Pravasi Pension Scheme for NRIs

Let us know more about the specifics of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme.

What is the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?

The Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme (PPS) is a social welfare scheme launched by the Kerala government to provide financial assistance to NRI Keralites or Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) aged above 60 years. 

This program operates under the administration of the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board, with funding sourced from the Pravasi Welfare Fund.

If you actively contribute to the Pravasi Welfare Fund as a member of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme, you are entitled to a minimum monthly pension (Pravasi Kshemanidhi) of Rs. 2,000 upon reaching the age of 60. 

This provision serves as a crucial financial safety net for NRKs contemplating a return to Kerala from overseas, ensuring a guaranteed income during their retirement years.

What are the Features of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?

The key features of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme are mentioned in the table below:

Who is Eligible for the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?

The following people are eligible for the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme:

• Non-resident Keralites (NRKs) who are working in foreign countries.

• NRKs who have returned to settle in Kerala after working abroad for at least 2 years.

• NRKs who are working outside Kerala but within the geographical limits of India.

NOTE: To be eligible for the pension, NRKs must contribute to the scheme for a minimum period of 5 years.

Ineligibility Criteria:

NRKs who are employed by the Government of India or state governments are not eligible to apply for this scheme.

What are the Documents Required for Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?

The following documents are required to apply for the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme:

• Form 1A: For NRKs working abroad.

• Form 1B: For NRKs who have returned to settle in Kerala after working abroad for at least 2 years.

• Form 2A: For NRKs who are working outside Kerala but within the geographical limits of India.

• Valid passport: A copy of the first and last pages of the passport.

• Valid visa: A copy of the valid visa (for NRKs working abroad).

• Proof of residence: A copy of the Aadhaar card or any other valid proof of residence in Kerala (for NRKs who have returned to settle in Kerala).

• Bank account details: A copy of the bank passbook or statement showing the account number and IFSC code.

• Nomination details: Name, address, and date of birth of the nominee.

• Other Documents: Employment contract or a letter from your employer for NRKs working abroad.

How to Apply for the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme?

To apply for the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme, the NRI Keralites (NRKs) can follow these steps:

Step 1: Visit the official website of the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board.

Step 2: Click on the "Online Services" tab.

Step 3: Select "Pravasi Pension Scheme" from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Click on "Online Apply" and select the appropriate form, such as:

• Form 1A for NRIs working abroad

• Form 1B for NRIs who have returned to settle in Kerala

• Form 2A for NRIs working outside Kerala but within the geographical limits of India

Step 5: Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.

Step 6: Pay the application fee to register with the Pravasi Welfare Board for Pravasi Kshemanidhi.

Step 7: Click on "Submit".

Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive a pension card. The pension will be credited to your bank account on a monthly basis from the age of 60 years onwards.

List of Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board Schemes

The following are some of the scenarios in which you can claim benefits from the Pravasi Welfare Fund:

1. Kerala Pravasi Family Pension Scheme

   The Kerala Pravasi Family Pension Scheme is a valuable welfare scheme that can provide financial security to the spouse or dependent child of a deceased NRK.

   Features of the Kerala Pravasi Family Pension Scheme:

   • Eligibility: Spouse or dependent child of an NRK who has died, otherwise dependent parents of the NRK

   • Benefits:

     • Monthly pension of up to 50% of the entitled Pravasi Kshemanidhi to the NRK.

     • If the NRK passes away, staying abroad: Rs. 50,000 to the dependent family

     • If the NRK passes away when settled in Kerala: Rs. 30,000 will go to the dependent family

   • Documents required:

     • Death certificate of the NRK

     • Age proof of the spouse or dependent child

     • Proof of relationship with the deceased NRK

     • Bank account details of the spouse or dependent child

2. Financial Assistance for Medical Treatment - Pravasi Kshemanidhi Scheme

   Financial Assistance for Medical Treatment Scheme is a welfare scheme of the Kerala government that provides financial assistance to non-resident Keralites (NRKs) who are suffering from a critical illness.

   Features of the Financial Assistance for Medical Treatment Scheme:

   • Eligibility: Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) who are suffering from a critical illness.

   • Benefits: Financial assistance of up to Rs. 50,000.

   • Documents required:

     • Application form

     • Copy of the NRK's passport and visa

     • Copy of the NRK's Pravasi Welfare Fund membership card

     • Medical certificate from a medical board

   Note: The NRK should not have received any financial assistance for the same claim from any other central, state or local government's welfare schemes.

3. Financial Assistance for Marriage- Pravasi Kshemanidhi Scheme

   The Financial Assistance for Marriage is a financial support scheme that provides financial assistance to non-resident Keralites (NRKs) for the marriage of their daughters.

   Features of the Financial Assistance for Marriage Scheme:

   • Eligibility:

     • Non-resident Keralites (NRKs) who have contributed to the Pravasi Welfare Fund for a minimum period of 3 years.

     • The marriage should be the first marriage of the NRK or their daughter.

