The Central Government has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for another five years, from 2026–27 to 2030–31. The decision includes changes to the scheme's name and revisions to eligibility criteria and assistance for persons with disabilities.

According to the government's announcement on October 14, 2026, the programme will continue with a total financial outlay of ₹53,428 crore. The approval is expected to benefit approximately 3.2 crore people across 36 states and Union Territories. The announcement is particularly relevant for families relying on social security pensions and financial assistance. Source: Prime Minister's Office.

1. What Is Changing Under the Government's Decision?

The National Social Assistance Programme provides social security assistance to eligible vulnerable individuals and households. The latest approval continues the programme for five more years and introduces revised names for its major components.

The scheme and its sub-schemes will be renamed as follows:

• National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) will become Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana.

• Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme will become Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana.

• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme will become Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana.

• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme will become Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana.

• National Family Benefit Scheme will become Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana.

These changes are part of the approved restructuring of the programme. The revised names do not, by themselves, mean that every beneficiary will receive a higher pension.

2. New Assistance Rates for Persons With Disabilities

One of the key changes concerns financial assistance for persons with disabilities.

Under the approved revision, the assistance rates will be:

• ₹375 for beneficiaries aged 0–79 years.

• ₹625 for beneficiaries aged 80 years and above.

The government has also approved changes to the eligibility criteria for disability pension. The benchmark disability requirement will be reduced from 80% to 40%, and the minimum age criterion will be removed so that eligibility can begin from birth, subject to the scheme's applicable conditions.

These changes are intended to widen access to assistance for eligible persons with disabilities.

3. What About Senior Citizens and Widows?

The government has approved the continuation of the old-age and widow pension schemes in their existing form, along with the family benefit scheme.

This means the latest announcement primarily confirms the continuation and renaming of these components rather than announcing a general increase in their assistance rates.

Beneficiaries should check the applicable rules with their state or Union Territory administration before assuming that their monthly payment or eligibility has changed.

4. Who Could Benefit From These Changes?

The programme is intended to provide social security support to eligible vulnerable groups, including older persons, widows, persons with disabilities and families covered under the National Family Benefit Scheme.

The revised disability criteria may make assistance accessible to more people who were previously outside the benchmark disability threshold.

However, eligibility depends on the scheme's detailed conditions and verification requirements. The government has stated that implementation guidelines covering revised eligibility, beneficiary coverage and assistance rates will be issued within three months.

5. What Should Existing and New Applicants Do?

People already receiving benefits should keep their bank details, identity documents and beneficiary records updated with the relevant authorities.

Those who believe they may qualify under the revised disability criteria should contact their local social welfare department, district administration or designated scheme office for guidance once the detailed implementation rules are issued.

Applicants should also avoid paying agents who promise guaranteed pension approval. Government benefits should be pursued through official channels, and any required documents should be submitted only through authorised processes.

Conclusion

The continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme until 2030–31 is an important development for social security beneficiaries across India. The ₹53,428 crore allocation will support the programme over the next five financial years, while the revised disability pension criteria could extend assistance to a wider group of eligible people.

For beneficiaries, the most important next step is to follow the detailed implementation guidelines expected from the government. These will clarify how the revised criteria will be applied and what action, if any, existing and new applicants need to take.