What this scheme offers
The Chief Minister's Social Security Scheme (CMSSS) is Arunachal Pradesh's set of three state pensions, run by the Social Justice, Empowerment and Tribal Affairs Department: the CM Old Age Pension, the CM Widow Pension and the CM Divyangjan Pension. The state allocated ₹150 crore for them in 2024, with about 64,000 old-age pensioners aged 60 to 79, 3,450 aged 80 and above, 13,209 widows and 6,120 persons with disabilities. On 2 April 2025 the cabinet raised all three pensions by ₹300 a month and lowered the age for the widow pension from 40 to 18 years, which made it universal for widows, benefiting over 50,000 people at an extra cost of ₹18.5 crore a year. I could not find the department's current rate table, so the exact amounts should be confirmed. In March 2026 a disability association said months of pension were unpaid.
Who is eligible
- Old age: a resident of Arunachal Pradesh aged 60 or above; a higher bracket applies from 80.
- Widow: any widow aged 18 or above, since the April 2025 decision.
- Divyangjan: a person with disability, aged 18 to 59 under the older rules, with a disability certificate.
- Other pensions of the same kind may overlap — ask the office.
Documents required
- Age proof
- Proof of Arunachal residence, such as the APST certificate where applicable
- Death certificate of the husband (widow) or disability certificate (divyangjan)
- Aadhaar card and bank account details
- Passport-size photographs and two copies of the application
How to apply
- Collect the application form from the District Social Welfare office or the ICDS cell of your district.
- Fill in two copies and attach the documents for your category.
- Submit them to the district office, which verifies and forwards them to the department.
- Once sanctioned, the pension is paid through the bank account or the local office.
- If payment is late, raise it with the District Social Welfare Officer and the SJETA department.