Central Government 5 best schemes for Widow Women in 2026. Get Rs 2000 pension, free house, free training.
1. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme – Rs 2000 Monthly Pension
Widows 40 to 79 years get Rs 300 + State top-up = Total Rs 1000-2000 per month (Tamil Nadu gives Rs 1200). Above 80 years get Rs 500 central + state.
Apply at: nsp.gov.in or local Panchayat Office.
2. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) – Free House for Widow
Priority in house allotment. Widows without house get first preference in PMAY Gramin and Urban. Free house up to Rs 1.2 Lakh subsidy.
3. National Family Benefit Scheme – Rs 20000 One Time Help
If husband died and family is BPL, widow gets Rs 20000 one-time financial assistance within 45 days.
4. Free Skill Training & Loan Under DAY-NRLM / NULM
Free tailoring, beautician, computer training + Rs 50000 loan to start business. SHG group formation help. Apply at District Rural Development Agency.
5. Widow Daughter Marriage & Education Scholarship
Many states give Rs 50000 for widow daughter marriage. Central scholarship for widow children: Pre-matric, Post-matric up to Rs 20000 per year.
Documents: Death Certificate of Husband, Widow Certificate, Aadhaar, Income Certificate (BPL), Bank Passbook