Published Sep 23, 2026 | 12:04 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 23, 2026 | 12:04 PM
Social security pensions. Representational Image. (iStock)
Synopsis: In accordance with central government directives, starting 1 October, the central share for NSAP beneficiaries will be credited to bank accounts via ‘SNA-SPARSH’.
In Andhra Pradesh, beneficiaries receiving social security pensions under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) will henceforth have their central share of funds deposited directly into their bank accounts, starting 1 October.
However, the state government’s share of the social pensions will continue to be disbursed in cash.
Minister for Rural Poverty Eradication Kondapalli Srinivas announced that even though the central share under the NTR Bharosa scheme will be credited to bank accounts, the state government’s share will still be distributed in cash at the doorstep by secretariat staff.
The pension provided by the Andhra Pradesh government through NTR Bharosa will continue to be disbursed as usual.
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A total of 9.34 lakh beneficiaries in Andhra Pradesh receive National Social Assistance pensions. Including them, the Andhra Pradesh government provides social security pensions to a total of 62 lakh individuals, delivering pension amounts to beneficiaries’ doorsteps every month.
For the 2026–27 financial year, the state government has allocated ₹33,485.10 crore for the payment of NTR Bharosa pensions.
Out of the 62 lakh pensioners in the state, the central government has allocated ₹382.82 crore for the 9.34 lakh beneficiaries falling under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
Under the central government’s latest guidelines, these pensions must be credited directly into the beneficiaries’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through the ‘SNA-SPARSH’ system starting October 1. The central government’s share of the funds will be credited to bank accounts.
There will be no change in the total pension amount received by beneficiaries. While the central share will be credited to bank accounts, the state government’s share will be handed over in cash at the doorstep by village and ward secretariat staff.
This new rule applies exclusively to the 9.34 lakh beneficiaries under NSAP. For the remaining approximately 53 lakh NTR Bharosa pensioners, the entire amount will continue to be provided in cash at the doorstep as usual.
In light of the new orders, beneficiaries must ensure their bank accounts are active. The 9.34 lakh NSAP pensioners must activate their Aadhaar-linked savings bank accounts.
As soon as the pension is credited to the bank, information along with individual details will be sent to beneficiaries via SMS each month.
The Rural Poverty Eradication Department advised beneficiaries to approach their nearest Swarna Gramam / Swarna Ward secretariats for any questions regarding bank account activation, Aadhaar linking, or disbursements.
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Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS):
Ages 60–79: Central share (in bank) ₹200 + State share (cash at doorstep) ₹3,800 = Total pension ₹4,000
Age 80+: Central share (in bank) ₹500 + State share (cash at doorstep) ₹3,500 = Total pension ₹4,000
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS):
Ages 40–79: Central share (in bank) ₹300 + State share (cash at doorstep) ₹3,700 = Total pension ₹4,000
Age 80+: Central share (in bank) ₹500 + State share (cash at doorstep) ₹3,500 = Total pension ₹4,000
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS):
Ages 18–79: Central share (in bank) ₹300 + State share (cash at doorstep) ₹5,700 = Total pension ₹6,000
Age 80+: Central share (in bank) ₹500 + State share (cash at doorstep) ₹5,500 = Total pension ₹6,000
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(Edited by Sumavarsha)
