Widow Pension Scheme: A Complete Guide for 2024

 

Everyone deserves to be financially secure, be it women, men, couples or widows. It is especially crucial for women after the death of their husbands, allowing them to manage their finances and live a stress-free life.

With this in mind, the Central Government of India has taken initiatives to support widows by giving them regular pensions. A scheme named the Widow Pension Yojana or Vidhwa Pension Yojna has been initiated to empower women with a means to live a peaceful life through pension plans.

Here is everything you need to know about the Vidhwa Pension Scheme. 

What Is The Widow Pension Scheme? 

Vidhwa Pension Scheme is an initiative taken by the Central Government of India to support women following their husbands’ demise in terms of finances.

This scheme offers a regular pension in the form of fixed monthly payouts, empowering widows to sustain themselves and their families. 

The primary aim is to assist widows in achieving financial independence, enabling them to take care of their families and live life without financial stress.

While the widows are entitled to this financial benefit, no other family member of the widow can avail themselves of benefits after the widow’s demise. Additionally, the benefits and the process of applying for the scheme may vary from one state to another. 

Who Is Eligible For The Widow Pension Scheme?

To be eligible for availing benefits of the scheme, the widows must follow the following criteria:

1. The widow’s age must be above 18 years. 
2. The widow must fall under the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category to be eligible for the scheme. She should own a BPL score card.
3. If the widow gets married to someone or decides to remarry, the benefits of the scheme shall not be applicable anymore. 
4. The widow should be a citizen of India. 
5. If the widow’s children are capable of taking care of her finances, the scheme shall not be applicable. 

How Can Widows Apply For The Widow Pension Scheme?

Usually, there are two ways to “how to apply widow pension scheme” i.e. online and offline. Let’s discuss the application process.

1. Widow Pension Apply Online Process

• First, you must visit the official website of your respective state. 

• Then, register yourself and either download or fill out the application form. 

• Submit all the required documents.

• Verify your details and “submit” the form online.

2. For Offline Application 

• Visit the Municipal Corporation Office or the Janpad Panchayat Office.

• Get the application form from the office.

• Fill in your details.

• Submit all copies of the required documents.

• After verification, the account may be opened successfully. 

Benefits Of The Widow Pension Scheme

The scheme shall benefit the widows after their husbands’ demise in the following ways:

1. The scheme provides fixed monthly payments to widows to manage their finances.
2. In major states of India, the pension per month is around Rs 300.
3. The pension ranges between Rs 300 and Rs 2000 and can vary from one state to another. 
4. After achieving 80 years of age, the pension shall be increased to Rs 500 a month. 
5. The eligibility age and the pension amount vary from one state to another.
6. The government deposits the pension amount directly to the widow’s respective bank accounts. 

Documents Required For The Widow’s Pension Scheme

The following documents are required to be submitted while applying for the Vidhwa Pension Yojana:

1. Photographs of the beneficiary/applicant
2. Income Certificate
3. The death certificate of the husband
4. Identification proof (Aadhar card, Voter ID card, Ration card)
5. BPL scorecard (if applicable)
6. Bank Passbook
7. Birth Certificate 

Who Should Opt For The Widow Pension Scheme?

Women falling in the following categories must avail themselves of the benefits of the scheme: 

1. Single women finding it difficult to arrange funds for their monthly expenses can apply for the scheme. 
2. Single mothers lacking sufficient funds to sustain themselves, their families or children are also eligible.
3. Widows living below the poverty line with certain financial obligations qualify for the scheme. 
4. Working women earning a low income and responsible for caring for their in-laws can apply for the support. 
5. Widows desiring to save for future uncertainties are encouraged to participate in the policy.  

Insurance Policy Under Married Women’s Property Act (MWPA) 

Certain insurance policies can be bought by men to safeguard the interests of their children and wives. One such policy is buying insurance with an MWPA policy. 

The beneficiaries, in case of policyholders' demise, have to be decided at the time of purchase and can't be altered later on. 

The beneficiaries can be only wife, only children or both wife and children. Relatives, friends, parents, etc., can not claim any benefits from this policy. 

The primary objective of this policy is to protect the wife and children of the policyholder after his demise or in the case of a family dispute. It also ensures that the wife and child are protected from lenders or other family members. 

Retirement Solutions In Life Insurance For The Well Being Of Single Women

The future is uncertain. And if the breadwinner of the house passes away, the whole family may have to endure hardship. In case the breadwinner is the man, his demise may affect his wife, children, and parents/dependents financially.

In such cases, life insurance plans can play a crucial role in providing financial stability. In uncertain situations affecting the breadwinner of the house, these plans offer protection to their loved ones. 

Similar to insurance plans, there is also an option to save through retirement policies for your retirement planning. 

Women can buy a retirement policy to:

• park their additional savings

• receive a fixed monthly income post-retirement

• attain financial freedom

Retirement and Pension plans by HDFC Life

Here are some of the key highlights of the retirement and pension plans offered by HDFC Life –

• Financial independence once you retire.
• Means to fulfil your retirement goals.
• Life coverage, offering financial stability to your loved ones.
• Tax savings.
• Guaranteed returns in your golden years.
• Low entry age of 18.
• Limited premium-paying term.
• Options to choose payment frequency.

Conclusion

Widows in India often encounter challenges to manage their finances after their husband’s demise. That is why the Central and State Governments of India have introduced schemes like the Vidhwa Pension Yojana. 

The application process and the pension amount differ from one place/state to another. Also, there are certain eligibility criteria that need to be met to qualify for the benefits.

Along with these schemes, certain life insurance plans and retirement policies can play a crucial role in achieving financial independence. 

FAQs on Widow Pension Scheme

1. Which is the best scheme for Widows?

A Widow Pension Yojana or Vidhwa Pension Yojana is one of the best schemes launched by the government to empower widows in India. The minimum pension per month starts from Rs 300.

2. What is the amount of Widow’s pension?

The minimum pension per month starts from Rs 300. Also, the pension amount may vary from one state to another. After 80 years of age, the monthly widow’s pension rises to Rs 500 a month.

3. What is the national pension scheme for widows?

The NPS for widows is a scheme wherein widows are financially empowered with a fixed monthly income by the government of India. The pension starts from Rs 300 a month.

4. What is the interest rate for a widow's benefits?

Unfortunately, there are no interest rates associated with the scheme. It only involves a fixed monthly pension.

5. Does a widow get a full pension?

The pension offered in this scheme may not be considered a full pension by everyone. However, it does provide basic financial support.

ARN - ED/02/24/8751