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Vidhwa Pension Scheme: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

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Everything You Need to Know About the Widow Pension Scheme 2024
June 12, 2024

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The Widow Pension Scheme was launched in India to provide financial support to widows. Widows with households lying below the poverty line can avail the benefits of the Vidhwa Pension Scheme. In today's world, women must understand the meaning of Widow Pension if their husband passes away. 

Irrespective of whether you are looking for a Vidhwa Pension Scheme for yourself or someone you know, continue reading this blog to learn about the scheme in detail. 

What Is the Widow Pension Scheme? 

The Government of India launched the Vidhwa Pension Yojana, a widow pension scheme. This scheme provides financial assistance to widows to maintain a standard of living after the death of their husbands. Widows can earn a fixed or regular monthly income opting for this scheme.

The process of application for the widow pension scheme, however, varies from one state to another. Each state government decides how to provide financial support to widows. The primary objective of this scheme is to help widows achieve financial goals, avoid dependency on families, and live the rest of their lives hassle-free and stress-free. 

Because of the monthly pension, the widows can earn a decent amount and improve their condition economically. However, after the death of a widow, no family member or children will be eligible to enjoy the pension benefits. 

Who Is Eligible for the Vidhwa Pension Scheme? 

The eligibility criteria set for the widow pension scheme are easy to meet. Here are the following eligibility criteria necessary for widows to meet to qualify for the Vidhwa Pension Scheme:

  • The beneficiary should be a widow girl/woman and not be remarried

  • Must be an Indian citizen 

  • Must be aged 60 years and above 

  • The beneficiary should not be dependent on any of her relative

  • The income of the beneficiary’s family should not be more than Rs. 1000 each month

  • Professional beggars and mendicants do not qualify for this pension scheme

  • Must be residing in state for at least ten years on the date of applying for the scheme

Meeting the above eligibility criteria will allow you to apply for the scheme with ease. 

Application Process for Vidhwa Pension Scheme? 

The application process for the Vidhwa Pension Scheme varies from one state to another. You can apply for the scheme through both online and offline modes, meeting the eligibility criteria.

  • Online Application Process

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how you can apply for the Vidhwa Pension Scheme online:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Social Welfare Department or e-governance portal of your respective state.

Step 2: If you are a new user, create a new account. Or else, sign in with valid credentials.

Step 3: Go through the list of schemes available and select the Vidhwa Pension.

Step 4: Fill up the application form with relevant details that include personal details, income sources information, marital status, and bank account details. Upload the documents once completed.

Step 5: Go through the filled-in pension scheme form again to check for accuracy before it is submitted online.

Step 6: Upon submission, you will receive an application reference number. This number will assist you in monitoring the Vidhwa Pension Scheme application status.

  • Offline Application Process

Application form (Form-P) for widow pension comes free of cost. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Vidhwa Pension Scheme offline:

Step 1: Visit the Sub Divisional Office of the Block Development Office.

Step 2: Ask for an application form for the Vidhwa Pension Scheme.

Step 3: Fill out the application form with the relevant details.

Step 4: Attach all relevant documents and review them before submission.

Step 5: Upon reviewing carefully, submit the application form at the respective office for verification.

Once verified successfully, the government will approve your application and you will receive the desired pension amount in your bank account respectively. 

How Can Widows Apply for the Widow Pension Scheme?

Applying for the Widow Pension Scheme is easy and hassle-free for widows. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the scheme:

Step 1: Obtain the application form either online or offline.

Step 2: Fill out the application form with all necessary details such as your name, address, contact number, email address and so on.

Step 3: Attach all necessary documents.

Step 4: Review the documents and click on the 'Submit' button to submit the application form.

Benefits of the Vidhwa Pension Scheme 

Here are the distinguishing features and benefits of the Vidhwa Pension Scheme:

  • Fixed Monthly Income

Opting for Vidhwa Pension Scheme, widows can avail a fixed monthly income that gets credited to their bank account on time. However, the bank account must be linked with an Aadhaar card for easy and smooth access to funds.

  • Financial Assistance

The widow pension scheme offers financial assistance to widows living below poverty line and helps them survive without depending on their families. 

  • Utilisation of Funds

During a financial crisis, opting for a widow pension scheme allows elderly widows to utilise the pension amount for purchasing any retirement plan or making future investment. You can calculate the pension amount using any online pension calculator.

  • Pension Amount

This scheme typically offers pension amounts ranging between Rs. 300 and Rs. 2500 in all states, meeting the needs of widows across regions.

  • Reliable Source of Income

The widow pension scheme offers a reliable source of income each month. This works well for widows who are solely dependent on savings and families after the death of their husband.

  • Additional Benefits

Apart from providing financial assistance, the widow pension scheme also offers benefits of job assistance, medical-related benefits, and promotion of well-being of widowers.

Thus, by providing financial support and assistance, the Widow Pension Scheme helps all women survive with confidence and overcome financial hurdles smoothly.

Documents Required for the Widow’s Pension Scheme 

There is a minimal documentation requirement for applying to the Widow Pension Scheme. Here are the necessary documents:

  • Copy of Ration Card

  • Copy of Voter ID Card

  • Copy of self-attested Aadhaar Card

  • Copy of Income Certificate

  • Copy of Death Certificate of Husband

  • Copy of Disability Certificate

  • Copy of Bank Pass Book

  • A Passport Size Photograph

  • Nomination Form (in death scenario)

Who Should Opt for the Widow Pension Scheme? 

