Sandhya Suraksha Yojana: Karnataka Old Age Pension, Eligibility and How to Apply
Sandhya Suraksha Yojana is a Karnataka state pension for poor elderly people, started in 2007 to reach people who are not covered by the Centre's old age pension. It is a pension scheme, not a health scheme, and it is different from the new Sandhya Kiran health scheme.
At a glance
| Type | Monthly state pension for poor elderly people |
|---|---|
| Started | 2007 |
| Reported amount | Rs 1,000 a month on most scheme guides; a rise to Rs 1,200 has been reported |
| Where to apply | Taluk office (Tahsildar), or online through Seva Sindhu |
| Time to decide | Applications are to be disposed of within a maximum of 2 months under the scheme rules |
| Not eligible | People already receiving old age, destitute widow, disability or other pensions, as per the scheme rules |
| Beneficiaries in 2025 | About 31.33 lakh, of whom about 14.15 lakh were flagged ineligible in a June 2025 notification |
What is Sandhya Suraksha Yojana?
Karnataka introduced Sandhya Suraksha Yojana in 2007 to cover a larger section of poor elderly people who may not be covered by the Centre's Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme.
How much does it pay?
Most scheme guides list the pension as Rs 1,000 a month. A study by GRAAM found beneficiaries were being paid Rs 600 or Rs 1,000 and recommended a higher amount. The same organisation reports that the state decided to raise the pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200, expected to reach about 35.98 lakh beneficiaries.
Because these figures differ and the pages we found are not dated, we have not stated a single current amount. Ask your taluk office what is being paid today.
Who is eligible
- The scheme is limited to residents of Karnataka.
- As per the Karnataka Sandhya Suraksha Scheme Rules, people already receiving old age pension, destitute widow pension, physically handicapped pension or any other pension from public or private sources are not eligible.
- The rules also set age and other conditions. We did not find them stated clearly in the sources we checked, so confirm them at the taluk office.
How to apply
- Under the scheme rules, the application goes to the Tahsildar of the taluk where the person normally lives, and the office must give an acknowledgement.
- An enquiring officer is to see the applicant in person to check that the case is genuine and eligible.
- The rules say applications should be disposed of within a maximum of 2 months of reaching the taluk office.
- The scheme is also listed on the Seva Sindhu portal for online application. Offices commonly ask for identity, age and address proof and bank account details, but confirm the exact list locally.
Why many beneficiaries were flagged in 2025
In a notification dated 6 June 2025, the commissioner for Social Security and Pension said there were about 21.87 lakh beneficiaries under the Old Age Pension scheme and about 31.33 lakh under Sandhya Suraksha. Of these, about 9.04 lakh and about 14.15 lakh were found to be ineligible. The Revenue department had identified 23.19 lakh ineligible pensioners in total, who could lose the benefit.
If you or a family member receives this pension, keep your documents ready in case the taluk office asks for verification.
Sandhya Suraksha vs Sandhya Kiran
The names sound alike but the schemes are different. Sandhya Suraksha is a cash pension for poor elderly people. Sandhya Kiran is a new cashless health scheme for state government pensioners below 70, family pensioners and their dependents. See the Sandhya Kiran page for details.
Frequently asked questions
Who started Sandhya Suraksha Yojana and when?
The Karnataka government introduced it in 2007 to cover poor elderly people who may not be covered by the Centre's old age pension scheme.
How much pension does Sandhya Suraksha pay?
Most guides list Rs 1,000 a month. A rise to Rs 1,200 has been reported, so confirm the current amount with your taluk office.
Where do I apply for Sandhya Suraksha pension?
At the taluk office (Tahsildar) where you normally live, or through the Seva Sindhu portal.
Can I get Sandhya Suraksha if I already get another pension?
As per the scheme rules, people already receiving old age, destitute widow, disability or other pensions are not eligible.
Is Sandhya Suraksha the same as Sandhya Kiran?
No. Sandhya Suraksha is an old age pension. Sandhya Kiran is a cashless health scheme for state government pensioners.
Practise: 5 quick questions
1. In which year was the Karnataka Sandhya Suraksha Yojana introduced?
- 1995
- 2007
- 2013
- 2018
Show answer
B. 2007. Karnataka introduced Sandhya Suraksha Yojana in 2007.
2. Under the scheme rules, applications for Sandhya Suraksha pension are sent to which officer?
- District Collector
- Gram Panchayat Secretary
- Tahsildar of the taluk
- Block Education Officer
Show answer
C. Tahsildar of the taluk. The rules say applications go to the Tahsildar of the taluk where the beneficiary ordinarily resides.
3. Within what maximum period should applications be disposed of under the scheme rules?
- 15 days
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 6 months
Show answer
C. 2 months. The rules set a maximum of 2 months from receipt in the taluk office.
4. Sandhya Suraksha was meant to cover poor elderly people who may not be covered by which central scheme?
- PM Kisan
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
- Jan Dhan Yojana
- Ayushman Bharat
Show answer
B. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme. It was introduced to reach people the Centre's old age pension may not cover.
5. Which Karnataka department identified 23.19 lakh ineligible pensioners in 2025?
- Finance department
- Health department
- Revenue department
- Rural Development department
Show answer
C. Revenue department. A Deccan Herald report in June 2025 said the Revenue department had identified them.
Related schemes
Sources
Official portal: Seva Sindhu portal