If someone told you the government regularly sends money straight into women’s bank accounts to support daily expenses, you would probably want to know every detail. Right now, that is exactly what happens under the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme in West Bengal. The state government not only credits up to Rs 14,400 a year into eligible women’s accounts, but it has also proposed a fresh hike in 2026 so that the monthly amount increases even more. As a result, this scheme has quickly become one of the most discussed welfare programs in the state.
What Is the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme
The Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme is a flagship social welfare program of the Government of West Bengal that gives monthly financial assistance to women. The main idea is simple. The state wants women from economically weaker families to enjoy a basic, reliable income so that they can manage household expenses with more dignity and less stress.
Therefore, instead of offering one-time cash gifts, the government credits a fixed amount into the woman’s Aadhaar-linked bank account every month through Direct Benefit Transfer. This regular inflow creates a small but steady financial cushion inside the family.
Latest 2026 Update: Extra Rs 500 Every Month
For 2026, the West Bengal government presented an interim budget of about Rs 4.06 lakh crore and made the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme a central highlight again. During the Vote on Account speech, Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya announced an increase of Rs 500 per month for every Lakshmi Bhandar beneficiary from February 2026 onwards.
Because of this decision, the new monthly support looks like this:
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General category women now receive Rs 1,500 per month instead of Rs 1,000
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SC and ST women now receive Rs 1,700 per month instead of Rs 1,200
Earlier, SC and ST women received Rs 1,200 per month, which meant Rs 14,400 in a year, while women from other eligible households received Rs 1,000 per month, that is Rs 12,000 yearly. Now, after the hike, the effective yearly support goes much higher and arrives before the upcoming assembly elections.
How Much Money Will Women Now Receive
Because the new rates come into effect from February 2026, women can expect the following annual support if the enhanced amounts continue for a full year:
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General category beneficiaries
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Rs 1,500 per month
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Approximately Rs 18,000 in a full year
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SC or ST category beneficiaries
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Rs 1,700 per month
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Approximately Rs 20,400 in a full year
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So, although many headlines still highlight the earlier figure of Rs 14,400 per year, the current policy clearly points toward a higher annual amount, especially after this Rs 500 monthly increase.
Why the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme Matters So Much
Many women in West Bengal manage the kitchen, take care of children, support elderly parents, and still do not receive a stable income. Because of that, even small monthly assistance can make a big difference.
With the Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme:
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Women receive cash support directly in their personal bank accounts
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Households get help for groceries, medicines, and basic utilities
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Women gain more control over spending decisions
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Families depend less on informal loans from neighbours or moneylenders
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The state sends a strong signal that unpaid care work still deserves respect and support
Consequently, the scheme has turned into a key pillar of the ruling government’s welfare and election strategy.
Eligibility Criteria for Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme 2026
Before any woman receives money, she needs to fit a clear set of rules. According to official scheme summaries and government portals, the typical eligibility conditions include:
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Applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal
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Age should fall between 25 and 60 years
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Applicant should be enrolled under the Swasthya Sathi health scheme
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Applicant should belong to an economically weaker family
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Applicant must not draw a regular salary or pension from a government job
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Only one eligible woman per household usually receives the benefit
Because local rules can change slightly, women should always verify the latest eligibility details through the official social security portal or local government camp.
Documents Needed to Apply
To keep the system clean and transparent, the state asks for basic KYC and residential proof. Generally, applicants should keep these documents ready:
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Aadhaar Card
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Voter ID or other address proof
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Swasthya Sathi card
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Bank passbook for an Aadhaar-linked account
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Passport size photograph
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Caste certificate, if applying under SC or ST category
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Self declaration about income and employment status
If information stays accurate and consistent, approvals usually move faster and payments begin with fewer delays.
How to Apply for Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme
Women can apply both online and offline. As a result, even those with limited digital access can still join the scheme.
Online route
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Visit the West Bengal Social Security portal
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Register with a mobile number and basic personal details
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Fill in the Lakshmi Bhandar application form
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Upload scanned copies of the required documents
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Submit and note the acknowledgement or reference number
Offline route
In addition, women may also apply through:
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Duare Sarkar outreach camps
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Local block or municipality offices
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Designated assistance counters in their area
Staff at these centres usually help with form filling, document checks, and uploading data into the online system.
How to Check Payment Status
After approval, the government sends money through the DBT system directly to the beneficiary’s bank account. Women can track their payments and application status in several ways:
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Login to the official social security website and use the application ID
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Check SMS alerts from the bank for incoming credits
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Use net banking or mobile banking to view account entries
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Visit the bank branch or use a passbook printing kiosk, if available
If a payment does not arrive on time, the beneficiary can contact the local help centre or call official helplines listed on the portal.
Official Websites for Accurate Information
For reliable, updated and authentic details, women should always depend on official platforms instead of random social media forwards.
Important links include:
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West Bengal Social Security Portal (Lakshmir Bhandar section): the main government interface for applications and status
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MyScheme Government portal summary page:
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UMANG App scheme page for Lakshmir Bhandar:
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https://web.umang.gov.in/landing/scheme/detail/lakshmir-bhandar-scheme_lbs-wb.html
By cross-checking information on these portals, readers can confirm exact amounts, dates, and any future changes announced after the interim budget.
Conclusion
The Lakshmi Bhandar Scheme started as a safety net for women from low income families in West Bengal, and over time it has grown into a powerful financial lifeline. Earlier, the program ensured at least Rs 14,400 a year for many SC and ST women. Now, with the 2026 interim budget adding Rs 500 per month for every beneficiary, the scheme promises even stronger support and higher yearly amounts for nearly 2.4 crore women across the state.
As living costs rise and economic uncertainty continues, this regular cash transfer helps women manage essentials with more confidence and less dependence. For any woman who meets the eligibility norms, understanding the details, gathering documents, and completing the application can open the door to long term, reliable financial assistance.
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