Published Sep 19, 2026 | 12:27 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 19, 2026 | 12:27 PM
Social security pensions. Representational Image. (iStock)
Synopsis: A total of 13.40 lakh applications were received from various categories for new pensions. Among these, 6.80 lakh applications were submitted for old-age pensions, and 2.95 lakh applications were received for widow pensions. Further 1.84 lakh were submitted for disability pensions, and 58,000 applications came from leather artisans.
The deadline for submitting applications for the sanction of social pensions in Andhra Pradesh has concluded on Friday, 18 September.
A total of 13.40 lakh applications were received from various categories for new pensions. Among these, 6.80 lakh applications were submitted for old-age pensions, and 2.95 lakh applications were received for widow pensions. Further 1.84 lakh were submitted for disability pensions, and 58,000 applications came from leather artisans.
Following the expiry of the application deadline, top officials held a meeting with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday night to discuss the approval of the new social pension applications. The receipt of new applications commenced on 7 September.
Currently, 62 lakh people receive social pensions in Andhra Pradesh. If the new applications are approved, the total number of pensions will approach nearly 75 lakh. In this scenario, government is expected to provide clarity on how many new pensions will be granted.
Meanwhile, Local body elections are scheduled to take place soon in Andhra Pradesh. The government plans to conduct elections first in urban areas, followed by rural local bodies. In light of this, the administration is considering finalising the pension approvals before the election notification is released. The new pensions are likely to be sanctioned in time for disbursement on 1 October.
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As part of its social security measures, Andhra Pradesh pays the highest pension amounts in the country.
At present, the state is disbursing ₹2,694 crore for pensions to 61,92,396 beneficiaries for the current month, providing an average of around ₹4,350 per beneficiary.
Through G.O.Ms.No.43 issued on 13 June 2024, regular social pensions were raised from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000.
Disability pensions were increased from ₹3,000 to ₹6,000. These enhanced amounts came into effect starting July 2024.
Currently, senior citizens and widows are paid a monthly pension of ₹4,000. Persons with disabilities receive ₹6,000, those with certain chronic illnesses receive ₹10,000, and a maximum of ₹15,000 is provided to people with total disability. The Andhra Pradesh government states that it provides social security cover to approximately 13 percent of the state’s population.
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During the initial distribution of the enhanced pensions in July 2024, the government released ₹4,408 crore for disbursement to around 65.31 lakh beneficiaries. The government revealed that up to September 1, 2026, a cumulative ₹73,508 crore had been spent on pensions since the coalition government assumed office in June 2024.
While there are currently 62,92,707 eligible pensioners, 59,91,889 individuals received their pensions in September, reflecting a coverage rate of 96.49 percent. The addition of the newly received applications will significantly increase the overall expenditure on pension payouts.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sarath Chandra)
