The Uttar Pradesh government is making major changes to the pension process for senior citizens.
In a recent cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a proposal was approved to digitally reform the old-age pension system.
The government says this new system will make it easier to identify eligible beneficiaries and transfer pensions directly to them.
No Separate Pension Application Required
Under the new digital process, senior citizens will no longer have to submit separate applications for pensions. Beneficiaries will be identified through their Family ID.
The government will ask for the consent of those who qualify for the pension.
As soon as a senior citizen gives consent, the pension will be sanctioned, Social Welfare Minister (Independent Charge) Asim Arun told PTI.
What Is a Family ID?
The Family ID scheme was launched in July 2022 under the “One Family, One Identity” initiative.
Its main purpose is to create an accurate database of families across Uttar Pradesh so that people can easily access government schemes.
Key points about Family ID:
It is a 12-digit unique number.
It links the family’s ration card and other government databases.
It helps identify eligible families and individual beneficiaries.
It includes the earning member, spouse, children, parents, siblings, and dependents.
How Elderly Beneficiaries Will Be Identified
The government will track citizens who are nearing the age of 60 using the Family ID database.
Those who turn 60 will receive a request for consent through SMS, WhatsApp, or a phone call.
If they do not respond, local officials or assistants will visit their homes to take consent.
Once consent is received—either digitally or in person—the pension will be approved within 15 days.
After approval, the pension amount will be directly transferred to the Aadhaar-linked bank account.
What Does the UP Old Age Pension Provide?
The Old Age Pension scheme supports financially weak senior citizens. Under this scheme:
The government provides ₹1,000 per month to each eligible senior citizen.
Both men and women can receive the pension.
Eligibility Criteria for Old Age Pension
To receive the pension:
The person must be between 60 and 150 years old.
They must be below the poverty line or have an annual income within the allowed limit:
Up to ₹46,080 for rural areas
Up to ₹56,460 for urban areas
Currently, applicants fill out an online form, upload documents for age, income, and identity, and wait for approval.
Why the New System Is Better
The new digital system will automatically identify senior citizens who qualify for the pension. They will not need to:
Fill out forms
Submit documents
Visit government offices
This will make the entire process faster and simpler, especially for elderly people who often face difficulties with the current application process.
