Samarth Eligibility Explained
Samarth itself has no eligibility rules. Eligibility belongs to each pension scheme it tracks. Most schemes look at your category (age, widowhood, disability, community or occupation), your residency in West Bengal, and whether you already get another pension.
Verify the current requirements through the relevant official authority. Nothing on this page is an official eligibility rule.
Age requirements
Old age pensions are tied to a minimum age. Public guides report 60 years for the WCD Old Age Pension. Other schemes may use different ages, or none, as with disability. Proof of age is usually needed.
Beneficiary categories
| Category | Example scheme | Typical proof |
|---|---|---|
| Senior citizen | WCD Old Age Pension | Age proof |
| Widow | WCD Widow Pension | Husband's death certificate |
| Person with disability | WCD Manabik | Disability certificate or UDID |
| SC / ST community | Taposili Bandhu, Jai Johar | Caste or tribe certificate |
| Occupation | Farmer, fisherman, purohit, others | Occupation proof |
Residency requirements
For the widow and disability pensions, myScheme lists Indian citizenship and at least 10 years' residence in West Bengal on the date of application. Other schemes may differ.
Income-related conditions
Some social pension schemes consider income or economic status. We have not been able to confirm current income limits from an official source, so we do not list any. Ask the office.
Receiving another pension
Public guides report that a person receiving one social pension, such as old age or disability, may not be eligible for another, such as widow pension. Check before applying.
Documentation and verification
Eligibility is confirmed by documents and an office check. See the Samarth documents checklist.
Eligibility FAQs
Does Samarth decide who is eligible?
No. Each scheme has its own rules, and the verifying office decides. Samarth only shows records.
What is the age limit for old age pension?
Public guides report 60 years and above for the WCD Old Age Pension. Confirm with your office before applying.
Do I need to have lived in West Bengal for a set time?
myScheme lists at least 10 years of residence for the widow and disability pensions. Other schemes may differ.
Is there an income limit?
We have not confirmed current income limits from an official source. Ask the office handling the scheme.
Can I apply for more than one scheme?
Some schemes do not allow a second social pension. Ask before applying.
Related guides
Sources and fact-check
This page was checked against the official sources below. Facts we could not confirm (such as pension amounts or payment dates) are left out on purpose.
Official sources
Secondary source
Independent guide describing the Samarth Portal interface (Govt Schemes India, 2026). Used only for portal layout and search options, and marked as “reported” on the page.
Change history
- 11 Oct 2026: Moved to its own page address. Sources section and guide links added. No change to facts.
- 6 Oct 2026: First published.
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