What this scheme offers
Kerala's general welfare pension covers the elderly, widows and persons with disabilities who don't have another adequate income source, and has historically run at one of the higher rates among Indian states. The rate has moved several times in recent years — ₹1,600, then raised to ₹2,000 by the outgoing LDF government shortly before the May 2026 election (a timing the incoming government has publicly criticised as politically motivated), and now the newly elected UDF government has committed to raising it further to ₹3,000 under its 'Indira Guarantee' programme. As of this writing, that increase hasn't been implemented, so the amount actually being disbursed remains ₹2,000 a month — check the current rate before assuming the higher figure applies.
Who is eligible
- Elderly (65+), widow, or person with disability, resident in Kerala.
- Family income within the limit prescribed by the Local Self Government Department.
- Not already receiving another central or state pension for the same category.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Age proof / widow certificate / disability certificate, as applicable
- Income certificate
- Bank account details (Aadhaar-linked)
How to apply
- Apply through your local Gram Panchayat or Municipality's welfare pension section, or online via the LSG Kerala portal (lsgkerala.gov.in).
- Submit category-specific proof (age, widow status, or disability) along with income certificate.
- Applications are verified at the local body level.
- Once approved, the pension is credited monthly via DBT.
- Renewal or periodic re-verification may be required — check with your local body for the current cycle.