The Bihar Vridha Pension Yojana, officially called the Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojana (MVPY), is a social security scheme launched by the Bihar government to support senior citizens. It’s part of the broader Social Security Pension Scheme, which also covers widows and disabled individuals.
Under this scheme, eligible elderly people get a monthly pension directly into their bank accounts. This money helps cover basic expenses, reducing their dependence on family or others. In 2025, the scheme got a major boost with a significant increase in the pension amount, making it a lifeline for millions.
Pension Amount Increased in 2025
On June 21, 2025, Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a historic hike in the pension amount under the Social Security Pension Scheme. The monthly pension for elderly, widows, and disabled individuals has jumped from ₹400 to ₹1,100—a whopping increase of ₹700 per month. This change will take effect from July 2025, and the increased amount will be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts by the 10th of each month.
This decision benefits over 1.96 crore people in Bihar, including approximately 1.09 crore elderly individuals, as well as widows and disabled persons. The hike adds an extra ₹3,594.42 crore to the state’s annual budget, showing the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups.
Why the increase? With rising inflation—think higher prices for essentials like rice, medicines, or electricity—₹400 wasn’t enough to meet basic needs. The new ₹1,100 pension aims to give seniors more financial freedom, especially ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. While some critics call it an election strategy, beneficiaries like you or your family members are the real winners.
Who Can Get the Vridha Pension?
Not sure if you or someone you know qualifies? Here’s a simple breakdown of the eligibility criteria for the Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojana:
Age: You must be 60 years or older. This applies to both men and women.
Residency: You need to be a permanent resident of Bihar. Proof like a voter ID or Aadhaar card showing a Bihar address works.
Income: Your family’s annual income should be less than ₹60,000 (for rural areas) or ₹1,00,000 (for urban areas). This ensures the pension reaches those who need it most.
Other Pensions: If you’re already getting a pension from another government scheme (like a central government pension for retired employees), you may not be eligible. However, this doesn’t apply to other social security schemes like widow or disability pensions.
Bank Account: You need an Aadhaar-linked bank account to receive the pension directly.
If you’re a senior citizen meeting these conditions, you’re likely eligible. Widows and disabled individuals have similar but slightly different criteria under the broader Social Security Pension Scheme. For example, widows of any age can apply for the Vidhwa Pension Yojana, and disabled individuals with a 40% or higher disability qualify for the Divyangjan Pension.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about eligibility, visit your local Block Development Office (BDO) or Common Service Centre (CSC) to confirm. They can check your details and guide you.
How Much Will You Get?
Starting July 2025, you’ll receive ₹1,100 per month as your pension. This amount is credited directly to your Aadhaar-linked bank account on the 10th of every month. For example, on July 10, 2025, you’ll see ₹1,100 in your account, and the same will happen each month.
Here’s a quick comparison to put the increase in perspective:
Before July 2025: ₹400 per month (₹4,800 per year)
From July 2025: ₹1,100 per month (₹13,200 per year)
That’s an extra ₹8,400 per year—enough to cover a few months’ groceries, medical bills, or even a bus ticket to visit family. For many seniors in rural Bihar, where the cost of living is lower, this boost can make a big difference.
Why e-KYC Is Crucial for Your Pension
To keep getting your pension without interruptions, you must complete e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer). This is a one-time process that verifies your identity using your Aadhaar card. It’s mandatory because the government wants to ensure the pension reaches the right person and prevent fraud.
What Is e-KYC for Vridha Pension?
e-KYC links your Aadhaar details to your pension account. It confirms your name, age, and bank account are correct. Without e-KYC, your pension payment might get stuck, leaving you without funds when you need them most.
How to Complete e-KYC
You have several easy options to do e-KYC:
Visit a Common Service Centre (CSC):
Find your nearest CSC (ask at your local panchayat or search online).
Carry your Aadhaar card and mobile number linked to Aadhaar.
The CSC staff will do a biometric scan (fingerprint or iris) to verify your identity.
This usually costs ₹10–₹20.
Use the e-Labharti Portal:
Go to the official e-Labharti website (elabharti.bih.nic.in).
Click on “Beneficiary e-KYC” and enter your Aadhaar number.
You’ll get an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
Enter the OTP and complete the process online.
