Widow Pension Scheme in Tamil Nadu
The ‘Destitute Widow Pension Scheme’ is a scheme launched by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. The scheme aims to provide a pension of ₹1,200/- to the destitute widows who are 18 years and above in age. The Destitute Widow Pension Scheme in Tamil Nadu aims to provide financial assistance to widows who are in need and have no means of support. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to apply for this scheme: Lets See How to Apply for Widow Pension in Tamil Nadu
How to apply for widow pension in Tamil Nadu?
The applicant can apply either through online or through e-Sevai counters however follow up required with government authorities.

Following steps describe how to apply for the Destitute Widow Pension Scheme Certificate through online:
- Obtain the Application Form: Download the form from the Tamil Nadu government’s official website or collect it from the local taluk office or social welfare department office.
- Fill the Form: Carefully fill in all the required details.
- Attach Documents: Attach all the required documents as mentioned above.
- Submit the Application: Submit the completed application form along with the attached documents to the local taluk office, social welfare department office, or any other designated office.
- Verification: The submitted application and documents will be verified by the authorities.
- Approval and Disbursement: Once the verification is completed and the application is approved, the pension amount will be credited to the widow’s bank account on a monthly basis.
Following steps describe how to apply for the Destitute Widow Pension Scheme Certificate through the e-Sevai (e-District Portal):
- The applicant should gather copies of the necessary documents needed to apply for the concerned scheme.
- The applicant should visit the nearest e-Sevai and complete the Biometric Verification Process.
- In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields and upload copies of all the mandatory documents.
- Request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Eligibility Requirements for the Widow Pension Scheme in Tamil Nadu
- There are no upper age limit for getting the widow pension, the minimum age should be above 21 years of age.
- The Widower must have no other source of Income in any form, eligible only for widow, who is below poverty line.
- The Applicant must not be professional beggars.
- Pension is given in spite of having legal heirs of above 18 years of age.
- Must not possess property of value more than Rs.5,000/-.
- Instead of getting the reports regarding the pension given to the widows from Village Administrative Officers and Revenue Inspectors, copy of resolution of Village Panchayat/ Town Panchayat can be submitted.
- If the Applicant / Widower remarried, Pension / Government Assistance will not be given.
- The Applicant Should be from the state of Tamil Nadu
Documents Required for Availing the Widow Pension
- Address Proof of the Widow
- Death Certificate of the Husbund
- Aadhaar Card of the Applicant ( Widow)
- Passport Size Photo
- Filled Application either through Online / prescribed hard copy
- Bank Account Passbook copy
How much pension destitute widow gets / What is the Widow pension amount in Tamil Nadu ?
The Applicant will be paid Rs.1000 per month to their Bank account . ( Latest Pension as on Year 2019 )
Is there any minimum educational Qualification required for Window pension ?
No, there is no educational qualification is required for applying for this scheme. All the eligible applicant(with or without educational qualification) will get the widow pension in Tamil Nadu.
Can we get Senior Citizen Pension and Widow pension both simultaneously?
Yes in many instances, the applicant has to contact the village Administrative Officers/ Tahsildar for more clarification and regulatory requirements.
Whom to Contact for Availing the Widow Pension ?
If the applicant satisfies above criteria, then the applicant must approach Tahsildar / Special Tahsildar (Social Security Scheme) in the respective revenue / Corporation office in order to get the benefit.
Suddenly Widow Pension Stopped, What do I do ?
No problem, the applicant need not to reapply again ! Contact the respective Taluk Tahsildar / District Collector office to get all the dues in time.
Which department is responsible for monitoring the Widow pension scheme in Tamil Nadu ?
The Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Department distributes the widow pension in Tamil Nadu and holds the authority to revise the pension amount with or without prior notice.
Widow Pension in Tamil Nadu(2025):
Tamil Nadu supports vulnerable women through the Destitute Widow Pension Scheme (DWPS). If you are a widow in Tamil Nadu or helping someone who is, this guide explains eligibility, benefits, application process, and tips for success.
1. What is the Widow Pension Scheme?
Tamil Nadu runs a state‑funded Destitute Widow Pension Scheme, which gives ₹1,200 per month to eligible women. This includes the National Social Assistance component (IGN‑WPS) and the purely state-funded component under DWPS Tesz. In total, the pension is ₹1,200 monthly: ₹900 from state funds and ₹300 from the Central government for eligible widows above 40 years of age revadmin.tn.gov.inrevadmin.tn.gov.in.
2. Who is Eligible?
To qualify:
- You must be a destitute widow, aged 18 or older.
- Annual income should be very low, and fixed assets must not exceed ₹1 lakh.
- You must belong to below poverty line category and meet criteria set by Tamil Nadu’s revenue and social welfare department revadmin.tn.gov.in.
3. Key Benefits of the Scheme
The scheme offers:
- Direct monthly pension credited to your bank account.
- A widow certificate issued by the Revenue Department.
- No complicated intermediary: assistance flows directly from government to beneficiary.
4. How to Apply Online
You can apply through the TN eSevai portal, following these steps:
- Register as a citizen on the portal and obtain a Citizen Access Number (CAN).
- Log in and navigate to “Revenue Department → REV‑202 Destitute Widow Pension Scheme (DWPS)”.
- Fill in the form. Many details are auto‑filled; you must enter your bank details, income, and property info.
- Upload supporting documents: Aadhaar, photo, widow certificate, ration card or other address proof, identity proof, and bank passbook (see full list below).
- Pay the nominal fee (around ₹60), submit, and print the receipt.
- Track your application status under “Check Status” using the reference number.
5. Documents Checklist
- Recent photo
- Aadhaar card and consent form
- Address proof (ration card, smart card)
- Widow certificate issued by Revenue Department
- Voter ID / PAN / Driving licence
- Bank passbook (first page)
Alternatively, you can apply through your local eSevai centre if you need assistance with completing the online application forms.
6. Why It Matters
First and foremost, this pension offers essential support to women who’ve lost their only source of income. In addition, the scheme offers security and dignity during times of hardship. Furthermore, it has enabled thousands of widows to stay financially stable and maintain their social well-being.
7. Success Tips
- Ensure accurate asset details; incorrect values can lead to rejection.
- Request your widow certificate promptly, as it is mandatory.
- Use a linked Aadhaar‑verified bank account for faster processing.
- Check your CAN and status regularly on the eSevai portal.
8. Updates and Budget Highlights
As of August 2023, the state government raised pensions (excluding disability) to ₹1,200 for all relevant categories revadmin.tn.gov.in. The last official update from the state site was made in November 2024 for both DWPS and widow pension schemes tn.gov.intn.gov.in.
9. Apply Now – Official Portal
For the latest info or to begin registration, visit the Tamil Nadu Revenue Administration site.
Official Government Scheme Details – Destitute Widow Pension Scheme
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11. Final Thoughts
Widow pension in Tamil Nadu is a lifeline for many women facing hardship. By understanding eligibility, gathering correct documents, and applying diligently, eligible beneficiaries can secure ₹1,200 per month. The application process is designed to be transparent and accessible.