Overview of Pension Schemes in Bihar

The Government of Bihar, through its **Department of Social Welfare**, administers several pension schemes, often in convergence with the **National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)** launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. These schemes aim to provide a safety net and financial independence to the most vulnerable sections of society.

Recently, in June 2025, the Bihar Chief Minister announced a significant increase in the social security pension amount from ₹400 to **₹1,100 per month** for all beneficiaries under the Social Security Pension Scheme (including old age, disability, and widow pensions), effective from July 2025. This reflects a strong commitment to inclusive development.

The pension amounts are directly transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts through the **Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)** method, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

1. Mukhyamantri Vriddhajan Pension Yojana (MVPY) -

This is a flagship state-specific old-age pension scheme launched by the Government of Bihar on April 1, 2019.

Objective:

• To provide financial assistance to all elderly citizens of Bihar aged 60 years and above, irrespective of their caste, religion, or income (with the exception of retired government employees).

Benefits:

• **₹1,100 per month** for individuals aged 60 years and above (revised from July 2025).
  • Previously: ₹400/- for 60-79 years, ₹500/- for 80 years and above. The new uniform amount significantly increases the benefit for all eligible seniors.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicant must be a permanent resident of Bihar.
• Applicant must be 60 years of age or above.
• **Exclusion:** Retired government employees are generally not eligible. Applicants should not be receiving any other government pension (family pension, social security pension from other sources).
• Unlike some other schemes, it has broader income/BPL criteria, aiming for wider coverage.

How to Apply:

• Online application is primarily done through the **SSPMIS Bihar website (https://www.sspmis.bihar.gov.in/HomePage)**.
• Click on "Register for MVPY" or "Apply for Social Security Pension Schemes".
• Fill in personal details, address, bank details.
• Validate Aadhaar and register as a new beneficiary.
• Take a printout of the acknowledgment receipt.
• Offline application may also be possible at the RTPS counter at the block office level.

Documents Required:

• Aadhaar Card (linked to bank account)
• Voter ID Card (EPIC card)
• Date of Birth Certificate/Age Proof
• Bank Passbook (for DBT)
• Passport-size photograph
• Residence Proof
• Income Certificate (if specified as required by current rules, though MVPY is generally broader than BPL criteria)

2. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) -

This is a centrally sponsored scheme under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), implemented by the Social Welfare Department in Bihar.

Objective:

• To provide financial assistance to elderly persons (men/women) aged 60 years or above who belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

Benefits:

• Beneficiaries aged 60 to 79 years: **₹1,100 per month** (This amount now includes the state's top-up, revised from July 2025. Previously, it was ₹200 from central and ₹200 from state, making it ₹400 total).
• Beneficiaries aged 80 years or above: **₹1,100 per month** (This amount now includes the state's top-up, revised from July 2025. Previously, it was ₹500 from central).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicant must be a resident of Bihar.
• Applicant must be 60 years of age or older.
• Applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family (as per the criteria set by the Government of India).
• Applicant should not be receiving pension benefits under any other social security scheme.

How to Apply:

• Primarily an offline application process through the **Right to Public Service (RTPS) counter at the block office level**.
• Fill the prescribed application form.
• Submit with required attachments.
• Receive an acknowledgment receipt.
• Application approval/rejection notification via SMS/email.
• Some online portals may facilitate basic application submission or tracking.

Documents Required:

• Aadhaar card
• Passport-size photograph
• Identity proof (Voter ID Card, Driving License)
• Residence Proof
• Proof of age
• Below Poverty Line (BPL) Card/related documents
• Bank Passbook/Bank account details

3. Lakshmi Bai Social Security Pension Scheme (LBSSPS) -

This is a state-specific scheme by the Government of Bihar for widows.

Objective:

• To provide social security and financial assistance to widowed women in Bihar, especially those who may not be covered under the central IGNWPS (which has specific age criteria).

Benefits:

• **₹1,100 per month** (Revised from July 2025. Previously, it was ₹400/- per month).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicant must be a resident of Bihar.
• Applicant must be a widow.
• Age: 18 years or more (This scheme is broader than IGNWPS, which covers 40-79 years).
• Applicant should belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family or have an annual family income of ₹60,000/- or less.
• Applicant should not be receiving pension benefits under any other social security scheme.

How to Apply:

• Both online and offline application modes are available.
• Online: Through the SSPMIS Bihar website or the Department of Social Welfare portal.
• Offline: Submit the duly filled application form with documents at the RTPS counter at the block office level.

