Pravasi Pension Scheme: Features, Eligibility, and Registration

The Pravasi Pension Scheme is a Kerala government initiative offering a monthly pension to Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs), providing lifelong financial security.

17,048 Views | Updated on: Oct 18, 2024

Ensure Financial Stability

Have you ever wondered how people working abroad can secure their future financially, especially when they’re far from home? Well, if you’re from Kerala or have ties to the state, you might be interested in the Pravasi Pension Scheme. This scheme is a thoughtful initiative by the Kerala government designed to support Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) and ensure they have a reliable financial safety net when they return home.

Overview of the Pravasi Pension Scheme

The Pravasi Pension Plan is a retirement savings initiative introduced by the Kerala government for state residents employed in overseas unorganized sectors. Many Keralites working abroad belong to lower or middle-income groups, are involved in unregulated industries, and lack employee benefits such as pensions. Pravasi Pension Scheme is for those residents who are returning from abroad and want to live a financially stable life in Kerala.

Key Features and Benefits of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme

Being a groundbreaking plan, here are some key features and benefits of the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme:

To be eligible, individuals need to register with the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board and make the necessary monthly contributions to access the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board Fund benefits.

Once contributing members reach the age of 60, they will receive the applicable Pravasi Pension amount. The minimum monthly pension plan is ₹2000, provided they have contributed continuously to the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Fund until they turn 60.

Members who contribute for more than 5 consecutive years will get an additional 3% of the minimum Pravasi Pension amount (i.e., ₹2000) each year after completing the 5-year mark.

The minimum monthly contribution is ₹300 for NRKs abroad and ₹100 for NRKs in India. However, if there are no contributions for an entire year, the membership will be canceled.

The minimum contribution period is 5 years. Note that Central and State Government employees cannot avail themselves of the Pravasi Pension Scheme.

Eligibility Requirements for the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme

If you’re a Non-Resident Keralite (NRK) between 19 and 60, you can sign up with the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board to benefit from the Pravasi Pension Plan. This membership is open to:

NRKs working abroad
NRKs who have returned to India permanently after at least two years of working overseas
NRKs working in other parts of India outside Kerala

Non-Resident Keralites Ineligible for the Kerala Pravasi Pension Scheme

The Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board does not offer this scheme to NRKs who work for the Central or State Governments.

Documents Required

To register with the Pravasi Welfare Fund, NRKs need to submit the following application forms:

List of Documents	Details
Form 1A: NRKs	Filed by non-resident Keralite (NRK) working in a foreign country
Form 1B	Filled by NRKs deport from abroad and settled in Kerala
Form 2A	Filled by non-resident Keralities settled in India but outside Kerala
ID Proof	Valid Passport Aadhar Card Birth Certificate Voted ID Card
Address Proof	Utility Bills Aadhar Card Passport
Important Documents	Valid Visa Valid Passport
Other Documents	Passport-size Photo Digital copy of the NRK’s signature

How to Register for the Pravasi Pension Scheme Online?

This scheme is a great way to ensure that you have a steady income when you retire and return to Kerala. And the best part? You can register online from the comfort of your home. Let’s walk through the process together.

Step 1: Head over to the official website of the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board.

Step 2: Click on the ‘Services’ option.

Step 3: Navigate to the Online Registration menu and click on the ‘Online Apply’ tab.

Step 4: You’ll be directed to the application form page for the Pravasi Pension Scheme.

Step 5: Select the appropriate registration form for your group, such as Form 2A, 1A, or 1B.

Step 6: Fill in your name, gender, age, address, and other basic details.

Step 7: Upload the required self-attested documents, along with your photo and digital signature.

Step 8: Submit digital copies of your valid visa and passport.

Step 9: Pay the applicable monthly fee to register with the Pravasi Kshemanidhi/Pravasi Welfare Fund.

Step 10: Click ‘Submit’ and make a note of the application number displayed on the screen.

After your documents are verified, your registration will be complete. You will receive your Member ID for the Pravasi Welfare Fund within 15 working days.