Single women struggling to fulfil their dreams and concerned about personal development should opt for the widow pension scheme. The pension amount will assist them to meet every month's expenses and plan for the future with confidence. 

Additionally, women with financial commitments who are unable to manage with their current income source should apply for this scheme. As part of any pension plan comparison, the widow pension scheme stands out for providing financial support, reducing dependency on families, and alleviating financial burdens to some extent.

Lastly, widows who are earning but fail to meet their child's expenses are eligible to opt for this scheme.

Insurance Policy under Married Women’s Property Act (MWPA) 

While purchasing a life insurance policy, looking after the financial well-being of your family is of utmost importance. In your absence, your family must be financially secure. To ensure that the assured sum gets transferred to your wife and children after your sudden demise, opt for the Married Women's Property Act (MWPA).

Any married man residing in India can opt for an insurance policy under the MWP Act. In this case, a married woman can claim the death benefits of the insurance policy in case of the demise of her husband. These benefits don't include repaying debts or other unpaid loans. On the other hand, any divorcee or a widower can also purchase this policy mentioning their children as beneficiaries.

Retirement and Pension Plans by HDFC Life

Here are some retirement and pension plans HDFC Life offers to retirees:

  • HDFC Life Systematic Pension Plan

With this pension plan, you can build up retirement savings to meet your financial goals.

  • HDFC Life Guaranteed Pension Plan

This plan lets you invest for a short term to yield higher guaranteed1 returns after retirement years.

  • HDFC Life Personal Pension Plus

Are you looking for a steady income after retirement? Opt for the HDFC Life Personal Pension Plus plan. It will also provide financial assistance to meet post-retirement plans.

  • HDFC Life Assured Pension Plan

If you are planning to retire at an early period with high returns, choose HDFC Life Assured Pension Plan. The policyholder here bears the investment risk in a portfolio.

  • HDFC Life Click 2 Retire

This is a unit-linked pension plan with several benefits. The advantage of this plan is there are no policy charges, exit charges, or premium allocation charges.

  • HDFC Life Smart Pension Plan 

Many retirees typically prefer this pension plan as they can earn a lump sum amount every month after retirement without sacrificing the standard of living.

Conclusion

To conclude, when a widow needs financial support should opt for a widow pension. Widows availing this scheme receive a pension, and this reduces their financial burden. Along with the Vidhwa Pension scheme, look for other pension options and apply to cater your needs. Thus, being a woman, start retirement planning at an early age with smart financial plans. 

FAQs on Widow Pension Scheme

1. Which is the best scheme for widows?

Vidhwa Pension, or Widow Pension scheme, provides guaranteed1 income from the government. In addition, you can opt for retirement schemes or life insurance plans to get a fixed payout.

2. Who is eligible for the Vidhwa pension?

All widow girls or women, lying below the poverty line and a resident of the state from where she is applying for the scheme are eligible for the Vidhwa Pension Scheme. However, the age group and other factors vary from one state to another.

3. Can widows from all states in India avail this scheme?

No, widows from all states in India are not eligible for this scheme.

4. What is the interest rate for a widow’s benefits?

There are no interest rates with a Widow Pension Scheme. It involves a fixed pension amount every month.

5. Does a widow get a full pension?

The pension amount widows receive is not the full amount. Usually, the majority of states offer Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 each month to widows as a pension.

Related Article:

ARN- ED/06/24/12162

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Francis Rodrigues Francis Rodrigues

Francis Rodrigues has a decade long experience in the insurance sector, and as SVP, E-Commerce and Digital Marketing, HDFC Life, manages the online sales channel, as well as digital and performance marketing. He has had hands-on experience in setting up sales channels and functional teams from scratch over a career spanning 2 decades.

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Vishal Subharwal Vishal Subharwal

Vishal Subharwal heads the Strategy, Marketing, E-Commerce, Digital Business & Sustainability initiatives at HDFC Life. He is responsible for crafting and ensuring successful implementation of the overall organisation strategy.

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Disclaimer

1. Provided all due premiums have been paid and the policy is in force.

HDFC Life Systematic Retirement Plan (UIN:101N143V07) is an Individual/ Group, Non-Participating, Non linked, Savings Deferred Annuity Plan. Life Insurance Coverage is available in this product.

HDFC Life Guaranteed Pension Plan (UIN: 101N092V14, Form No: 501) is a non-linked non-participating pension plan. Life Insurance Coverage is available in this product

HDFC Life Personal Pension Plus (UIN: 101N091V04, Form No: 501) is a non-linked participating pension plan. Life Insurance Coverage is available in this product.

HDFC Life Assured Pension Plan (UIN: 101L109V05, Form No: 501) is a Unit Linked Pension Plan.

HDFC Life Click 2 Retire (UIN No: 101L108V04, Form No: P501) is a Unit Linked Pension Product.

HDFC Life Smart Pension Plan (UIN: 101L164V03) A Unit Linked, Non-Participating Individual Pension Plan

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