Atal Pension Yojana extended till FY31: What subscribers can earn monthly
Flagship will continue until 2031 to bolster long-term financial security for millions of workers in the unorganised sector
 "Atal Pension Yojana extended till FY31: What subscribers can earn monthly")
The Union Cabinet has decided to continue the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) till FY31, ensuring financial security for workers in the unorganised economy in their old age.
According to the Finance Ministry, the extension will also secure funding for promotional and developmental activities, as well as meet viability gaps.
Atal Pension Yojana
Launched in May 2015, APY is a voluntary pension scheme aimed primarily at workers in the unorganised sector, including daily wage earners, self-employed individuals and those without access to formal retirement benefits. It provides a steady monthly pension after retirement, helping subscribers avoid income uncertainty in old age.
As of January 19, 2026, more than 86.6 million people have enrolled under APY, making it one of India’s largest social security schemes.
Who is eligible to join APY?
To open an APY account, an individual must meet the following conditions:
- Be an Indian citizen aged between 18 and 40 years
- Hold a savings bank account or a post office savings account
- Not be an income taxpayer at the time of enrolment
Since October 2022, individuals who are or have been income taxpayers are not eligible to open a new APY account. Existing accounts, however, continue unaffected.
Aadhaar is desirable for enrolment and is required to be submitted eventually for authentication, though accounts can be opened without it initially.
How much pension does APY offer?
APY provides a guaranteed monthly pension after the subscriber turns 60. The pension amount depends on the contribution level chosen at the time of enrolment. Available pension slabs are:
Rs 1,000 per month
Rs 2,000 per month
Rs 3,000 per month
Rs 4,000 per month
Rs 5,000 per month
The contribution amount varies based on the subscriber’s age at entry and the pension slab selected. Lower entry age means lower monthly contributions.
What happens if contributions are missed?
An APY account does not close automatically due to missed payments. Subscribers can regularise their accounts later by paying overdue contributions along with applicable interest. However, account maintenance and related charges continue to be deducted until the balance becomes zero.
Why the extension matters
The government has said continued support is necessary to expand awareness, build capacity and reach more unorganised workers. The extension also aligns with the broader goal of increasing pension coverage and strengthening India’s social security framework in the long term.