What this scheme offers
The Sikkim Unmarried Women Pension Scheme, launched in 2013 by the Women and Child Welfare Department, gives unmarried women a monthly pension of ₹2,000 by direct transfer. The money comes wholly from the state, since it is a state innovative scheme and not a central one. On the state's pension portal, the conditions are that the woman must have reached 45 years of age and must hold an unmarried certificate. Other guides add that she should belong to a below-poverty-line family with no source of income and be between 45 and 59, after which the old-age pension applies. Registration is online on the Sikkim pension portal, and pensioners must submit a life certificate each year to keep receiving the payment.
Who is eligible
- An unmarried woman resident of Sikkim who has attained 45 years of age.
- She must hold an unmarried certificate.
- Guides add that she should be from a BPL family without income and under 60, when the old-age pension takes over — confirm this.
- Not covered by another pension that would overlap.
Documents required
- Unmarried certificate
- Age proof and Aadhaar card
- Sikkim residence proof (Certificate of Identification or similar)
- BPL card or income proof, where asked
- Bank account details and photograph
How to apply
- Open the Sikkim pension portal (pensionscheme.sikkim.gov.in) and choose Sikkim Unmarried Women Pension.
- Register online with your details and upload the unmarried certificate and age proof.
- The Women and Child Welfare Department verifies the application.
- Once approved, ₹2,000 a month is paid by direct transfer.
- Submit your life certificate each year, due around February, to keep the pension going.