Pregnancy brings extra costs just when many women, especially those in poor households, have to cut back on work. Many go without proper food and rest, and some return to hard labour soon after giving birth. The PM Matru Vandana Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, or PMMVY) was started to give pregnant and nursing mothers some cash support for nutrition and rest. This guide explains how the scheme works, who can apply, the payment schedule, and the steps to claim your money.
What Is the PM Matru Vandana Yojana?
PMMVY is a maternity benefit scheme run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It gives cash directly into the bank or post office account of an eligible woman. The idea is to partly make up for the wages she loses in the last stage of pregnancy and after delivery, and to encourage health habits such as early registration of pregnancy, regular check-ups and vaccination of the baby. The scheme was introduced for pregnancies from 1 January 2017, and it now runs as part of Mission Shakti.
How Much Money Do You Get?
For the first living child, the benefit is ₹5,000, paid in three instalments linked to health steps:
- ₹1,000 when the pregnancy is registered at an Anganwadi centre or an approved health facility.
- ₹2,000 after six months of pregnancy, once the woman has had at least one antenatal check-up.
- ₹2,000 after the birth is registered and the baby has received the first cycle of vaccines, such as BCG, OPV, DPT and Hepatitis B.
If the second child is a girl, a mother can receive ₹6,000, which is meant to encourage a better sex ratio and the welfare of girls. Some sources describe this as a single payment, while others link it to health steps, so please confirm the exact payment pattern with your Anganwadi worker or on the official portal.
The scheme is separate from, and can work alongside, the cash benefit for giving birth in a hospital under the Janani Suraksha Yojana. Some guides add the two amounts together, which is why you may see a total of about ₹6,000 for a first child. These are different payments with different rules.
Who Is Eligible?
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women who are carrying their first living child, and for the second-child benefit, a second child who is a girl.
- The woman should be 19 years of age or older, according to some sources, so check the age rule that applies in your state.
- Women who work for the central or state government or for a public sector undertaking, or who already receive similar maternity benefits under another law, are not eligible.
- Women in many priority groups are given special attention, including women from Scheduled Castes and Tribes, women with a disability of 40% or more, women with BPL or National Food Security Act ration cards, and MGNREGA job card holders.
Rules such as the age limit and the groups covered have been described differently by different sources and may differ by state, so treat this list as a guide and confirm at your Anganwadi centre.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card of the woman, and her husband’s Aadhaar in some cases
- Bank or post office account passbook, in the woman’s name and linked to Aadhaar
- Mother and Child Protection (MCP) card, which records check-ups and vaccinations
- Proof of pregnancy registration
- Birth certificate of the child, for the final instalment
- Proof of your category, such as a caste certificate, disability certificate, BPL or ration card, where you claim a priority group
- Filled-in application forms for each instalment
How to Apply Step by Step
- Register the pregnancy early. Go to the nearest Anganwadi centre or government health facility and register as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. An ASHA or Anganwadi worker can help you.
- Get the Mother and Child Protection card. Keep it safe and get it stamped at every check-up.
- Fill in the forms. Ask for the PMMVY application form for the first instalment, and submit it with your documents.
- Or apply online. The official PMMVY portal lets you register with your mobile number and fill in your details.
- Claim the next instalments. Submit the second form after six months of pregnancy with proof of a check-up, and the third form after the birth is registered and the baby’s first vaccines are done.
- Check your account. The money is paid by Direct Benefit Transfer, so look at your passbook or ask the bank after a few weeks.
Deadlines and Costs
Timing matters. One source states that claims must be made within 270 days of the delivery to receive the full benefit, and the forms for each instalment have their own time limits. The safest course is to register the pregnancy early and submit each form as soon as you are eligible.
Applying through government channels such as the Anganwadi centre or a health facility is free. If you use a Common Service Centre, a small service fee may be charged. If anyone asks for a large payment, a bribe or a commission to process your application, do not pay, and report it to the district Women and Child Development office.
Common Reasons for Delay or Rejection
- Bank account problems. An account that is not linked to Aadhaar, or one that is closed, is the most frequent cause of failed payments.
- Name mismatch. The name in the Aadhaar, the bank account and the form should be the same.
- Missing health records. If check-ups and vaccines are not recorded in the MCP card, the next instalment may be held up.
- Late application. Missing the time limit for an instalment can lead to rejection.
- Wrong category. Another maternity benefit, such as one from an employer, can make a woman ineligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the benefit available for every pregnancy?
No. It is mainly for the first living child, with an extra benefit if the second child is a girl.
Can a woman apply if she has already registered the pregnancy elsewhere?
Yes, if she meets the conditions. Take your pregnancy registration papers to the Anganwadi centre and ask the worker to help.
What if I do not have a bank account?
You need an account to receive the money. A zero-balance account is easy to open, and you can read our guide to the PM Jan Dhan Yojana.
Does the scheme cover health treatment?
No. PMMVY is a cash benefit. For free hospital treatment, see our guide to the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
Final Thoughts
The PM Matru Vandana Yojana will not cover every cost of pregnancy, but it gives a mother some money for food and rest at a time when she needs it most. The key is to register early, keep the Mother and Child Protection card up to date, and submit each form on time. If you or someone in your family is expecting, speak to the local Anganwadi or ASHA worker this week.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information and is not an official government publication or medical advice. Payment amounts, eligibility rules and procedures differ between sources and states and can change. Please confirm the current details on the official PMMVY portal or at your nearest Anganwadi centre before applying. Details last reviewed in October 2026.