The Union Cabinet announced on 14 October 2026 the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), now renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31. With a total budget of Rs 53,428 crore, the program will benefit 3.20 crore people across 36 States and Union Territories. The update introduces new names for sub-schemes and improves disability pensions by lowering the disability benchmark to 40% and extending eligibility to those disabled since birth. New guidelines for these disability pension changes will be implemented within three months.
Key points
- Total budget: Rs 53,428 crore for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31
- Beneficiaries: 3.20 crore people across 36 States/UTs
- Disability pension: Rs 375 for ages 0-79 and Rs 625 for ages 80+
- Eligibility: Disability benchmark reduced from 80% to 40%
- Timeline: New disability pension guidelines to be implemented within 3 months
When it applies
Counted from release date, dated 14 October 2026.
- continuation of NSAP
- continuation of NSAP
- Within three months issuance and implementation of guidelines for divyangjan pension
Who it affects
- beneficiaries
- persons with disability
Refers to
- Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016
- Article 41 of the Constitution of India