You’ll need a smartphone or computer with internet access.
Face Authentication:
Some CSCs offer face authentication, where a camera scans your face to match it with Aadhaar records.
This is helpful if you have trouble with fingerprints due to age or work-related wear.
Through a Mobile App:
Download the Aadhaar Face RD app or similar apps approved by UIDAI.
Follow the steps to scan your face and link it to your Aadhaar.
This is a good option if you’re tech-savvy or have a family member to help.
Important: If you haven’t done e-KYC yet, do it before July 2025 to ensure your first ₹1,100 payment arrives on time. If your payment gets stuck due to incomplete KYC, you’ll need to visit your BDO or CSC to fix it.
Pro Tip: If your mobile number isn’t linked to Aadhaar, visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update it first. Without a linked number, OTP-based e-KYC won’t work.
What Is e-Labharti and How Does It Help?
e-Labharti is Bihar’s online portal for managing social security pensions, including the Vridha Pension Yojana. Think of it as your one-stop shop for everything pension-related—applying, checking status, or doing e-KYC. The portal is designed to make the process transparent and easy, even for people in rural areas.
Key Features of e-Labharti
Apply Online: You can apply for the Vridha Pension Yojana without visiting government offices.
Check Payment Status: See if your pension has been credited and track past payments.
e-KYC: Complete your Aadhaar verification from home if you have internet access.
Grievance Redressal: File complaints if your pension is delayed or incorrect.
How to Use e-Labharti
Visit elabharti.bih.nic.in on your phone or computer.
Click on “Beneficiary Login” or “New Registration” if you’re applying for the first time.
Enter your Aadhaar number, pension ID (if you’re already a beneficiary), or mobile number.
Follow the steps to apply, check status, or do e-KYC.
If you’re not comfortable online, visit a CSC—they’ll do it for you.
Why It Matters: e-Labharti saves you time and reduces the need for middlemen who might charge extra. It’s especially helpful for tracking your ₹1,100 payment starting July 2025.
How to Check Your Vridha Pension Payment Status
Worried if your pension has been credited? You can check your payment status in minutes. Here’s how:
Through e-Labharti Portal:
Go to elabharti.bih.nic.in.
Click on “Beneficiary Payment Status.”
Enter your Aadhaar number or pension ID (found on your pension passbook or approval letter).
You’ll see details like the last payment date, amount, and bank account status.
Visit Your Bank:
Go to your bank branch with your passbook or Aadhaar card.
Ask them to check if the pension has been credited.
You can also use your bank’s mobile app or ATM to check your balance.
Call the Helpline:
Dial the Bihar Social Welfare Department helpline (1800-345-6262) or your district’s BDO office.
Provide your Aadhaar number or pension ID to get an update.
Ask at CSC:
Visit your local CSC with your Aadhaar card.
They can check your status for a small fee (₹10–₹20).
What to Do If Payment Is Delayed:
Confirm your e-KYC is complete.
Check if your bank account is active and linked to Aadhaar.
File a complaint on the e-Labharti portal or call the helpline.
Visit your BDO office with your Aadhaar card, pension ID, and bank passbook.
Pro Tip: Set a reminder to check your account on the 10th of each month starting July 2025. If ₹1,100 isn’t credited, act quickly to fix any issues.
How to Apply for the Vridha Pension Yojana
If you or a loved one isn’t enrolled yet, applying is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Online Application via e-Labharti:
Visit elabharti.bih.nic.in.
Click on “Register for MVPY – Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojana.”
Fill in details like your name, Aadhaar number, mobile number, bank account number, IFSC code, and address.
Upload scanned copies of your Aadhaar card, bank passbook, income certificate, and passport-size photo.
Submit the form and note your application ID for tracking.
Offline Application:
Visit your Block Development Office (BDO) or District Social Welfare Office.
Get the MVPY application form (free of cost).
Fill in the same details as above and attach copies of your Aadhaar card, bank passbook, income certificate, and photo.
Submit the form to the BDO or social welfare officer.
They’ll give you a receipt with an application ID.
Through CSC:
Go to a nearby CSC with your Aadhaar card, bank passbook, income certificate, and photo.
The CSC staff will fill out the form and submit it for you (small fee applies).
