Lakshmir Bhandar (also known as Lakshmi or Laxmi Bhandar) is a flagship West Bengal government scheme launched in 2021 to provide basic income support to women heads of households. Under this program, eligible women receive a fixed cash stipend every month to meet family expenses.
The scheme was introduced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and is implemented by the Department of Women & Child Development (DWCD). Its main objective is women’s financial empowerment: by adding to household income, it helps women cover daily needs and improve well-being. In 2024 the government further expanded and accelerated Lakshmir Bhandar: over 2.2 crore women in Bengal now receive benefits, and the annual allocation has grown substantially
Eligibility, Benefits and Support Details
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify, an applicant must be a permanent West Bengal resident and a woman (head of household) aged 25–60 (age calculated as of 2021).
She must not be a government employee or taxpayer, and no other family member should be earning a regular salary or pension.
General-category families are limited to owning no more than 2 hectares of land, whereas SC/ST/minority households have this ceiling relaxed.
Required documents typically include Aadhaar ID, caste certificate (if SC/ST), a pension or BPL card, income certificate, proof of residence/age, and a bank passbook – all attested copies.
Financial Assistance: Initially the scheme provided ₹500 per month to women (₹1,000 for SC/ST/minority women). In 2024–25 these amounts were increased: now SC/ST women receive ₹1,200 per month and others receive ₹1,000 per month.
The allowance is paid monthly and directly into the beneficiary’s bank account. This boost (about 10–20% of a family’s monthly spending) significantly aids with essentials. As of late 2024, over 2.2 crore women are enrolled, making Lakshmir Bhandar one of the largest cash-transfer schemes in India. The state allocated around ₹12,000 crore in its 2024–25 budget for this program
Key Benefits (at a glance):
- Monthly stipend: ₹1,200 to SC/ST women; ₹1,000 to other eligible women.
- Direct bank transfer: Funds deposited automatically into the beneficiary’s account.
- Wide coverage: 2.21+ crore women already enrolled (as of Nov 2024).
- Strong support: New beneficiaries added regularly (e.g. 5 lakh more from late 2024).
A Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiary holds her monthly payment in rupee notes (illustration). These cash transfers to women’s accounts are the core of the scheme.
Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme Apply Online and Form
Women can apply for Lakshmir Bhandar offline or online. Offline applications are submitted at designated “Duare Sarkar” (doorstep governance) camps and local welfare offices. At these camps, beneficiaries fill out the official application form and submit the required documents (Aadhaar, caste certificate, income proof, etc.). The form is provided for free at the camp, and officers assist with verification.
Importantly, the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme application form is also available online for download or printing. Applicants can download the PDF form, complete it, and submit it at the camp or block office.
Download Application Form for Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme
For online convenience, the West Bengal Social Security Department portal now allows digital registration and application. To apply online:
- Visit the official website (Social Security portal of WB).
- Register by entering your mobile number and verifying via OTP.
- Fill in personal details (name, address, family info), upload the required documents, and submit the form.
- Note your Application ID generated after submission.
This dual approach ensures every eligible woman can apply – either by attending a local camp or by self-registration on the portal. The application form captures all essential information and enclosures (photo, Aadhaar, caste certificate, etc.) for processing
Lakshmir Bhandar Check Status Online
After applying, a beneficiary can track her application or payment status online. How to check Lakshmir Bhandar status:
There are two ways to check the status of your Lakshmir Bhandar application:
Method 1: Through the Official Portal Login
- Go to the official Lakshmir Bhandar portal.
- Click on “Login” and sign in using your registered mobile number (you’ll receive an OTP).
- Once logged in, click on “Application Status” or “Beneficiary List”.
- Enter your Application ID or Aadhaar Number if prompted.
- The portal will show the current status — whether your application is received, verified, or if payment is scheduled.
Method 2: Direct Status Check Without Login
- Visit: https://socialsecurity.wb.gov.in/track-applicant
- Click on *“Search Using “ and select one of the options:
- Application ID
- Mobile Number
- Swasthyasathi Card Number
- Aadhaar Number
- Enter the value based on your selected option.
