old age, sickness, disablement and unemployment, within its means.

   2. How is NSAP funded?

   It is a centrally sponsored scheme with 100% central assistance. It covers rural and urban households below the poverty line.

   3. What is "benchmark disability"?

   Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, it means at least 40% of a specified disability, certified by an authority. The Act lists 21 types of disability.

   4. Do States add to the pension?

   Yes. States and Union Territories add their own top-ups. The central rate is the floor on which they build.

5. Note5 / 5

   WHY IT MATTERS

   • Legal consistency: The disability pension now matches the 2016 Act used for jobs, education and housing.
   • Children included: Families no longer wait until a child turns 18.
   • Wider reach: People with 40–79% disability, previously excluded, now qualify.
   • Adequacy concern: Central rates remain low; most support depends on State top-ups.

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