Bihar Pension 2026

Who Can Apply For Bihar Pension Scheme?

Bihar’s six social security pension schemes have more than one crore registered beneficiaries. 97.84 lakh beneficiaries received the 10 July 2026 DBT transfer of ₹1,423.94 crore. The primary objective of these schemes is to reduce financial hardship by providing consistent financial assistance to eligible senior citizens, widows and persons with disabilities.

The financial aid is transferred directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries using a transparent digital process. This digital approach improves efficiency, minimises delays, reduces corruption, and ensures that pensions are distributed in a fair and transparent manner.

Major Pension Schemes in Bihar

These schemes fall into three categories:

1. Widow Pension

   Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension

   The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) is a social security scheme under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) that supports widows from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Widows aged 40 to 79 years receive a central pension of ₹300 per month, while those aged 80 years and above receive ₹500 per month. Bihar tops up both amounts so that every eligible beneficiary receives a flat ₹1,100 per month.

   Laxmi Bai Social Security Pension

   The Laxmi Bai Social Security Pension Scheme is a Bihar Government welfare scheme that provides financial assistance to widows who are not covered under other eligible pension schemes. It is available to widows aged 18 years and above whose annual family income is below ₹60,000. Eligible beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of ₹1,100 under the state's social security pension programme.

2. Old Age Pension

   Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension

   The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) provides financial assistance to eligible senior citizens living in Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Individuals aged 60 years and above are eligible under the scheme. The Central Government provides ₹200 per month to beneficiaries aged 60–79 years and ₹500 per month to those aged 80 years and above. Bihar tops up both amounts so that every eligible beneficiary receives a flat ₹1,100 per month.

   Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana

   The Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana (MVPY) is a Bihar Government welfare scheme. It provides a monthly pension of ₹1,100 to eligible Bihar residents aged 60 years and above who are not receiving benefits under any other overlappingsocial security pension scheme.

3. Disability Pension

   Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension

   The Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) is a Central Government scheme under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). It provides financial assistance to eligible persons with 80% or more disability (severe or multiple disabilities) from Below Poverty Line (BPL) households. Under the scheme, the Central Government provides ₹300 per month to eligible beneficiaries aged 18–79 years and ₹500 per month to those aged 80 years and above. Bihar tops up both amounts so that every eligible beneficiary receives a flat ₹1,100 per month.

   Bihar State Disability Pension

   The Bihar State Disability Pension Scheme (BSDP) was initiated by the state government to cover beneficiaries who are not covered under IGNDPS. Persons with a disability of 40% or more (benchmark disability) who have been residing in Bihar for at least 10 years are eligible. There is no minimum or maximum age limit and no income ceiling, subject to the latest scheme guidelines.

Eligibility Requirements

Although some schemes have special requirements, the common eligibility requirements generally include:

Residency conditions vary by scheme. The SSPMIS portal for BSDP specifies at least 10 years’ residence. For LBSSP, 10 years is also cited by some sources. Central scheme rules (IGNOAPS, IGNWPS, IGNDPS) have a 3-year Bihar residency condition.

• Income Eligibility:Income criteria vary by scheme. Some schemes require BPL status or an annual family income limit, while others, such as theMukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana and Bihar State Disability Pension Scheme, do not prescribe any income ceiling. 
• Age Requirement: Age requirements vary by scheme. For old-age pension schemes, applicants must generally be 60 years or older.
• Disability Certification: A disability certificate is required for people with disabilities.
• Marital Status Proof: Widows have to provide marital status documents.
• No Overlapping Pension:Applicants should not already be receiving another social security pension under overlapping government schemes, subject to the eligibility rules of the respective scheme.

How to Apply for the Bihar Pension Scheme?

The process is accessible to the residents of both urban and rural areas, as the applicants may apply online or offline.

1. Online Application Process

   The applicants can use the following steps to apply to the Bihar pension scheme using the official portal:

   1. Access the SSPMIS Portal:Visit sspmis.bihar.gov.in (the official SSPMIS portal, run by the State Society for Ultra Poor and Social Welfare under the Department of Social Welfare) to register and apply for Bihar pension schemes. Use elabharthi.bihar.gov.in to check payment status.
   2. Choose the Relevant Scheme: Select the pension scheme that is relevant to your eligibility.
   3. Enter Aadhaar and Personal Details: Provide your Aadhaar number and basic personal information.
   4. Provide Required Details: Enter your address, income details, and bank account number.
   5. Upload Required Documents: You are required to submit scanned copies of all the required documents.
   6. Submit the Application: Check the application and submit it for verification.

2. Offline Application Process

   Individuals not used to digital platforms may submit an application in offline centres using the following steps:

   1. Visit the Nearest Service Centre: Visit the nearest RTPS (Right to Public Services) counter, Block Office or designated Social Welfare Office.
   2. Collect the Application Form: Ask the concerned official to provide the pension application form.
   3. Fill in Required Details: Add personal, address, and bank details with help where necessary.
   4. Submit Supporting Documents: Present copies of the required documents for verification.
   5. Get Assistance from Officials: The officials will help in uploading documents and finalising the process.
   6. Receive Acknowledgement Slip: Get the receipt or reference number for future tracking.

Documents Required

Applicants must submit the documents required for their respective scheme. The list below is indicative; requirements vary by scheme. MVPY requires Aadhaar, Voter ID (EPIC) and a bank account with DBT consent. Central schemes (IGNOAPS, IGNWPS, IGNDPS) require BPL proof. LBSSP requires income proof (family income below ₹60,000). Income certificate and BPL proof are not required for MVPY or BSDP.

1. Aadhaar card
2. Voter ID / EPIC (mandatory for MVPY; check requirements for other schemes)
3. Residence certificate
4. Bank passbook
5. Income certificate / BPL card (required for IGNOAPS, IGNWPS, IGNDPS and LBSSP; not required for MVPY or BSDP)
6. Age proof
7. Disability certificate (if applicable)
8. Death certificate of spouse (for widows)
9. Passport-size photographs

Key Takeaways

Bihar’s six social security pension schemes pay a flat ₹1,100 per month to every eligible beneficiary through DBT. Applications are processed through the SSPMIS portal (sspmis.bihar.gov.in) and payment status can be tracked at elabharthi.bihar.gov.in. Beneficiaries must complete annual life certification (e-KYC / Jeevan Pramaan) and keep their bank linked to Aadhaar to continue receiving payments. Check the current deadline on the SSPMIS portal.

Annual e-KYC and Aadhaar Seeding

All Bihar pension beneficiaries must complete annual life certification (e-KYC / Jeevan Pramaan) to keep their ₹1,100 monthly pension active. Payment also requires the bank account to be Aadhaar-seeded (NPCI-mapped), not merely Aadhaar-linked. Life certification can be completed at: the e-Labharthi portal (elabharthi.bihar.gov.in), any Common Service Centre (CSC), or the local Block Office. Beneficiaries who miss the deadline risk interruption of their pension until certification is completed. Contact the SSPMIS helpline at 1800-345-6262 (toll-free) for grievances.