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The Government Provides ₹12,000 Annually to These Women: How to Avail the Scheme’s Benefits? Know the Rules

Siddhi Jain | April 23, 2026 8:15 PM CST

Women Empowerment: Under the Yogi government’s Widow Pension Scheme, over 40.32 lakh women in Uttar Pradesh are being provided with social and economic security, as well as empowerment, through financial assistance.

Widow Pension Scheme: The Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh is continuously working towards the empowerment of women. In this direction, under the ‘Nirashrit Mahila (Widow) Pension Scheme’ (Destitute Women Pension Scheme), financial assistance is being provided to over 40.32 lakh widows to offer them a means of support for their livelihood following the demise of their husbands. This scheme is administered by the Department of Women Welfare.

What is the Objective of the Scheme?

Under this scheme, needy widows will receive direct financial assistance.
Women will be encouraged to lead self-reliant and dignified lives.

How Many Women Have Benefited?

So far, 4,032,629 women have benefited from this scheme.
Additionally, prior to the 2016-17 fiscal year, there were approximately 17.31 lakh beneficiaries.
The number has now risen to over 40.32 lakh.

How is the Pension Disbursed?

Regarding the pension, the funds are disbursed in four annual installments.
This means that the funds for every three-month period are transferred in a single lump sum.
April–June
July–September
October–December
January–March
The funds are transferred directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account via the PFMS (Public Financial Management System).

How Much is the Pension Amount?

Previously, beneficiaries received ₹500 per month.
However, since 2012, the amount has been increased to ₹1,000 per month.

Who is Eligible to Benefit?

Most importantly, the woman must be a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh.
Additionally, her husband must have passed away.
The woman must be over 18 years of age.
Please note that the family’s annual income must be less than ₹2 lakh.
Under this scheme, the government’s objective is to ensure that no eligible woman is deprived of the benefits, while simultaneously working to make women financially strong.