Documents Needed:
Aadhaar card
Bank passbook (Aadhaar-linked account)
Income certificate (from your panchayat or tehsildar)
Passport-size photo
Proof of age (Aadhaar, voter ID, or birth certificate)
Bihar domicile proof (voter ID, ration card, or Aadhaar)
After Applying:
Your application will be verified by the BDO or social welfare department.
If approved, you’ll get a pension ID and start receiving payments.
The process takes 30–60 days, so apply soon to get the ₹1,100 pension from July 2025.
Benefits of the Increased Pension
The jump from ₹400 to ₹1,100 isn’t just about numbers—it’s about improving lives. Here’s how it helps you or your loved ones:
More Financial Freedom: ₹1,100 can cover monthly medicines, a sack of rice, or utility bills, reducing stress.
Dignity in Old Age: Seniors can rely less on family, feeling more independent.
Support in Inflation: With prices rising (e.g., dal at ₹150/kg or petrol at ₹100/liter), the extra ₹700 helps stretch your budget.
Regular Payments: The 10th-of-the-month schedule makes planning easier.
Example: Imagine your grandmother, a 70-year-old widow in a Bihar village. With ₹1,100 monthly, she can buy her blood pressure medicines (₹300), a month’s worth of atta and dal (₹500), and still have ₹300 for small joys like tea with friends or a bus ride to the market. That’s the real impact of this hike.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While the scheme is a game-changer, you might face some hurdles. Here’s how to tackle them:
e-KYC Issues: If your fingerprints don’t work or your mobile isn’t Aadhaar-linked, try face authentication or visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update your details.
Delayed Payments: If your pension doesn’t arrive by the 10th, check your payment status and ensure your bank account is active.
Application Rejections: If your application is rejected (e.g., due to missing documents), reapply with correct papers or appeal at the BDO office.
Lack of Awareness: Many seniors in rural areas don’t know about e-KYC or e-Labharti. Spread the word or help them visit a CSC.
Pro Tip: If you’re helping an elderly relative, accompany them to the CSC or BDO office. Your support can make the process smoother.
Political Context: Why Now?
The pension hike comes just months before the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, leading some to call it a vote-bank strategy. Opposition leaders like Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) claim it’s a copy of their ₹1,500 pension promise, while Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj party says it’s due to their pressure and vows to raise it to ₹2,000.
But as a beneficiary, what matters is the money in your account. The government’s timing might be political, but the extra ₹700 is real and will help millions. Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha says it’s a response to public demand, raised during women’s outreach programs.
Tips to Maximize Your Benefits
To make the most of the Vridha Pension Yojana:
Complete e-KYC Now: Don’t wait until July 2025 to avoid payment delays.
Check Payment Regularly: Use e-Labharti or your bank passbook to confirm ₹1,100 arrives each month.
Budget Wisely: Plan how to use the pension—prioritize essentials like food and medicine.
Stay Informed: Follow local news or ask your panchayat for updates on the scheme.
Help Others: If you’re tech-savvy, assist elderly neighbors with e-KYC or applications.
The Bihar Vridha Pension Yojana 2025 is a golden opportunity for senior citizens to live with more comfort and dignity. With the pension jumping to ₹1,100 per month from July 2025, you or your loved ones can cover daily needs without worry. Whether it’s completing e-KYC, applying through e-Labharti, or checking payment status, the process is simple if you follow the steps above. Over 1.96 crore people will benefit, and you can be one of them.
Don’t let paperwork or tech scare you—visit a CSC, call the helpline, or ask a family member for help. This pension is your right, and the increased amount is a chance to make life a little brighter. Apply today, ensure your e-KYC is done, and get ready for that ₹1,100 deposit on July 10, 2025. Your financial security is just a few steps away.
Sources:
The Hindu BusinessLine, June 21, 2025
Business Standard Hindi, June 21, 2025
The Print Hindi, June 21, 2025
The Indian Express, June 21, 2025
Timesbull, June 22, 2025
Prabhat Khabar, June 21, 2025
Posts on X, June 21, 2025
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the latest available data as of June 22, 2025. Always verify details with official sources like e-Labharti or the Bihar Social Welfare Department, as policies may change. Consult a local authority or CSC for personalized assistance.