Delhi's Multiple Schemes for ₹2,500 Financial Aid
Several financial assistance programs in Delhi provide a monthly benefit of ₹2,500, but each has distinct eligibility requirements. The most prominent scheme is the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana for women, with additional aid available for widows, senior citizens, and persons with special needs.
Mahila Samriddhi Yojana (Women's Scheme)
Launched in March 2025 by the Delhi government, this scheme offers a monthly financial grant to empower women from economically weaker sections. The eligibility criteria are specific to ensure the benefits reach the target beneficiaries.
Eligibility for the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana:
- Age: Women between 18 and 60 years of age.
- Residency: Permanent resident of Delhi.
- Income: Annual household income must be less than ₹3 lakh.
- Taxpayer Status: Must not be an income taxpayer.
- Employment: Should not be a government employee.
- Other Benefits: Must not be receiving other financial assistance from any government scheme.
Widow Pension Scheme (For Women in Distress)
Another scheme providing a monthly assistance of ₹2,500 is the Delhi Pension Scheme to Women in Distress. It is designed to offer social security to vulnerable women who lack adequate means of subsistence.
Eligibility for Widow Pension Scheme:
- Age: Woman must be 18 years or older.
- Residency: Resident of Delhi for at least 5 years preceding the application date.
- Income: Annual income must not exceed ₹1 lakh.
- Status: Must be a widow, divorced, separated, abandoned, or destitute woman.
- Other Benefits: Cannot be receiving any other pension or financial aid from the Central or State government.
Financial Assistance for Persons with Special Needs
The Delhi government provides financial assistance to persons with special needs, which is also fixed at ₹2,500 per month. The aid is meant to help with rehabilitation and meeting day-to-day expenses.
Eligibility for Persons with Special Needs Assistance:
- Age: Up to 60 years of age.
- Disability: Must have a minimum of 40% disability, certified by a government hospital's medical board.
- Residency: Must be a Delhi resident for at least 5 years preceding the application date.
- Income: Annual family income must not exceed ₹1 lakh.
- Other Benefits: Must not be receiving a similar pension from another source.
Old Age Assistance Scheme (For 70+ Elderly)
Under the Scheme of Old Age Assistance, elderly residents of Delhi receive a pension to support themselves financially. While those aged 60–69 receive ₹2,000, those 70 years and above are eligible for ₹2,500 per month.
Eligibility for Old Age Assistance (70+):
- Age: Must be 70 years of age or older.
- Residency: Resident of Delhi for a minimum of 5 years prior to application.
- Income: Annual family income should not be more than ₹1 lakh.
- Other Benefits: Cannot be a recipient of any other government pension.
Comparison of Delhi's ₹2,500 Schemes
| Feature | Mahila Samriddhi Yojana | Widow Pension Scheme | Persons with Special Needs | Old Age Assistance (70+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beneficiary | Women from economically weaker sections | Widows, divorced, separated, or destitute women | Persons with at least 40% disability | Residents aged 70+ years |
| Age Criteria | 18 to 60 years | 18 years and above | 0 to 60 years | 70 years and above |
| Annual Family Income | Less than ₹3 lakh | Less than ₹1 lakh | Less than ₹1 lakh | Less than ₹1 lakh |
| Residency Requirement | Permanent resident of Delhi | 5 years in Delhi | 5 years in Delhi | 5 years in Delhi |
| Taxpayer Exclusion | Yes | No mention | No mention | No mention |
| Government Employee Exclusion | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Application Portal | Online portal planned | e-District Portal | e-District Portal | e-District Portal |
| Benefit Amount | ₹2,500/month | ₹2,500/month | ₹2,500/month | ₹2,500/month |
Documents Required for Application
While the specific online portals and application procedures may differ slightly between schemes, many required documents are consistent. Most applications will require a combination of identity, residency, and income proofs.
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card is mandatory for most applications processed via the e-District portal.
- Residence Proof: Documents proving residence in Delhi for the specified period, such as a Voter ID, Ration Card, or address on Aadhaar.
- Income Certificate: An official income certificate or a self-declaration of income is often required.
- Bank Account Details: A single-operated, Aadhaar-linked bank account is necessary for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Proof of Status: Scheme-specific documents, such as a death certificate for a widow's pension or a disability certificate for the disabled pension.
- Photograph: Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant.
Conclusion
Several Delhi government schemes offer ₹2,500 in financial assistance, but eligibility differs significantly based on the program and specific criteria, including age, income, and personal status. The recently launched Mahila Samriddhi Yojana targets women aged 18 to 60 from low-income households, while older schemes provide pensions to widows, disabled persons under 60, and senior citizens aged 70 and above. Prospective applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria for each program before applying through the designated government portals to ensure they meet all requirements and have the necessary documents.
Learn more about Delhi's financial assistance programs on the Social Welfare Department's website.
