The Government of West Bengal has introduced several welfare schemes to support vulnerable sections of society. Among them, the West Bengal Widow Pension Scheme is one of the most impactful social security initiatives. This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to widowed women who face economic hardship after the loss of their spouse.
Introduction to West Bengal Widow Pension Scheme 2025
The Widow Pension Scheme is a financial assistance program under the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal. The main objective of this scheme is to empower widows by providing them with a monthly pension so they can live with dignity without depending entirely on others for survival.
This scheme is also linked with social justice goals, ensuring that marginalized women in rural and urban areas get equal access to state support. The scheme benefits widows across all districts of West Bengal, including rural gram panchayats and urban municipalities.
Widow Pension Scheme- Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Scheme Name | West Bengal Widow Pension Scheme 2025 |
| Launched By | Government of West Bengal |
| Implemented By | Department of Women and Child Development & Social Welfare |
| Beneficiaries | Widowed women residing in West Bengal |
| Age Limit | Minimum 18 years (preference may be given to 40+ widows) |
| Monthly Pension Amount | ₹1000 – ₹1200 (via Direct Benefit Transfer) |
| Mode of Application | Online & Offline (Municipality, Gram Panchayat, BDO Office) |
| Key Documents Required | Aadhaar Card, Husband’s Death Certificate, Residence Proof, Bank Account, Income Certificate, Photographs |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be a resident of West Bengal, belong to BPL/EWS category, not remarried, not employed in government service, not receiving other pensions |
| Status Check | Available online on the Social Welfare Department portal |
| Beneficiary List | Published online district-wise for transparency |
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Widow Pension Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the West Bengal Widow Pension Scheme 2025, the applicant must meet certain conditions. Below are the eligibility requirements:
- The applicant must be a resident of West Bengal.
- She must be a widow (her husband must not be alive).
- The applicant should not be remarried at the time of application.
- Age requirement: Minimum 18 years (in some cases, preference is given to women above 40 years).
- The applicant must belong to a below poverty line (BPL) family or an economically weaker section (EWS).
- She should not be receiving any other similar pension (like old age pension, disability pension, etc.) from the central or state government.
- The applicant should not be employed in a government or semi-government institution.
Widow Pension Documents Required
Applicants need to provide certain documents to successfully apply for the pension. The documents serve as proof of identity, residence, and eligibility.
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Passport.
- Residence Proof: Ration Card, Domicile Certificate, or Voter ID with West Bengal address.
- Death Certificate of the husband.
- Income Certificate issued by a competent authority.
- Age Proof: Birth Certificate, Aadhaar, or School Leaving Certificate.
- Bank Account Details: Passbook copy for DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
- Passport-size Photographs of the applicant.
- BPL Card (if applicable).
Widow Pension Online Apply Process 2025
The West Bengal government has made the application process simple and online to reduce paperwork and delays. Here are the steps to apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the West Bengal Social Welfare Department Portal.
- Click on Widow Pension Scheme: Navigate to the “Social Security Pension” section.
- Online Registration: Create a new account by entering your name, mobile number, and Aadhaar details.
- Fill Application Form: Enter personal details, husband’s details, income information, and bank account number.
- Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of required documents.
- Submit Application: After reviewing, submit the form online.
- Acknowledgment Slip: Download and keep the acknowledgment slip for tracking application status.
For those who cannot apply online, offline application forms are available at the local Municipality office, Gram Panchayat office, or Block Development Office (BDO).
Widow Pension Status Check 2025
After applying, beneficiaries can check their Widow Pension Status online. This helps applicants know whether their application is approved, pending, or rejected.
Steps to Check Status:
- Visit the official Social Welfare portal of West Bengal.
- Click on the “Track Application Status” option.
- Enter your Application ID or Acknowledgment Number.
- The screen will display your current application status (approved, pending, or under verification).
Alternatively, beneficiaries can also check their status by contacting the local panchayat office or municipality office where they submitted their form.
Widow Pension Beneficiary List 2025
The Widow Pension Beneficiary List 2025 is published online and offline by the government. This list contains the names of approved beneficiaries who are receiving financial aid under the scheme.
How to Check the Beneficiary List:
- Visit the official Social Welfare Department website.
- Click on “Beneficiary List 2025” under the Widow Pension section.
- Select your District, Block, and Gram Panchayat/Municipality.
- The complete list of beneficiaries will appear on the screen.
- Search your name or application number in the list.
Widow Pension Amount in 2025
The government provides a monthly pension of ₹1000 – ₹1200 (may vary by updates) directly into the bank account of the beneficiary through the DBT system. Some special categories of widows (such as those belonging to SC/ST categories or with disabilities) may receive additional financial support.
Helpline & Support
Beneficiaries can seek help through the following:
- District Social Welfare Office
- Municipality or Panchayat Office
- Toll-Free Helpline Number (available on the official website)
- Official Portal Contact Form
Key Features of the West Bengal Widow Pension Scheme
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures money goes straight into the widow’s bank account.
- Online portal for application and status tracking.
- Transparent beneficiary list published annually.
- Focus on rural women belonging to economically weaker sections.
- Available across all districts of West Bengal.
FAQs on West Bengal Widow Pension Scheme 2025
Q1. How much monthly pension is given under the West Bengal Widow Pension Scheme?
Ans: Eligible widows receive around ₹1000 – ₹1200 per month, transferred directly to their bank accounts
Q2. Can a widow apply for pension if she is below 40 years of age?
Ans: Yes, widows above 18 years can apply. However, preference may be given to widows above 40 years depending on guidelines.
Q3. How can I check my widow pension application status in West Bengal?
Ans: You can check online by visiting the Social Welfare Department website and entering your Application ID. Alternatively, you can visit your Panchayat or Municipality office.
Q4. Is there any offline method to apply for widow pension in 2025?
Ans: Yes, widows can also submit offline applications at their BDO Office, Municipality Office, or Gram Panchayat Office.
