The Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (PMSSY), a social assistance programme for eligible households below the poverty line, has been extended for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31. The programme will now cover 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories, up from 3.09 crore earlier. It aims to provide financial support through old-age, widow, disability pensions, and family benefit schemes.
- The programme period is extended to 2030-31.
- Beneficiary coverage increases to 3.20 crore.
- Disability pension eligibility criteria revised.
- Monthly assistance under disability pension increased.
- Programme renamed from National Social Assistance Programme to PMSSY.
What is the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana?
Originally launched on August 15, 1995, as the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), this scheme provides social assistance to households facing financial hardship due to old age, widowhood, disability, or loss of the primary breadwinner. It offers support through various pension and family benefit schemes to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
What are the key changes in the extended programme?
The programme has been renamed as the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. It will cover 3.20 crore beneficiaries, an increase from 3.09 crore. The total budget allocation for the five-year period is ₹53,428 crore. While old-age pension, widow pension, and family benefit schemes continue unchanged, the disability pension component has been revised and renamed as the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana.
How has the disability pension component changed?
The disability pension scheme has seen significant updates. Previously, applicants needed a minimum disability level of 80% to qualify. The revised rules lower this threshold to 40%, aligning with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Additionally, the minimum age requirement of 18 years has been removed, allowing younger individuals with disabilities to apply.
The monthly central assistance has also increased. Beneficiaries up to 79 years of age will receive an additional ₹75 per month, while those aged 80 and above will get an extra ₹125 per month. The number of beneficiaries under this scheme has grown from 8.33 lakh to 27.48 lakh.
What are the new names of the pension and family benefit schemes?
Under the revised PMSSY framework, the existing schemes have been renamed but continue in their current form:
- Old-age pension is now called Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana.
- Widow pension is renamed Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana.
- Family benefit scheme is called Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana.
Why is this extension important?
Extending the PMSSY ensures continued financial support for millions of vulnerable individuals and families across India. By increasing coverage and revising eligibility criteria, especially for persons with disabilities, the government aims to make social assistance more inclusive and effective in reducing poverty and hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the duration of the extended PMSSY?
A: The programme is extended for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
Q: How many beneficiaries will the programme cover?
A: The coverage has increased to 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all States and Union Territories.
Q: What changes have been made to the disability pension scheme?
A: The disability threshold has been lowered from 80% to 40%, the minimum age requirement has been removed, and monthly assistance has increased by ₹75 or ₹125 depending on age.
Q: Have the old-age and widow pension schemes changed?
A: These schemes have been renamed but continue in their existing form under the new PMSSY framework.
