NEWS: The Union Cabinet extended the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) from 2026–27 to 2030–31, renamed it PMSSY, and revised disability pension eligibility.

ABOUT PMSSY

• Launched: 1995 as NSAP.
• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.
• Objective: Social assistance to eligible Below Poverty Line (BPL) households in rural + urban areas.
• Coverage: All 36 States/UTs; target beneficiaries increased to 3.20 crore.

FOUR SUB-SCHEMES

• PM Vridhavastha Pension Yojana: Old-age pension.
• PM Vidhawa Pension Yojana: Widow pension.
• PM Divyangjan Pension Yojana: Disability pension.
• PM Parivar Labh Yojana: Family benefit.

KEY REVISIONS

• Disability Eligibility: Benchmark disability reduced from 80% to at least 40%.
• Age Criterion: Disability pension eligibility extended from age 18 to from birth.
• Monthly Disability Pension:
  • Up to 79 years: ₹375.
  • 80 years and above: ₹625.

IMPORTANT ACT

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016: Benchmark disability generally means at least 40% of a specified disability, as certified under the Act.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Strengthens social security for elderly persons, widows, persons with disabilities + families facing loss of a primary breadwinner.
• Wider disability eligibility promotes inclusion of more vulnerable beneficiaries.