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Destitute/Deserted Wives Pension Scheme

DDWPS

Published: Oct 2026

4 min read

Reviewed by Navin, Editor · First published: 13 Oct 2026

Destitute/Deserted Wives Pension Scheme
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Written by Navin · Editor, tsmpb.inUpdated: 17 Oct 2026 · How we verify scheme facts

About this social welfare scheme

The 'Destitute/Deserted Wives Pension Scheme' is a state scheme to give a pension of Rs. 1,000/- to the destitute/deserted wives. The scheme provides other benefit every year during the Pongal and Deepavali festival one priceless saree is given.

The 'Destitute/Deserted Wives Pension Scheme' is a state scheme was launched by the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Tamil Nadu. The objective is to provide financial assistance of Rs. 1,000/- to the destitute/deserted wives. The scheme provides other benefits every year during the Pongal and Deepavali festival one priceless saree is given and a nutritious meal is supplied through the Anganwadi Centres.

Benefits at a glance

Scheme nameDestitute/Deserted Wives Pension Scheme (DDWPS)
Launched byDepartment of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment
Benefit typeCash (money paid to your bank account)
CategorySocial welfare
Level / StateState ยท Tamil Nadu
Official portaltnega.tn.gov.in (link at the end of this page)

Key facts

Scheme forIndividual
Application modeOnline - via CSC
Last dateOngoing (no last date notified)
DBT (direct bank transfer)No
Age30+ years

Who can apply (quick check)

  • ๐Ÿ‘คFemale
  • ๐ŸŽ‚Age 30+ years
  • ๐Ÿ’Divorced
  • ๐Ÿ“Online - via CSC

Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.

What you receive

Pension:

  • Rs. 1,000/- per month.

Free Clothes during Pongal and Deepavali:

  • One free saree.

Free Rice in Anganwadi Centres:

  • 2kg/month to those who are taking nutritious meals.
  • 4kg/month to those who are not taking nutritious meals.

Who qualifies

  1. The applicant should be legally divorced or deserted for a minimum of 5 years.
  2. The applicant should be a destitute woman.
  3. The applicant's age should be 30 years and above.
  4. The applicant's fixed assets not exceeding Rs. 1,00,000/-

Papers to keep ready

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Registration walkthrough

Online - via CSC

Step 1: The applicant should gather copies of the necessary documents needed to apply for the concerned scheme.

Step 2: The applicant should visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) and complete the Biometric Verification Process.

Step 3: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields and upload copies of all the mandatory documents.

Step 4: Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the concerned authority to whom the application has been submitted. Ensure that the receipt contains essential details such as the date and time of submission, and a unique identification number (if applicable).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to visit the government office to apply for the scheme?

No, you can apply online through the nearest Common Service Center (CSC).

What is the amount of the monthly pension?

The monthly pension under this scheme is Rs. 1,000.

Do I get the free saree and rice every month?

No, the sarees are distributed during Pongal and Deepavali festivals, and the free rice is provided through Anganwadi centers, with varying quantities based on participation in the nutritious meal program.

I am 28 years old and destitute. Am I eligible for the scheme?

No, the minimum age requirement is 30 years old.

My husband left me 5 years ago, but I have savings of Rs. 1.5 lakh. Can I still apply?

The maximum limit for fixed assets is Rs. 1 lakh. Your savings exceed the limit, so you might not be eligible.

Can I track the status of my application?

You can inquire about the application status by visiting the CSC where you submitted it or contacting the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department.

Can you clarify the criteria for receiving free rice at Anganwadi Centres?

Beneficiaries who take nutritious meals at Anganwadi Centres are entitled to receive 2kg of free rice per month. However, those not availing nutritious meals receive 4kg of free rice every month.

Is there any age restriction for applicants to the 'Destitute/Deserted Wives Pension Scheme'?

Yes, applicants must be 30 years old or above to qualify for the scheme.

What is the significance of the abandonment certificate in the list of required documents?

The abandonment certificate is a crucial document that certifies the applicant's status of being legally divorced or deserted for a minimum of 5 years, meeting one of the eligibility criteria for the scheme.

How often is the pension disbursed to the beneficiaries?

Beneficiaries receive the pension amount of Rs. 1,000 per month.

Are there any specific guidelines regarding the fixed assets of the applicant?

Yes, to be eligible, the applicant's fixed assets should not exceed Rs. 1,00,000.

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