There is good news for senior citizens who have applied for a pension or are planning to apply.
Elderly people no longer have to depend only on their Aadhaar card to prove their age for pension benefits.
Following new guidelines issued by the Government of India, several other documents can now be used for age verification.
This change is expected to make the pension application process easier for many senior citizens, especially those facing issues with Aadhaar-related documentation.
Which Documents Can Be Used Instead of Aadhaar?
District Social Welfare Officer Sunil Kumar Singh said that Aadhaar is no longer being accepted as the primary proof of age for pension applications.
Now, senior citizens can submit a self-declaration along with any of the following documents:
Voter ID Card
Driving License
Passport
PAN Card
High School Certificate
These documents can be used to verify age while applying for government pension schemes.
Special Relief for Rural Elderly Citizens
The new rules also bring relief for elderly people living in rural areas, especially those who may not have formal educational certificates.
According to officials, illiterate senior citizens can submit a copy of the family register as proof of age.
Other documents such as voter ID cards, passports, and driving licenses will also be accepted.
This step is expected to help more eligible elderly citizens access pension benefits without facing documentation hurdles.
Who Is Eligible for the Pension Scheme?
The government has also set income limits for pension beneficiaries.
For senior citizens living in urban areas, the annual family income should not exceed ₹56,460.
For those living in rural areas, the annual income limit has been fixed at ₹46,080.
Only applicants who meet these income criteria can receive benefits under the pension scheme.
What Should Eligible Senior Citizens Do?
Senior citizens who are not yet receiving a pension can submit their application along with the required documents at their local block office.
Officials have advised eligible applicants to complete the process as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving benefits.
For additional information or assistance, applicants can contact the District Social Welfare Department.
The new rules are expected to make the pension application process more accessible and convenient, helping more elderly citizens receive the financial support they are entitled to.
