Millions of pension beneficiaries in Delhi are eagerly waiting for the ₹500 monthly pension hike promised by the BJP-led state government. While the budget for increased pension payouts has already been allocated, the funds have yet to reach the beneficiaries' bank accounts. Here’s the latest status on when the revised pension amount will be credited.
Before coming to power in Delhi, the BJP government had pledged to increase monthly pensions by ₹500 for:
Senior Citizens
Widows
Persons with Disabilities (Divyangs)
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, in her maiden budget, allocated ₹10,000 crore for social welfare schemes. Of this, ₹9,780 crore has been earmarked for departments including Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, and SC/ST Welfare.
However, despite this announcement, most pensioners are still receiving their old pension amounts, leading to widespread confusion and concern.
| Pension Type | Age/Eligibility | Current Amount | Proposed Hike | New Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Age Pension | 60-69 years | ₹2,000 | +₹500 | ₹2,500 |
| Old Age Pension | 70+ years | ₹2,500 | +₹500 | ₹3,000 |
| SC/ST/OBC (60-69 yrs) | Reserved Category | ₹2,500 | +₹500 | ₹3,000 |
| Widow Pension | 18-59 years | ₹2,500 | +₹500 | ₹3,000 |
| Disability Pension | All Eligible Citizens | ₹2,500 | +₹500 | ₹3,000 |
According to official sources, the Department of Social Welfare has finalized the draft policy to implement the increased pension. This draft has been sent to the Finance Department for approval. Once cleared, it will require cabinet approval before implementation.
The government is also conducting a beneficiary verification drive, as several ineligible individuals were reportedly receiving pensions. For instance, the administration found 25,000 widow pension accounts that did not meet the eligibility criteria.
The BJP government is determined to ensure that only genuine and eligible beneficiaries receive financial aid. Verification is being carried out through Anganwadi workers, who are cross-checking records and conducting physical verifications.
In a recent audit:
Of the 3.8 lakh women receiving widow pensions, around 2.3 lakh cases were reverified.
Several accounts were flagged where pensions were being paid to deceased or ineligible recipients.
Currently, Delhi spends about ₹1,140 crore annually on pension schemes:
3.8 lakh women receive widow pensions
4.6 lakh elderly citizens receive old-age pensions
1.3 lakh individuals receive disability pensions
The ₹500 increment across categories is expected to add an extra burden of ₹500 crore per year on the state exchequer.
Although there is no official start date yet, sources within the government suggest that once the finance and cabinet approvals are in place, the revised pension amount could start reflecting in accounts by July 2025.
Until then, beneficiaries are advised to keep checking official portals and bank accounts, and ensure that their documents and eligibility status are up to date.
The increased pension is on the way, but due to due diligence and beneficiary verification, there is a short delay in implementation. The government’s efforts to curb fraud and misuse are commendable, but the beneficiaries, especially the elderly and vulnerable, are eagerly awaiting relief amid rising living costs.
Stay tuned for updates on when the ₹500 hike will be officially rolled out and reflected in your account.