Documents Required:

• Aadhaar card of the applicant
• Husband's Death Certificate
• Proof of Age
• Residence Proof
• BPL Ration Card/Income Certificate
• Bank Passbook
• Passport-size photograph

4. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) -

This is a centrally sponsored scheme under NSAP, implemented by the Social Welfare Department in Bihar.

Objective:

• To provide financial assistance to widows aged 40 to 79 years belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

Benefits:

• **₹1,100 per month** (Revised from July 2025, including the state's top-up. Previously, it was ₹400/- per month).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicant must be a resident of Bihar.
• Applicant must be a widow.
• Age: Between 40 and 79 years.
• Applicant should belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
• Applicant should not be receiving pension benefits under any other social security scheme.

How to Apply & Documents:

• Similar to IGNOAPS, primarily through the **RTPS counter at the block office level**.
• Documents are largely the same as LBSSPS, with the addition of age proof specific to the 40-79 age bracket.

5. Bihar State Disability Pension Scheme / Chief Minister Physically Handicapped Pension Scheme .

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicant must be a permanent resident of Bihar.
• Applicant must have a physical disability of **40% or more**, certified by a competent medical authority.
• There is generally **no minimum or maximum age limit** for availing this scheme.
• There is usually **no upper limit on annual income** defined for this pension, making it inclusive for a wider range of persons with disabilities.
• Applicant should not be receiving pension benefits under any other social security scheme (specifically, if covered under Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, they might not be eligible for the state scheme and vice-versa).

How to Apply:

• Applications can be submitted online through the SSPMIS Bihar website or offline at the RTPS counter at the block office level.

Documents Required:

• Aadhaar card
• Disability Certificate (with percentage of disability)
• Residence Proof
• Bank Passbook
• Passport-size photograph
• Age Proof (though no age limit, it's still often required for record).

6. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) -

This is a centrally sponsored scheme under NSAP, implemented in Bihar.

Objective:

• To provide financial assistance to persons with severe or multiple disabilities who belong to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

Benefits:

• **₹1,100 per month** (Revised from July 2025, including the state's top-up. Previously, it was ₹400/- per month).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicant must be a resident of Bihar.
• Applicant must be 18 years of age or above.
• Applicant must have a severe or multiple disability (usually 80% or more, or specific conditions as defined under NSAP).
• Applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
• Applicant should not be receiving pension benefits under any other social security scheme.

How to Apply & Documents:

• Similar to other NSAP schemes, primarily through the **RTPS counter at the block office level**.
• Documents are largely the same as the state disability pension scheme, with a focus on the BPL card and type/percentage of disability as per NSAP guidelines.

General Application Process and Important Points

Common Application Platforms:

• **SSPMIS Bihar Portal:** https://www.sspmis.bihar.gov.in/HomePage (This is the primary portal for many social security pension schemes in Bihar, allowing online application and status checks).
• **ServicePlus (RTPS) Bihar Portal:** https://serviceonline.bihar.gov.in/ (Many government services, including pension applications, are integrated here, and you can track application status).
• Block Office / RTPS Counter: For offline applications and submissions.

Key Documents Common to All:

• Aadhaar Card (linked to bank account)
• Residence Proof (Voter ID, Domicile Certificate, Ration Card)
• Bank Passbook (for Direct Benefit Transfer - DBT)
• Passport-size photographs
• Age Proof (Birth Certificate, Matric Certificate, Voter ID)
• Income Certificate (if applicable, especially for BPL-based schemes)
• Caste Certificate (if applying under any specific reserved category, though most pension schemes are universal or BPL-based)
• Specific certificates for disability (Disability Certificate) or marital status (Husband's Death Certificate for widows).

Important Tips:

• Keep Documents Ready: Ensure all required documents are readily available and up-to-date.
• Aadhaar-Bank Linkage: It is crucial that your Aadhaar number is linked to your bank account for seamless DBT of pension amounts.
• Check Eligibility Carefully: Before applying, review the specific eligibility criteria for each scheme.
• Track Application Status: Use the provided application/acknowledgment number to track the status of your application online.
• Grievance Redressal: If you face issues with your application or pension disbursement, utilize the grievance redressal mechanisms available on the SSPMIS portal or call the helpline numbers.
• Official Websites: Always rely on official government websites for the most accurate and current information. Schemes and benefits can be updated periodically.