In a welcome move for the elderly and differently-abled residents of the capital, the Delhi government has initiated steps to increase the monthly pension amount by ₹500. The Department of Social Welfare has begun preparing the required administrative proposal, which will soon be sent to the Finance Department for approval.
Once the green signal is received from the finance wing, the revised pension will be disbursed to beneficiaries.
Current Beneficiaries Include Over Six Lakh People
4.6 Lakh Senior Citizens and 1.35 Lakh Differently-Abled Already Receiving Pension Under Delhi’s Social Welfare Scheme
As of now, approximately 4.60 lakh senior citizens and 1.35 lakh differently-abled individuals are receiving monthly pensions from the Delhi government. Depending on the category, pensions currently range from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 per month.
The proposed hike will take this range to ₹2,500–₹3,000 per month, ensuring greater financial support for the city’s vulnerable populations.
Different Pensions for Different Categories of Elderly
Age, Economic Status, and Caste-Based Classifications Influence Monthly Benefits
In Delhi, pensions for senior citizens vary based on age and socio-economic background:
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Elderly aged 60 to 69 currently receive ₹2,000 per month.
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Those aged 70 and above receive ₹2,500 per month.
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Widows, women without family support, and certain economically disadvantaged elderly individuals receive ₹3,000 monthly.
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Additionally, elderly from SC, ST, and minority communities in the 60–69 age group also qualify for ₹2,500 monthly pension.
This categorization helps ensure that support reaches the most financially and socially vulnerable groups.
Pension Scheme Already a Major Budget Item
Annual Expenditure Expected to Rise by ₹500 Crore Post-Increase
Currently, the Delhi government spends around ₹1,400 crore per year on pensions. With the proposed hike, annual expenditure is expected to rise by an additional ₹500 crore.
Officials note that while this puts added pressure on the budget, it is a necessary investment in social security.
Beneficiaries to be Re-Verified to Ensure Fair Distribution
Authorities Will Reassess Eligibility to Prevent Misuse and Ensure Genuine Need
In tandem with the increase, the government plans to reverify beneficiaries to ensure that only those in real need receive the benefits. This measure is aimed at curbing misuse and ensuring that public funds are directed towards genuine and deserving individuals.
Officials confirmed that only verified and need-based beneficiaries will continue to get enhanced pensions once the proposal is approved.
