West Bengal Annapurna Bhandar scheme: How to apply online, offline for ₹3,000 monthly benefit

Application forms for the West Bengal government’s Annapurna Bhandar Scheme started becoming available from May 27, ahead of the rollout of the ₹3,000 monthly assistance programme for women. The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme is scheduled to go live from June 1, with money set to be credited directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries.

The Annapurna Bhandar Scheme was one of the BJP’s biggest poll promises during the 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections. The new scheme is expected to replace the Lakshmir Bhandar programme and offer higher monthly financial support to women from low and middle-income households.

How to apply online for Annapurna Bhandar Scheme?

Applicants can register through the official West Bengal social security portal (https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/login) by selecting the “Apply Online” or “New Application” option.

After entering the registered mobile number, users will receive an OTP for verification. Applicants must then fill in personal details, family information, bank account details and upload scanned copies of the required documents before submitting the form.

Once the application is submitted successfully, a reference number will be generated for future tracking and verification.

How can women apply offline?

Women who do not want to apply online can submit offline forms through block offices, municipality offices and designated government service centres.

Applicants will need to collect the form, fill in the required details carefully and attach self-attested copies of all supporting documents before submission. An acknowledgement receipt will be issued after the form is accepted.

The application status can later be checked online using the reference number or by visiting the local office where the form was submitted.

The state government has advised residents to avoid unofficial websites or fake registration links circulating on social media and wait for verified announcements before sharing personal details anywhere.

Eligibility details likely to be announced soon

The West Bengal government has not yet released the final eligibility guidelines for the Annapurna Bhandar Scheme. However, conditions similar to earlier welfare schemes are expected.

Women applying for the scheme are likely to be required to be permanent residents of West Bengal and above 25 years of age. Applicants may also need to belong to low-income or Economically Weaker Section (EWS) households.

Those holding BPL, AAY or PHH ration cards are expected to be prioritised under the scheme.

Government employees, retired government staff, income taxpayers and families earning above the prescribed annual income limit are unlikely to qualify for the monthly assistance.

Applicants are advised to keep Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, residence proof, ration card, income certificate, bank passbook and passport-size photographs ready before completing the registration process.