Centre Renames Social Assistance Schemes, Approves Rs 53,428 Crore Outlay for Five Years

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved Rs 53,428 crore for the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for 2026-27 to 2030-31, covering 3.20 crore beneficiaries across all 36 states and Union Territories.

The programme has been renamed the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana, with its pension and family benefit schemes also receiving new names.

Under the changes, the disability pension scheme will provide assistance of Rs 375 for beneficiaries aged 0–79 years and Rs 625 for those aged 80 and above. The benchmark disability eligibility threshold has been reduced from 80% to 40%, while the minimum age for disability pension has been removed, allowing eligibility from birth.

The old-age and widow pension schemes, along with the family benefit scheme, will continue in their existing form.

The Centre said revised guidelines covering eligibility, beneficiary numbers and assistance rates under the disability pension scheme will be issued and implemented within three months.

Launched on August 15, 1995, the NSAP provides central assistance to poor households in line with Article 41 of the Constitution’s Directive Principles of State Policy.