   • Benefits: 

     • Financial assistance of Rs. 10,000 for the marriage of the NRK's daughter.

     • The financial assistance will be credited to the NRK's bank account within 60 days of the approval of the application.

   • Documents required:

     • Application form

     • Copy of the NRK's passport and visa

     • Copy of the NRK's Pravasi Welfare Fund membership card

     • Copy of the marriage certificate

     • Proof of relationship between the NRK and the bride

   NOTE: The NRK can only apply for financial assistance for the marriage of two of their daughters.

4. Financial Assistance to Invalids - Pravasi Kshemanidhi Scheme

   The Kerala government's Pravasi Kshemanidhi scheme provides financial assistance to non-resident Keralites (NRKs) who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability.

   Features of the Financial Assistance to Invalids Scheme:

   • Eligibility:

     • The NRK must be a citizen of India and a resident of Kerala.

     • The NRK must be a member of the Pravasi Welfare Fund.

     • The NRK must be unable to work due to a physical or mental disability that is certified by a medical board.

   • Benefits: The NRK is eligible for financial assistance of Rs. 2,000 per month.

   • Documents required:

     • Application form

     • Copy of the NRK's passport and visa

     • Copy of the NRK's Pravasi Welfare Fund membership card

     • Medical certificate from a medical board

5. Financial Assistance to Dependents of the Deceased Member- Pravasi Kshemanidhi Scheme

   The Pravasi Welfare Fund is a Kerala government program that provides financial assistance to the families of deceased non-resident Keralites who were members of the fund.

   Features of the Financial Assistance to Dependents of the Deceased Member Scheme:

   • Eligibility:

     • The deceased NRK must have been a citizen of India and a resident of Kerala.

     • The deceased NRK must have been a member of the Pravasi Welfare Fund.

     • The dependents must be the spouse or dependent child of the deceased NRK.

   • Benefits: The dependents are eligible for financial assistance of Rs. 50,000.

   • Documents required:

     • Death certificate of the NRK

     • Age proof of the dependents

     • Proof of relationship with the deceased NRK

     • Bank account details of the dependents

6. Financial Assistance for Maternity - Pravasi Kshemanidhi Scheme

   Under the maternity assistance component of the scheme, NRKs who are pregnant or have recently given birth are eligible for one-time financial assistance under the Pravasi Pension Scheme.

   Features of the Financial Assistance for Maternity Scheme:

   • Eligibility:

     • Pregnant women who are permanent residents of Andhra Pradesh and have been working in other states or countries for at least 6 months.

     • The annual income of the family should be less than INR 3 lakhs.

   • Benefits:

     • A financial assistance of INR 10,000 is provided to the pregnant woman for medical expenses.

     • The assistance is paid in two instalments: INR 5,000 at the time of delivery and Rs. 5,000 after the completion of 42 days of postnatal care.

   • Documents Required:

     • Aadhaar card of the pregnant woman and her husband

     • The income certificate of the family

     • Antenatal care booklet

     • Delivery discharge summary

     • Bank account details

7. Payment of Educational Grant - Pravasi Kshemanidhi Scheme

   The Payment of Educational Grant - Pravasi Kshemanidhi Scheme is a financial assistance scheme for the children of non-resident Keralites (NRKs) who are pursuing higher education. The scheme is administered by the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board.

   Features of the Payment of Educational Grant Scheme:

   • Eligibility: Children of NRK members of the Pravasi Welfare Board who have continuously remitted contributions for a minimum period of 2 years are eligible for educational grants for higher studies.

   • Courses Eligible: PG Professional courses/ ITI/ ITC degrees

   • Maximum Duration of Assistance: 3 years

   • Mode of Payment: The assistance will be credited to the student's bank account.

   • Documents Required:

     • Valid passport

     • PPS account statement

     • Birth certificate

     • Admission certificate

     • Relevant mark sheets

     • Proof of income of the NRK

8. Housing Loan Payment - Pravasi Kshemanidhi Scheme

   The Housing Loan Payment - Pravasi Kshemanidhi Scheme is a welfare program to provide financial assistance for non-resident Keralites (NRKs) who have taken a housing loan from a bank or financial institution in Kerala. The scheme is administered by the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board.

   Features of the Housing Loan Payment Scheme:

   • Eligibility:

     • NRK members of the Pravasi Welfare Board

     • NRK members must have continuously remitted contributions for a minimum period of five years

     • A housing loan must have been taken from a bank or financial institution in Kerala

   • Mode of payment: The assistance will be credited to the NRK's bank account.
   • Documents Required:

     • Valid passport

     • PPS account statement

     • Housing loan agreement

     • Latest bank statement

     • Proof of income of the NRK

Wrapping It Up

The Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme is a comprehensive social security scheme for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Keralites or the NRKs. It provides financial assistance to NRKs and their families in the event of retirement, death, disability, and other contingencies. The scheme is a valuable asset for NRKs and their families, and it helps to ensure that they have a secure future.