- Fill in the captcha.
- Click “Search” to view your application status instantly.
This online Laxmi Bhandar payment status check feature lets you verify if and when your stipend will be credited. (If you have your Application ID, use it on the status page to quickly find your record.). For example, a user might see “Ready For Payment” once all checks are done.
If you prefer phone support, you can also contact the scheme helpline (see below) to inquire about your status. Always keep your Application ID handy when checking: Laxmi Bhandar status check with application ID on the portal ensures accuracy. In summary, the easiest way is online on the portal or by calling the helpline.
Contacts, Helpline and Resources
- Official Website of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme: The program is managed via the West Bengal Social Security portal. (Often you can access it by going to
socialsecurity.wb.gov.inor directly via socialsecurity.wb.gov.in.) - Laxmi Bhandar Helpline Number: For help or queries, women can call 033-23341563. This is the dedicated Lakshmir Bhandar helpline. You can also email support.lakhsmirbhandar-wb@nic.in for assistance.
- Other Contacts: The DWCD department’s helplines are 033-23341563 / 033-23371797 and email secy.wcdsw@gmail.com. These contacts can help with state-level queries.
Always have your Application ID ready when contacting support. The helpline can guide you on application submission, status, or any payment issue. For general references, you may also review the scheme’s English/Bengali guidelines posted on government sites
Checking the Beneficiary List
The official portal also allows searching for beneficiaries. After logging in, there may be a “Beneficiary List” or “Payment Status” section. Enter your name, Aadhar, or Application ID to see if you appear on the approved list. If the portal shows “active beneficiary” and a scheduled payment, your name is on the list. Otherwise, the portal may say “No data found.” In such cases, first verify that your details were submitted correctly and the documents were verified. You can also check with your local panchayat or Block Office: these offices often display names of approved beneficiaries after each payout cycle.
In summary, the steps to check the Laxmi Bhandar beneficiary list are: use the online portal’s search function or contact local officials. If you still can’t find your name, contact the helpline (033-23341563) with your details for clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Lakshmir Bhandar?
A: A West Bengal government scheme giving cash assistance to women heads of families. Launched in 2021, it provides monthly stipends (₹1,200 or ₹1,000) to eligible women for daily expenses.
Q: Who is eligible?
A: Women (25–60 yrs) who are permanent residents of WB, not receiving any salary/pension, and whose families meet land/income criteria.
Q: How to get the application form?
A: The Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme application form can be obtained at Duare Sarkar camps or Block Offices, or downloaded from the official website. Fill it with required documents and submit to apply.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit the completed form (offline at camp/office or online via portal) with all documents. Online applicants should register on the portal, fill the form, and upload scans of documents.
Q: How to check my payment status?
A: For Laxmi Bhandar payment status check, visit the official portal (enter socialsecurity.wb.gov.in status check in your browser). Login with your mobile/OTP, go to Application Status, and view your current status. Keep your Application ID ready.
Q: Can I check status by phone?
A: Yes. You can call the Laxmi Bhandar helpline. The status check phone number is 033-23341563, and helpline staff can help you look up your payment info.
Q: How to check status with Application ID?
A: On the portal’s status page, you may enter your Application ID after login. The system then shows whether your application is approved and when payments will arrive.
Q: What if I don’t see my name on the beneficiary list?
A: Use the portal’s Beneficiary List search (by name or Aadhar). If still not found, verify at the issuing office that your application was processed, or call the helpline for guidance.
Q: Where is the official website?
A: The Official Website of the Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme is the West Bengal Social Security portal (commonly accessed via socialsecurity.wb.gov.in). All status checks and resources are provided there.
Q: What documents do I need?
A: You need an Aadhaar card, bank passbook, caste certificate (if SC/ST), income certificate, age proof, ration card/BPL card, and passport photos. Also keep your Swasthyasathi (health) card if available.
Q: What about women turning 60?
A: Once a beneficiary woman reaches age 60, she automatically graduates to the state Old Age Pension Scheme; her Lakshmir Bhandar benefits then transfer to that pension scheme.