Pension Scheme to Old Age Persons (PSOAP): Eligibility, Documents, Application

15^th Dec 2025...

Published By : Team 811

Pension Scheme to Old Age Persons Key Takeaways

PSOAP offers a fixed monthly pension for eligible senior citizens to meet basic needs.
The amount of the pension provided is based on the age of the person: for a person of 60-69 years of age, the monthly pension is ₹1,500, and for a person of 70 and above, the pension amount is ₹2,000/month.
The scheme is a non-contributory one and, thus, is designed for elderly people who do not have enough means to maintain themselves.
Generally, pension payments are made through bank accounts (DBT), and hence an account linked with Aadhaar will facilitate the timely transfer of ‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌installments.

A senior citizen pension is essential for elderly individuals who do not have a stable income after retirement. Many older people struggle to meet daily expenses due to limited savings or lack of family support.

To support वरिष्ठ नागरिकों के लिए financial assistance, the Government of India introduced the Pension Scheme to Old Age Persons (PSOAP). This senior citizen pension scheme provides fixed monthly support so that elderly beneficiaries can manage basic needs independently. This blog explains the scheme clearly, including eligibility, documents, pension amount, and how to apply.

What is the Senior Citizen Pension Scheme (PSOAP)?

The senior citizen pension scheme, commonly known as the Pension Scheme to Old Age Persons (PSOAP), is an initiative by the Indian Government that aims to provide a fixed sum of money to the old beneficiaries on a monthly basis. As per the official scheme list, people aged 60-69 receive ₹1,500 per month, and those who are 70 years and above will get ₹2,000 per month.

The program is intended to keep elderly people who do not have a stable source of income financially afloat. Thus, it becomes their minimum level of income required for the care of their most basic needs, such as food, health (medicine), and indispensable household expenses.

It is a non-contributory welfare scheme, that is, older people are not allowed to pay for it or part with anything in order to qualify for the scheme. The pension is given through DBT directly to the beneficiary's bank account every month.

Who Benefits from the Senior Citizen Pension Scheme?

This scheme specifically supports:

Elderly individuals aged 60 years or above.
Seniors who lack adequate means of livelihood and need regular assistance.
Older persons without a steady income, savings, or family support.
Individuals seeking a free pension for senior citizens in India in the form of basic monthly income support.
वरिष्ठ नागरिकों के लिए- Those who require a welfare scheme to manage daily expenses.

Key Features & Benefits of the Scheme

Here are some of the main ways this pension scheme supports senior citizens:

Monthly Pension Support: Seniors aged 60–69 receive ₹1,500 per month, while those 70 and above get ₹2,000.
Extra Help for Older Seniors: People over 70 get a slightly higher amount to meet their increased daily needs.
No Contributions Needed: It’s a welfare-based scheme, so applicants don’t need to pay anything to be eligible.
Reliable Financial Assistance: The pension offers a steady source of income for seniors who may not have regular earnings.
Direct Bank Transfer: The pension money is credited straight to the beneficiary’s bank account every month, ensuring quick and transparent payments.
Available Across States: The scheme is implemented nationwide, with states managing local procedures.

You can receive the monthly pension payment with ease through a digital savings account like Kotak811 Savings Account if you are a beneficiary under PSOAP. It will be easy to check deposits, withdraw cash when needed, and manage your pension securely.

Who Is Eligible for the Senior Citizen Pension Scheme?

To apply for PSOAP, a person must meet the following conditions:

They should be 60 years of age or older.
They must be an Indian citizen.
They should not have enough income or financial support to meet their daily needs.
They need to provide valid proof of age, address, and a bank account for pension transfer.
They must also meet any additional rules set by their state’s welfare department.

Exclusions:

Who Is Not Eligible for the Scheme?

The following individuals may not qualify:

Persons younger than 60 years.
Seniors already receiving another government pension (varies by state).
Those with stable income or adequate financial support.
Applicants who cannot provide the required documents for verification.

Documents Required for Senior Citizen Pension

Applicants must provide the documents mentioned below for their successful registration in the senior citizen pension scheme:

Age proof (Aadhaar, birth certificate, senior citizen ID).
Identity proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, etc.).
Address proof (ration card, utility bill, voter ID).
Income/economic status proof (if applicable).
Bank passbook or cancelled cheque for DBT.
Passport-size photographs.
Any document required by the state authority.

How to Apply for the Senior Citizen Pension Scheme

Follow these steps for registration, submission, and approval.

New Registration

Visit the nearest District Social Welfare Office / Gram Panchayat / Municipal Office.
Request the Senior Citizen Pension (PSOAP) form.
Fill in personal details and attach the required documents.
Submit the completed form to the welfare officer.

Online Application (Where Available)

Some states offer an online application portal:

Visit your state pension portal.
Select Old Age Pension / Senior Citizen Pension.
Register using Aadhaar or mobile number.
Upload documents and submit the form online.

Verification

Officials verify age, income, residence, and absence of other pensions.
Local field checks may be conducted by municipal or panchayat officers.

How to Check Application Status

Visit your state’s social welfare pension portal and track using your application ID or Aadhaar.
Or contact the welfare office where you submitted your form.

Benefit Disbursal

Once‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ the sanction is given, the pension amount is transferred every month to the bank account through the DBT.
The beneficiaries may get the pension information through SMS, Internet banking, or passbook update.

Conclusion

The senior citizen pension under PSOAP offers essential financial support to elderly individuals who lack a regular income. This welfare-based pension helps them manage monthly living expenses with dignity. Eligible seniors can apply with basic documents, and the pension is transferred directly to their bank account.

For many older citizens, this scheme serves as an important lifeline.

FAQs

1. Under the scheme for senior citizen pension, what is the pension amount given?

₹1,500/month for ages 60–69 and ₹2,000/month for those aged 70+.

2. Is this a free pension for senior citizens in India?

Yes, it is a welfare-based, non-contributory pension for eligible seniors.

3. Who can apply for the Scheme?

Any Indian citizen who is 60 years or above with limited financial means.

4. Is Aadhaar mandatory?

In general, Aadhaar is required for identity verification and DBT.

5. How is pension paid?

Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the beneficiary’s bank account.

6. Can seniors receive more than one pension?

Typically no. Receiving another pension may lead to disqualification based on state rules.

7. Is online application available?

Some states offer online portals, while others follow offline applications.

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