Annapurna Yojana Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply for ₹3,000?
Understanding the Annapurna Yojana eligibility criteria is the first step to receiving ₹3,000 monthly financial assistance. This guide explains who can apply, who is excluded, and who may lose benefits during verification.
Who is Eligible for Annapurna Yojana?
Women aged 25 to 60 years who are permanent residents of West Bengal and are not government employees, income tax payers, or employed in government-aided educational institutions are eligible for the scheme.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 25 to 60 years |
| Gender | Women |
| Residency | Permanent resident of West Bengal |
| Bank Account | Aadhaar-linked bank account |
| Aadhaar Card | Valid Aadhaar number |
Who is NOT Eligible?
The following individuals cannot apply for Annapurna Yojana:
Government Employees
Anyone in permanent government employment or receiving a regular salary/pension from the Union or West Bengal government, any statutory body, government undertaking, panchayat, municipal body, or local authority.
Income Tax Payers
Individuals who file income tax returns are not eligible.
Education Sector Employees
Teachers and non-teaching staff in government-aided educational institutions in West Bengal are excluded.
Outside Age Range
Women below 25 years or above 60 years of age.
Non-Residents
Women who are not permanent residents of West Bengal.
Who May Lose Benefits During Verification?
During the migration from Lakshmir Bhandar to Annapurna Yojana, approximately 30 lakh existing beneficiaries may lose eligibility if they are:
- Deceased — identified during SIR-2026 verification
- Shifted — moved out of state or constituency
- Duplicate — multiple entries in the database
- Absentee electors — identified during voter slip distribution
- Removed after adjudication — found ineligible after review
However, beneficiaries with pending appeals before the SIR Tribunal or applications under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act will continue to receive benefits until their cases are decided.
Eligibility Checklist
- You are a woman aged between 25 and 60 years
- You are a permanent resident of West Bengal
- You have a valid Aadhaar card
- You have an Aadhaar-linked bank account
- You are NOT a government employee or pensioner
- You are NOT an income tax payer
- You are NOT employed in a government-aided educational institution
How to Verify Your Eligibility
- Check the official portal at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in
- Visit your local ration office with your Aadhaar card
- Call the helpline at 1967
If you meet all the criteria, you can proceed with the application process. The application window is open from 27 May 2026 to 25 August 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official information, visit the West Bengal government's official portal at socialsecurity.wb.gov.in.