The Union Cabinet announced on 22 October 2026 that it has approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme, now renamed as Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore. The scheme provides monthly pensions to the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities, as well as a one-time family benefit, for households below the poverty line. Notably, the disability pension (now Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana) has expanded its eligibility to those with a 40% benchmark disability and removed the minimum age of 18, meaning it now applies from birth. Revised guidelines will be implemented within three months.
Key points
- Total outlay: Rs 53,428 crore for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31
- Disability pension eligibility lowered from 80% to 40% benchmark disability
- Disability pension now available from birth (minimum age of 18 removed)
- New disability pension rates: Rs 375/month (age 0-79) and Rs 625/month (age 80+)
- Disability scheme beneficiaries increased from 8.33 Lakhs to 27.48 Lakhs
When it applies
Counted from 2026-10-14, dated 22 October 2026.
- Union Cabinet approval of the programme continuation
- continuation of the programme
- continuation of the programme
- Within three months issuance and implementation of revised guidelines
Who it affects
- persons with benchmark disability in households below the poverty line
Refers to
- Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
- National Trust Act 1999