List of Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board Schemes

If you’re a Keralite working abroad or know someone who is, you’ve probably heard about the Kerala Pravasi Welfare Board and its fantastic schemes. These schemes are designed to support the well-being of Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) and their families. Let’s take a conversational stroll through the key schemes and what they offer. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Kerala Pravasi Family Pension Scheme

Imagine a safety net that ensures your loved ones are cared for if something happens to you. That’s exactly what the Kerala Pravasi Family Pension Scheme offers. If a registered member passes away, their family receives a monthly pension. This financial support can be a lifeline, helping your family manage expenses during a difficult time.

Pravasi Kshemanidhi - Financial Assistance for Medical Treatment Scheme

Healthcare can be a significant worry, especially when working far from home. The Pravasi Kshemanidhi - Financial Assistance for Medical Treatment Scheme is here to ease those worries. It provides financial assistance to members who need medical treatment. Whether it’s a sudden illness or a chronic condition, this scheme helps cover medical expenses, ensuring you get the care you need without the financial strain.

Pravasi Kshemanidhi - Financial Assistance for Marriage

Weddings are joyous occasions, but they can also be expensive. The Pravasi Kshemanidhi - Financial Assistance for Marriage scheme offers financial aid to help cover marriage expenses for members or their children. It’s a wonderful way to ease the financial burden and ensure that your special day is memorable for all the right reasons.

Pravasi Kshemanidhi - Financial Assistance to Invalids

Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it throws us a curveball. If you become permanently disabled and can no longer work, the Pravasi Kshemanidhi - Financial Assistance to Invalids scheme provides financial support. This assistance helps cover living expenses and ensures that you’re not left without an income, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Pravasi Welfare Fund - Scheme for Financial Assistance to Dependents of the Deceased Member

Losing a family member is heartbreaking, and dealing with financial uncertainty can make it even harder. The Pravasi Welfare Fund - Scheme for Financial Assistance to Dependents of the Deceased Member offers financial aid to the dependents of deceased members. This support helps cover immediate expenses and provides some financial stability during a challenging time.

Payment of Financial Assistance for Maternity Scheme

Starting or expanding a family is a beautiful journey, but it can also come with added expenses. The Payment of Financial Assistance for Maternity Scheme supports female members by providing financial aid during maternity. This assistance helps cover medical and related expenses, ensuring that both mother and child receive the best care possible.

Payment of Educational Grant Scheme

Education is a powerful tool, and the Payment of Educational Grant Scheme helps ensure that your children get the best education possible. This scheme provides financial assistance for the education of members’ children, covering expenses such as tuition fees, books, and other school-related costs. It’s a fantastic way to invest in your child’s future.

Housing Loan Payment Scheme

Having a place to call home is a dream for many, and the Housing Loan Payment Scheme helps make that dream a reality. This scheme provides financial assistance for housing loans, helping members build or buy a home. It’s all about creating a secure and stable environment for you and your family.

FAQs on the Pravasi Pension Scheme

What is the contribution amount for the Pravasi Pension Scheme?

The contribution amount typically ranges from ₹300 to ₹500 per month.

Can NRKs who return to India continue to benefit from the Pravasi Pension Scheme?

Yes, NRKs who return to India can continue to benefit from the scheme as long as they maintain their contributions.

What happens if a member fails to make regular contributions?

If a member fails to make regular contributions, they may face a suspension of benefits until the dues are cleared. Repeated non-payment can lead to cancellation of the membership.

Are there any tax benefits associated with contributions to the Pravasi Pension Scheme?

Yes, contributions to the Pravasi Pension Scheme are eligible for tax benefits under relevant sections of the Income Tax Act in India.

How long does it take to process a pension claim?

It typically takes about 15 working days to process a pension claim after all required documents are submitted and verified.

Can the pension benefits be transferred to a nominee in case of the member’s death?

Yes, the pension benefits can be transferred to a nominated beneficiary in the event of the member’s death.