The Bihar government has taken a major step to support its senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities by increasing the monthly pension under the Social Security Pension Scheme from ₹400 to ₹1,100. This move, announced by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is expected to bring relief to over 1.10 crore beneficiaries across the state, with special measures introduced for nearly 3 lakh elderly citizens facing payment issues.
This initiative is being widely welcomed as a life-changing move for vulnerable sections of society, especially those living in rural areas where pension income forms a large part of their livelihood.
Key Highlights of the Bihar ₹1,100 Pension Scheme 2025
- Increased Pension Amount: From ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month.
- Effective Date: From July 2025.
- Beneficiaries: Around 1.10–1.12 crore people, including senior citizens (60+), widows, and people with disabilities.
- Women Beneficiaries: Over 54% of recipients are women.
- Special Measures: Block-level camps to help nearly 3 lakh senior citizens with biometric and data-related issues.
- Helpline: Toll-free number 1800-345-6262 for grievance redressal.
- Monthly Payment Date: Pensions will be credited by the 10th of every month.
Why the Pension Increase Matters
For years, the Social Security Pension Scheme in Bihar provided only ₹400 per month—a small amount that barely covered basic necessities. With inflation and rising living costs, many elderly citizens, widows, and disabled individuals found it increasingly difficult to survive.
By raising the pension to ₹1,100, the Bihar government has effectively nearly tripled the monthly support. For many beneficiaries, this means:
- Better access to food and medicine.
- Reduced dependency on family members or neighbors.
- Improved dignity and financial security in old age.
- Ability to handle small emergencies without borrowing money.
Special Measures for 3 Lakh Senior Citizens
While the pension hike benefits over a crore people, the government found that around 3 lakh elderly beneficiaries were not receiving their pensions due to technical issues like:
- Worn-out fingerprints (biometric mismatch).
- Iris scan mismatches.
- Errors in Aadhaar or name spelling.
- Bank account linking problems.
To solve this, the Social Welfare Department launched block-level camps across Bihar. These camps allow senior citizens to:
- Update their biometric data.
- Correct personal details in records.
- Link Aadhaar with their pension account.
- Resume their monthly pension payments without delay.
This doorstep service model ensures that no eligible person is left out due to paperwork or technical hurdles.
How the Pension is Being Distributed
The pension amount is being credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This not only ensures transparency but also prevents corruption and delays.
Financial Details:
- In July 2025, the Bihar government disbursed over ₹1,227 crore for the first installment at the new rate.
- In August 2025, the second tranche was released under the “Pension Parv” initiative.
With the new system in place, beneficiaries can expect the pension amount to arrive on or before the 10th of every month.
Link to Bihar Elections 2025
The pension hike comes ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for later this year. While the ruling JD(U)-BJP coalition says this is part of their welfare commitment, opposition parties like the RJD claim it is a political move inspired by their own ₹1,500 pension proposal.
Regardless of the politics, the fact remains that over 1 crore people are directly benefiting from this increase, and the move is likely to have a big impact on voters’ sentiments.
Integration with RTPS for Faster Service
The Bihar government has integrated all six pension schemes under the Right to Public Services (RTPS) system. This has several benefits:
- Faster approval and disbursal.
- Better tracking of applications.
- Transparency in beneficiary selection.
- Easy grievance registration through the toll-free helpline.
By linking pensions with RTPS, the government aims to create a permanent and efficient delivery system for social security benefits.
How to Apply for the ₹1,100 Pension Scheme in Bihar
If you are eligible for the scheme but not receiving payments, you can apply by following these steps:
- Visit your local Block Office or Panchayat.
- Fill out the Social Security Pension Scheme form.
- Submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar card.
- Age proof (birth certificate, voter ID, etc.).
- Bank account details.
- Passport-size photograph.
- Complete biometric verification on the spot.
- Wait for verification and inclusion in the next beneficiary list.
If you face issues, call the toll-free helpline 1800-345-6262 or visit the nearest RTPS center.
Impact on Society
The increase from ₹400 to ₹1,100 is more than just a financial upgrade—it is a social empowerment move. Many elderly citizens in Bihar depend solely on this pension for survival. With higher payouts, they can:
- Buy nutritious food.
- Afford regular health checkups and medicines.
- Travel to nearby towns without financial stress.
- Avoid taking loans for small expenses.
For widows and disabled individuals, the pension is often their only source of income, making this hike extremely significant.
Conclusion
The Bihar government’s decision to raise the social security pension to ₹1,100 marks a major welfare reform for the state’s elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities. By addressing payment delays through block-level camps and integrating the scheme with RTPS, the administration is ensuring that no one is left behind.
With monthly payments now arriving by the 10th, and a helpline in place to resolve issues, this scheme is set to bring real and tangible relief to millions of Bihar’s most vulnerable citizens.
As the state heads into elections, the move will likely remain a hot political topic, but for the beneficiaries, it is a long-awaited and much-needed step toward financial dignity.
1: Who is eligible for the ₹1,100 pension in Bihar?
Any resident of Bihar who is a senior citizen (60 years or above), a widow, or a person with a disability can apply for the scheme. The applicant must meet the income and asset criteria set by the Bihar Social Welfare Department and provide valid identity proof like an Aadhaar card
2: How can I apply for the Bihar pension scheme?
You can apply by visiting your local Block Office, Panchayat, or RTPS center. Fill out the pension application form, submit required documents (Aadhaar, age proof, bank details, photo), and complete biometric verification. Eligible applicants will start receiving pensions directly in their bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
3: What should I do if my pension is stopped or delayed?
If your pension payment is stopped or delayed, it may be due to biometric mismatches, incorrect bank details, or Aadhaar linking issues. You should visit the nearest block-level pension camp or call the toll-free helpline 1800-345-6262 for assistance. Camps have been set up across Bihar to help nearly 3 lakh elderly citizens resolve such issues.