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Atal Pension Yojana (APY) — pension issues + RTI (2026)
Quick answer: APY managed by PFRDA. Auto-debit failure = penalty. Pension begins on 60th birthday. Pre-60 exit limited (terminal illness / death). RTI for issues.
Key facts
- APY: 5 pension tiers (Rs 1K-5K/month)
- Auto-debit from bank
- Govt 50% co-contribution (till 2020)
- Spouse continuation post-death
- Pre-60 exit: only terminal illness / death
Step-by-step process
- Auto-debit from bank monthly — Insufficient balance: penalty Rs 1/day.
- Annual statement from bank — Track contributions.
- Pension begins on 60th birthday — Direct credit.
- Spouse continues post-subscriber-death — Or full corpus to nominee on both deaths.
- Pre-60 exit: limited — PFRDA approval.
- RTI for delays / disputes — PFRDA + bank.
Documents needed
- APY enrolment ID
- Aadhaar
- Bank account
Common issues + how to handle
- Auto-debit failed — bank balance issue; corpus reduces.
- Pension calculation dispute — RTI to PFRDA.
- Pre-60 exit denied — RTI for PFRDA criteria.
- Spouse not getting post-death — RTI for nominee policy.
If stuck — file an RTI
Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:
1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date. 2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file. 3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline. 4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days. 5. Likely date of resolution / decision.
Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the AI RTI Drafter →
Frequently asked questions
Pension guaranteed?
Yes — government guarantees minimum.
Pre-60 exit?
Only terminal illness / death. PFRDA approval.
Tier upgrade?
Yes — once a year, April-September.
Pension begins when?
On 60th birthday. Auto-credit.
Summary + next step
Bottom line: APY managed by PFRDA. Auto-debit failure = penalty. Pension begins on 60th birthday. Pre-60 exit limited (terminal illness / death). RTI for issues. If delayed beyond statutory timeline, file an RTI — most cases clear within 15 days.
- AI RTI Drafter: Auto-fill PIO + your case
- Browse all pension guides: Index
Related
Last reviewed: 26 April 2026.

