The Uttarakhand government provides financial support to widows under the Uttarakhand Widow Pension Certificate Scheme. The Uttarakhand Widow Pension Certificate scheme is designed to offer monthly pension assistance to widowed women who meet specified eligibility and income criteria. The aim is to help those who may not have stable sources of income handle their day-to-day expenses and lead a dignified life.
What is the Uttarakhand Widow Pension Certificate Scheme?
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The Uttarakhand Widow Pension Certificate Scheme is a state-level welfare scheme run by the Social Welfare Department, Uttarakhand. The scheme provides a fixed monthly pension amount to eligible widows in Uttarakhand. According to official information:
- The pension amount is ₹ 1,500 per month for eligible widows.
- The scheme covers widows who are permanent residents of Uttarakhand and meet the eligibility criteria (age, income, etc.).
- The pension is meant to support widows who are financially vulnerable and without a stable income.
Eligibility Criteria for Uttarakhand Widow Pension Certificate:
To qualify for this pension scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria (in Uttarakhand):
Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Uttarakhand.
Widow status: The woman must be widowed (i.e., her husband has passed away).
Age: Generally, the widow should be between 18 and 60 years of age.
Income / BPL criteria:
She should belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category or her family’s annual income should not exceed a specific threshold (for example, up to Rs 48,000/year) in some sources.
Another source states monthly income should not exceed Rs 4,000, or she should hold a BPL card.
Other conditions: Some sources mention additional criteria, like whether the beneficiary’s children/sons are above a certain age and income status.
So, if you are a widow, resident of Uttarakhand, aged 18-60, with low income (or BPL status), and your husband is deceased, you are likely eligible.
Documents Required for Uttarakhand Widow Pension Certificate Application:
You will need to submit a set of documents along with your application form. The typical list of required documents includes:
- Aadhaar Card (proof of identity) and/or other identity proof.
- Proof of residence/domicile in Uttarakhand.
- Husband’s Death Certificate.
- Income certificate (showing family income is within the threshold) or BPL card.
- Bank account details/passbook for beneficiary (so pension can be transferred).
- Passport-size photograph.
- Age proof.
- Family register or ration card (as applicable) for verifying family details.
Make sure the documents are valid and copies are clear. It might help to keep originals for verification if asked.
How to Apply for a Uttarakhand Widow Pension Certificate?
Here’s a detailed step-by-step process for applying for the Uttarakhand Widow Pension Certificate:
Step 1:
Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria (residency, widow status, age, income/BPL).
Step 2:
Collect all required documents listed above: Aadhaar, residence proof, death certificate of husband, income/BPL certificate, bank details, photo, etc.
Step 3:
The scheme offers both online and offline application routes:
Online Application:
- Visit the official portal of the Social Welfare Department, Uttarakhand. For example: “Widow Pension Scheme” page.
- On the portal, register (if required) and log in. Fill out the online application form for the widow’s pension.
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents. Submit the form online.
- After submission, you may track your application status online (if the portal supports).
Offline Application:
- Visit the District Social Welfare Office or the local office of the Social Welfare Department.
- Obtain the application form for the widow’s pension, and fill it out manually. Attach copies of all required documents.
- Submit the filled form and documents to the concerned office. The District Social Welfare Officer will verify the application.
Step 4:
- After submission (online/offline), the department will verify your application, documents, and eligibility.
- Once approved, the pension amount will be credited to your bank account (via DBT – Direct Benefit Transfer). For example, the government of Uttarakhand noted that pensions (including widow pension) are transferred via DBT.
Step 5:
- Once your application is approved and status is updated, the pension of ₹ 1,500 per month will be credited to your bank account.
- Keep track of the payment and ensure your bank account remains active and details remain correct.
Renewal of Uttarakhand Widow Pension Certificate:
- Typically, these pension schemes require periodic verification to ensure that you still meet eligibility (income limit, residence, etc.).
- You might be asked to submit a life certificate (or similar proof) or re-verify income/BPL status.
- If there are any changes (for example, you move out of the state, your income increases above threshold, or you remarry), you should inform the department as your eligibility might cease.
- It is good practice to visit the Social Welfare Department website or your district office every year to check if you need to do any renewal formalities.
- If you have received the pension but haven’t been getting payments, check your bank account, ensure the bank details are correct, ensure your bank branch is active, and that you have fulfilled any life-certificate requirement.
Conclusion:
The Uttarakhand Widow Pension Certificate is a thoughtful initiative by the state government to support widowed women who may be financially vulnerable. By providing a monthly pension of ₹ 1,500 (subject to meeting eligibility), the scheme offers a meaningful lifeline. To benefit: ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, gather all required documents, apply either online or offline, keep track of the application status, and adhere to any renewal formalities. If you need help at any stage, your local district Social Welfare Office can assist.
FAQ:
Q. How much pension will I receive under the Uttarakhand Widow Pension Certificate?
A. You will receive ₹ 1,500 per month if you meet the eligibility requirements and your application is approved.
Q. What if I am above 60 years of age or below 18 years?
A. The scheme mentions the age between 18 and 60 years for the widow pension in Uttarakhand. If you are outside this age range, you may not be eligible under this particular category.
Q. Can I apply offline if I do not have internet access?
A. Yes. You can visit the district Social Welfare office, collect the application form, fill it out, attach the documents, and submit.