Financial uncertainties can raise concern among poor senior individuals. To ease that concern, the Ministry of Rural Development of the Indian Government launched Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) as a part of the National Social Assistance Programme in 2007. If you are keen to know more about this scheme, then keep reading!

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Yojana's main objective is to extend central and state financial assistance through monthly pensions to needy senior citizens, helping them to manage daily expenses.

Note the following features of IGNOAPS as mentioned below:

• It is non-contributory in nature, where applicants do not need to invest in this scheme to receive a monthly pension. 
• Senior individuals of 60 years and above qualify to receive a monthly pension of ₹200 till they turn 79 years and ₹500 per month after that against meeting eligibility criteria from the Central Government. Based on the state's share of contribution, State Governments can provide a monthly pension to a beneficiary above this amount, ranging between ₹200 and ₹1,000.

To access the benefits of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, individuals need to meet the following eligibility parameters:

• This scheme covers Indian applicants, including both males and females.
• Individuals must be 60 years and above.
• Individuals must belong to the category of below the poverty line. They must be destitute, having no monetary support from family members or additional sources.
• Widows and individuals with severe disabilities aged 60 to 79 years and living below the poverty line do not qualify for IGNOAPS.

Follow this step-wise guide mentioned below to access the benefits of Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme:

• Step 1: Eligible applicants residing in rural regions need to visit the Block Development Office, and applicants living in urban regions must visit the District Social Welfare Officer to apply for the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme.
• Step 2: Collect the application form provided by the Social Welfare Department of the concerned region. Fill in the following required details:
  • Details of a district, block, or state
  • Society and panchayat's name
  • Beneficiary's and heir's name
  • Gender, age, date of birth
  • House number
  • Information about the applicant's birth certificate, including domicile certificate 
  • BPL card or annual income certificate 
  • Issuance date of the certificate 
• Step 3: Then, submit this application form with supporting documents such as BPL certificate and Aadhaar card to the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer of the concerned rural area. Applicants of urban areas can submit this application form to the District Social Welfare Officer. 

After verification of this application by official authorities, it is forwarded to the District Social Welfare Officer of the concerned area to organise funds for applicants if their application is approved. The District Level Sanctioning Committee grants final approval to this application. The sanction is carried out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Submit the following documents required to apply for IGNOAPS:

• Application form
• Age certificate collected from a medical officer of the concerned area  and attested by Block medical officer
• Income certificate and BPL card
• Passbook of the bank account or the post office
• Applicant's passport size photographs

Applicants can check their application status for Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme by following the simple steps mentioned below:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of NSAP and select 'Reports' available on the home page.
• Step 2: Choose the 'Application Tracker' option and provide the application number. Type the verification code and select ‘Submit’ to view the status of the application for the IGNOAP Scheme.

Thus, keep these pointers mentioned above in mind when applying for IGNOAPS. Don't forget to keep an eye on the official website for the latest updates.