Cabinet Renames NSAP as PM Samajik Sahayata Yojana: Rs 53,428 Crore Till 2030-31, Disability Pension Threshold Cut to 40%
The Union Cabinet on 14 October 2026 extended the National Social Assistance Programme to 2030-31 with Rs 53,428 crore and renamed it. Disability pension now needs 40% disability, pays Rs 375/Rs 625 and covers persons from birth.
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NSAP Renamed and Extended Till 2030-31: What the Cabinet Decided
On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five more years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total outlay of Rs 53,428 crore. The decision was announced in a press release by PIB Delhi (Release ID 2323264).
The decision has three parts. First, NSAP and all its sub-schemes get new names. Second, the disability pension has been revised, with the disability threshold cut from 80% to 40% and higher monthly amounts. Third, the old age pension, widow pension and family benefit scheme will continue in their existing form. According to the release, about 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 States and Union Territories are covered.
Overview of the Decision
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Decision by | Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Shri Narendra Modi |
| Date of press release | 14 October 2026 (PIB Delhi) |
| Ministry / Department | Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development |
| Scheme | National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) |
| New name | Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana |
| Period | 2026-27 to 2030-31 (five years) |
| Total outlay | Rs 53,428 crore |
| Beneficiaries | About 3.20 crore, in all 36 States/UTs |
| Main change | Divyangjan (disability) pension: threshold 40% instead of 80%; Rs 375 (0-79 years) and Rs 625 (80+ years) |
| Implementation | Guidelines to be issued and implemented within three months |
New Names of NSAP and Its Sub-Schemes
The Cabinet approved new names for the programme and all five components. The table below is taken from the PIB release.
| Existing name | Approved new name |
|---|---|
| National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) | Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana |
| Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) | Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana |
| Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) | Pradhan Mantri Vidhawa Pension Yojana |
| Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) | Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana |
| National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) | Pradhan Mantri Parivar Labh Yojana |
Disability Pension: What Changes
The biggest change is in the disability pension, now called the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana. As per the Cabinet release:
- Disability threshold reduced: The benchmark disability for eligibility comes down from 80% to 40%.
- New amount: Rs 375 per month for the age group 0-79 years, and Rs 625 per month for 80 years and above.
- Age criterion: The minimum age for the disability pension will now be "since birth". Earlier, the scheme covered persons aged 18 years and above.
- Guidelines: Guidelines covering the change in eligibility, number of beneficiaries and rate of assistance under the divyangjan pension will be issued and implemented within three months.
The release explains the reason. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 made the eligibility change to 40% benchmark disability necessary, and the Act also requires that assistance for persons with disabilities should be at least 25% higher than similar schemes for others.
Old Rules vs New Rules (Disability Pension)
| Point | Before (IGNDPS) | After Cabinet decision |
|---|---|---|
| Disability required | Severe or multiple disabilities (80%) | 40% benchmark disability |
| Age | 18 to 79 years, and 80+ | From birth |
| Central assistance | Rs 300 (18-79 years); Rs 500 (80+) | Rs 375 (0-79 years); Rs 625 (80+) |
| Family condition | BPL household | Detailed guidelines awaited |
Note: The "Before" column is from the Ministry of Rural Development's NSAP backgrounder on PIB. The new BPL or other conditions will be clear only when the new guidelines are issued.
What Stays the Same
The Cabinet release says that the pension schemes for the old aged and widows, and the family benefit scheme, will continue in their existing form. As per the Ministry of Rural Development's NSAP backgrounder, the existing central assistance is:
- Old age pension: Rs 200 per month (60-79 years) and Rs 500 per month (80 years and above), for persons from BPL families.
- Widow pension: Rs 300 per month (40-79 years) and Rs 500 per month (80 years and above), for widows from BPL families.
- Family benefit: One-time lump sum of Rs 20,000 to a BPL household on the death of its primary breadwinner aged 18-59 years.
Many States and UTs add their own top-up to the central amount, so the pension actually received differs from state to state.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NSAP launched | 15 August 1995 |
| Cabinet approval announced | 14 October 2026 |
| Scheme period | 2026-27 to 2030-31 |
| New disability pension guidelines | To be issued and implemented within three months of approval |
Who Benefits and How
- Persons with disabilities: People with 40% to 79% disability, who were outside the scheme earlier, can become eligible once guidelines are issued. Children with disabilities can also be covered as the age limit is now "since birth".
- Existing pensioners: Old age and widow pensioners continue to get benefits as before. Only the scheme name changes.
- States and UTs: NSAP is a 100% centrally funded programme, as per the release, so the central share comes fully from the Centre.
How to Apply or Check Your Pension: Step-by-Step
The Cabinet release does not give a new application process. The new disability pension rules will start only after the guidelines come. Until then, follow these steps:
- Read the official PIB release dated 14 October 2026 (link in the table below) to understand the decision.
- Keep your disability certificate (or UDID card), Aadhaar, and bank or post office account details ready.
- As per the NSAP backgrounder, beneficiaries are identified through Gram Panchayats and Municipalities, so contact your Gram Panchayat, Block office or Municipality, or your State social welfare department.
- Make sure your bank account is Aadhaar-linked, because most NSAP payments are made by Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Watch for the new guidelines from the Ministry of Rural Development, which are to be issued within three months, and apply through your state's process once they are out.
Important Official Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Cabinet decision (PIB, 14 Oct 2026) | Read the press release |
| NSAP backgrounder (Ministry of Rural Development) | View document |
| Old age pension details (PIB, 11 Feb 2026) | Read the press release |
| NSAP official portal | nsap.nic.in |
| Ministry of Rural Development | rural.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new name of NSAP?
NSAP will now be called the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, as approved by the Union Cabinet on 14 October 2026.
What is the new disability pension amount?
Rs 375 per month for the 0-79 years age group and Rs 625 per month for 80 years and above, under the Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana.
What is the new disability threshold?
The benchmark disability has been lowered from 80% to 40%, in line with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Has the old age pension amount changed?
No. The release says old age and widow pensions and the family benefit scheme continue in their existing form. Only the names change.
When will the new rules start?
The release says guidelines on the changes in the disability pension will be issued and implemented within three months.
What is the total budget for the scheme?
The total outlay is Rs 53,428 crore for five years, 2026-27 to 2030-31.
Conclusion
The Cabinet decision of 14 October 2026 keeps India's main social pension programme running till 2030-31 with Rs 53,428 crore. It also renames it the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. Persons with disabilities gain the most: the threshold drops to 40%, the amount goes up, and children are now covered. Old age and widow pensioners will see no change in amount. If you or a family member has 40% or more disability, keep your certificate and Aadhaar-linked bank account ready and watch for the new guidelines from the Ministry of Rural Development.
References
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasepage.aspx?PRID=2323264®=48&lang=1 – "Cabinet approves continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31", PIB Delhi, Ministry of Rural Development, 14 October 2026
- https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2025/nov/doc2025117686801.pdf – "National Social Assistance Programme" backgrounder, Ministry of Rural Development (PIB), 2025 (undated; cites Budget 2025-26)
- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2226202®=3&lang=1 – "Elderly Schemes and Beneficiaries", PIB Delhi, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 11 February 2026