Karnataka Raises Pension Income Limit to Rs 1.20 Lakh for Eligible Beneficiaries

Karnataka pension income limit has been increased.

Social security pension eligibility has been widened.

Eligible pension beneficiaries can continue receiving support.

The Karnataka government has increased the annual income limit for beneficiaries of several social security pension schemes from Rs 32,000 to Rs 1.20 lakh. The decision is expected to benefit eligible people who were earlier excluded because their income crossed the old ceiling.

The change covers beneficiaries of schemes providing support to senior citizens, widows and persons with disabilities. Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G Parameshwara announced the decision, describing it as a step toward resolving a long standing issue faced by pension beneficiaries.

The earlier Rs 32,000 annual income ceiling had remained a key eligibility condition for several social security pension schemes. Karnataka government records show that this limit had been in place for schemes including old age, disability and other social security pensions.

The latest decision is particularly significant for beneficiaries whose annual income falls above Rs 32,000 but remains below Rs 1.20 lakh. Those who meet the other eligibility requirements can now have their pension benefits continued, according to the announcement.

The government had earlier carried out a verification exercise after comparing beneficiary information with family data. As part of that process, 23,14,544 beneficiaries were identified for physical verification.

During the verification process, pensions of 18,06,032 people were temporarily suspended because required documents were not produced, the beneficiaries were not found at the registered addresses or income certification was not submitted.

Officials subsequently directed village administrative officers and revenue authorities to verify the cases and restore pensions to people who were found eligible under the rules.

The review also found beneficiaries whose annual income was higher than the previous Rs 32,000 threshold but still below the newly approved Rs 1.20 lakh limit. The government has now decided to continue pensions for eligible beneficiaries falling within this revised income range.

The move is expected to provide relief to families who lost access to social security support simply because their income exceeded the earlier ceiling. The revised limit could also make the pension system more inclusive for low income households whose earnings have increased over the years.

The decision does not mean that every person earning below Rs 1.20 lakh will automatically receive a pension. Beneficiaries will still need to satisfy the relevant eligibility conditions of the particular social security pension scheme.