By AimIndia Team 
The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) was introduced on 15th August 1995 as a social welfare initiative by the Government of India. It aims to provide financial support to individuals living below the poverty line (BPL) and suffering from old age, widowhood, disability, or the loss of the primary breadwinner. Administered by the Ministry of Rural Development, NSAP ensures that vulnerable sections of society receive the help they need. The program plays a key role in meeting the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 41 and 42 of the Indian Constitution.
The NSAP is a fully Centrally Sponsored Scheme, which means that it is entirely funded by the central government.The program started with three parts. Now, it has five main plans. These plans help senior citizens, widows, people with disabilities, and families who have lost their main earner.The objective of NSAP is to offer uniform social protection across the country, ensuring that even those in remote areas benefit from this program.
The NSAP Pension List and other beneficiary statuses are available on NSAP.nic.in 2024 New List. This online platform allows beneficiaries to check their eligibility and NSAP Beneficiary Status.
Objectives
- To Provide financial help to needy people like the Old, widows, and disabled from poor families.
- Ensure social security through a national standard of benefits across states.
- Link assistance to broader poverty alleviation schemes to improve living conditions.
- Maintain uniformity in social protection across the country through the NSAP Pension List and regular updates.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
- The minimum age for Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) is 60 years.
- The widow pension under IGNWPS is provided to women aged 40 years or above.
- For IGNDPS, the individual must be 18 years or older with a disability level of 80% or more.
- The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) offers assistance to bereaved families in case of the death of the breadwinner.
Benefits
- Under IGNOAPS, individuals aged 60-79 years receive a pension of ₹200 per month, and those aged 80 years and above receive ₹500 per month.
- Widows under IGNWPS receive ₹300 per month, and the pension increases to ₹500 after they reach 80 years.
- Disabled individuals under IGNDPS receive ₹300 per month, which increases to ₹500 per month after they turn 80 years.
- Families who have lost their breadwinner are entitled to ₹20,000 under the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS).
Required Documents
- Application form (self-attested).
- Domicile certificate.
- Residential proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, etc.).
- Age proof (birth certificate or medical certificate).
- Aadhaar number.
- Bank passbook.
- Ration card.
Chief Minister Vayoshree Yojana : RS. 3,000 monthly (65+) Apply online 2024
How to Apply
To apply for the National Social Assistance Programme, follow these steps:
- Visit NSAP.nic.in or download the UMANG app.
- Create an account using a mobile number and OTP.
- After logging in, search for NSAP Online Apply.
- Select the desired scheme, fill in the necessary details, upload required documents, and submit the form.
For more details, beneficiaries can check the NSAP Pension List on NSAP.nic.in or verify their status using the NSAP Login feature.
The National Social Assistance Programme remains a cornerstone of India’s welfare system, helping the most vulnerable members of society. By providing essential financial support through its various schemes, the NSAP ensures that individuals facing economic hardships due to old age, widowhood, or disability are not left behind. Through tools like NSAP.nic.in 2024 New List, beneficiaries can now check their NSAP Beneficiary Status and other updates easily.