Union Cabinet Unveils Major Changes to National Social Assistance Programme

The Union Cabinet has approved a substantial budget of ₹53,428 crore for the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) from 2026-27 to 2030-31. This initiative includes revised eligibility criteria, lowering the disability threshold for pensions, and expanding coverage to individuals with disabilities from birth. The program will be rebranded as 'Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana', with changes to existing pension schemes for the elderly and widows. This decision is expected to benefit over 3.20 crore individuals across India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 14, 2026, 17:33 IST

Significant Funding Approved for Social Assistance

New Delhi: On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet sanctioned a budget of ₹53,428 crore to extend the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for an additional five years, covering the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31. This initiative will feature updated eligibility standards and revised assistance amounts for those receiving disability pensions.

The program will be rebranded as the 'Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana', with changes also made to the names of its pension and family benefit components, as stated in an official announcement.

According to the new guidelines, beneficiaries under the disability pension scheme will receive ₹375 monthly if they are under 80 years old, while those aged 80 and above will receive ₹625.

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years from 2026-27, with a total budget of ₹53,428 crore.

The minimum disability threshold for pensions has been lowered from 80% to 40%, allowing more individuals with disabilities to benefit from this scheme.

Individuals with disabilities will now be eligible for the pension scheme from birth.

These changes will enhance social security benefits for a larger number of individuals with disabilities.

- Union Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw

#CabinetDecisions

— PIB Hindi (@PIBHindi) October 14, 2026

The eligibility requirement for receiving the pension has been significantly reduced, with the disability benchmark now set at 40% instead of 80%. Additionally, the age limit has been eliminated, allowing individuals with disabilities to qualify for assistance from birth.

The new eligibility criteria, along with the coverage and assistance rates for the disability pension scheme, are set to be implemented within three months following the release of the guidelines.

Pension schemes for the elderly and widows, as well as the National Family Benefit Scheme, will remain unchanged.

This Cabinet decision is anticipated to positively impact approximately 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 states and Union Territories.

The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme will be renamed the 'Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana', while the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme will now be referred to as the 'Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana'.