After retirement, many senior citizens face a reduction in regular income while their day-to-day expenses continue. To provide financial support during old age, the Delhi government runs the Old Age Assistance Scheme, commonly known as the Old Age Pension Scheme.
The scheme is administered by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of NCT of Delhi. Eligible senior citizens receive monthly financial assistance directly into their bank accounts. However, applicants must meet specific age, residency, income and other conditions before they can receive the benefit.
Who Is Eligible for the Old Age Pension?
Under the scheme, the applicant must be 60 years of age or above and must have been a resident of Delhi for at least five years before applying.
The annual family income must be less than ₹1 lakh from all sources. Applicants must also have an Aadhaar number and a singly operated bank account in the National Capital Territory of Delhi for receiving the assistance.
Another important condition is that the applicant should not already be receiving a pension or financial assistance from the Central Government, Delhi government, another government body or another source for the same purpose.
How Much Pension Do Senior Citizens Receive?
The amount of financial assistance depends on the beneficiary’s age.
Senior citizens between 60 and 69 years are eligible for ₹2,000 per month. Beneficiaries aged 70 years and above receive ₹2,500 per month.
For eligible SC/ST beneficiaries in the 60–69 age group, an additional ₹500 per month is provided after submission of the required documents.
The financial assistance is deposited into the beneficiary’s bank account through the government’s payment system.
How to Apply for the Senior Citizen Pension
Applications for the Old Age Pension Scheme are submitted online through the Delhi government’s e-District portal. Aadhaar is mandatory for completing the application process.
Applicants need to fill in their details and upload self-attested documents supporting their eligibility. The Social Welfare Department lists the Old Age Pension Scheme among its online services, with a prescribed processing timeline of 45 days. Applications are subject to the applicable quota and verification process.
Documents Required for Application
Applicants generally need to submit proof of age, proof of residence, bank account details and a passport-size photograph. SC/ST applicants aged 60–69 years must also provide the required caste certificate to claim the additional assistance.
An income self-declaration in the prescribed format must also be submitted. Aadhaar is required for the online application, and the bank account must meet the scheme’s requirements.
Eligible senior citizens should check the Delhi government’s official Social Welfare and e-District portals for the latest application status and requirements before submitting their application.