Government Schemes & Benefits for Working Women in India 2026–27: Jobs, Maternity, Healthcare, Safety, Childcare, Loans, Scholarships & Financial Support
Last verified: August 2026
Working women in India can qualify for a wide range of government-supported benefits—but there is no single Central Government scheme that gives every working woman a monthly payment.
The useful approach is to look at benefits according to your situation:
- Salaried employee
- Self-employed woman
- Entrepreneur
- Working mother
- Pregnant employee
- Widow/divorced/separated woman
- Woman with a disability
- SC/ST woman
- Minority woman
- Low-income worker
- Rural woman
- Domestic worker
- Unorganised worker
Some benefits are employment rights, while others are welfare schemes, insurance, pensions, loans, training or childcare support.
1. Maternity Benefits for Working Women
If you're employed in an establishment covered by the applicable maternity legislation, check your maternity rights.
Depending on eligibility, protections can include:
- Maternity leave
- Maternity-related benefits
- Nursing breaks
- Protection against certain employment actions
- Crèche-related provisions in covered establishments
The exact entitlement depends on your employment and applicable law.
Don't resign simply because you're pregnant without first understanding your maternity rights.
2. ESIC Maternity Benefits
If you're an eligible ESIC-insured woman, you may have maternity benefits through ESIC.
Benefits can include:
- Maternity care
- Medical treatment
- Cash maternity benefit
- Related healthcare
Ask HR:
Am I covered by ESIC, and what maternity benefits am I currently entitled to?
3. EPF for Working Women
If you're covered by EPFO, your employer and you may make contributions toward EPF according to the applicable rules.
Check:
- UAN
- EPF balance
- Employer contribution
- Nominee
- Previous employment records
For a woman who expects to work for decades, EPF can become an important part of retirement security.
4. EPS Pension
Eligible EPFO members may also accumulate pensionable service under the Employees' Pension Scheme.
Don't look only at your EPF balance.
Also check your:
EPS service history + pension eligibility.
5. EDLI Life Insurance
Eligible EPFO members can also have insurance protection under the Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme.
This can provide financial support to eligible nominees/family members if the covered employee dies while in service, subject to the scheme's conditions.
Make sure your nomination details are correct.
6. PMJJBY — Life Insurance
Eligible women can also investigate Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY).
It provides life insurance coverage to eligible subscribers.
This is insurance—not an investment.
7. PMSBY — Accident Insurance
Working women should also check Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
It provides accident insurance for eligible subscribers under the scheme's terms.
This can be useful because an accident can affect:
health + income + family finances
at the same time.
8. National Pension System
Working women can use NPS for additional retirement planning.
NPS can complement:
- EPF
- PPF
- Mutual funds
- Other investments
The tax treatment should be evaluated under the tax regime applicable to you.
9. Sukanya Samriddhi Account
If you have an eligible daughter, check the Sukanya Samriddhi Account.
It is intended for long-term savings for an eligible girl child.
This isn't a working-woman benefit specifically, but working mothers can use it where eligible.
10. Government Childcare Support
Working mothers should investigate childcare support available through:
- Anganwadi centres
- Palna/crèche services
- State childcare programmes
- Workplace crèche facilities where applicable
The Mission Shakti framework includes programmes supporting women's safety and empowerment, including childcare-related initiatives.
11. Anganwadi Services
Eligible families can access services through the Anganwadi ecosystem.
These can include:
- Supplementary nutrition
- Early childhood care
- Health-related support
- Growth monitoring
- Referral services
For a working mother with a young child, the local Anganwadi centre can be an important first point of contact.
12. PM POSHAN for Schoolchildren
If your children attend eligible schools, check their entitlement under PM POSHAN.
It provides school meals under the government programme for eligible schools.
For working families, school nutrition support can reduce both financial and caregiving pressure.
13. Scholarships for Your Children
Working women should not assume their children are ineligible for scholarships simply because the mother has a job.
Eligibility depends on the individual scholarship.
Check:
- National Scholarship Portal
- State scholarship portal
- Income-based scholarships
- Merit scholarships
- Girl-child scholarships
- SC/ST scholarships
- Minority scholarships
- Disability scholarships
14. Working Women With Low Income
If your income is low, don't search only for:
working women schemes.
Also check:
- Food-security benefits
- Housing
- Healthcare
- Social-security pensions
- Skill programmes
- State welfare
- Child support
- Scholarships
Your employment does not automatically make you ineligible for every welfare programme.
15. PM-JAY Health Coverage
Eligible households can receive health coverage through Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, subject to the programme's current eligibility framework.
It can cover specified secondary and tertiary hospitalisation.
A working woman who is the main income earner should pay particular attention to health insurance because illness can simultaneously affect:
medical expenses + salary + childcare.
16. State Health Schemes
Many States operate their own healthcare programmes.
Check your:
- State health department
- State health insurance programme
- Government hospitals
- Employee health scheme
Don't assume PM-JAY is the only government healthcare option.
17. Skill India
If you want a higher salary, skill development may be more valuable than a small subsidy.
Check:
- Skill India
- PMKVY
- State skill missions
- ITIs
- Digital skills
- Apprenticeships
- Women-focused training
For women returning to work after a career break, skills in areas such as:
- Data analytics
- Accounting
- Digital marketing
- Software
- AI
- Healthcare
- Teaching
- Design
- Sales
can improve employment opportunities.
18. National Career Service
Working women looking for a better job can use the National Career Service.
Look for:
- Jobs
- Career counselling
- Employers
- Skill programmes
- Career centres
For mothers, search specifically for:
flexible work + remote work + nearby jobs + school-hour jobs
But never pay a "registration fee" to an unknown recruiter.
19. Women Entrepreneurs — MUDRA
Women who want to start or expand a small business can investigate MUDRA financing through eligible lenders.
Potential businesses include:
- Food businesses
- Tailoring
- Beauty services
- Retail
- Home-based businesses
- Services
- Small manufacturing
- Digital businesses
A loan is not free money.
Always calculate:
loan amount + interest + EMI + business cash flow.
20. PMEGP for Women Entrepreneurs
Women entrepreneurs can also investigate Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
It supports eligible new micro-enterprises through a credit-linked subsidy framework.
Eligibility and subsidy levels depend on the project and applicant category.
21. Stand-Up India
Women entrepreneurs should also check the current status and applicability of Stand-Up India and related government entrepreneurship programmes.
These programmes have specific eligibility conditions and policy periods, so verify the current official position before relying on an old article.
22. Udyam Registration
If you're running a qualifying small business, register through the official Udyam Registration system.
Benefits can include access to certain MSME ecosystems and protections, subject to eligibility.
23. Government Procurement for Women-Owned Businesses
If your business qualifies as an MSME, investigate Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
A woman-owned business may also benefit from procurement policies where applicable.
This can potentially turn a small business into a government supplier.
24. Women Self-Help Groups
Women in rural areas should investigate Self-Help Groups under DAY-NRLM.
Possible opportunities include:
- Savings
- Credit
- Training
- Livelihoods
- Enterprise development
- Group businesses
25. DAY-NULM for Urban Women
Urban women from eligible low-income households can investigate DAY-NULM.
It supports urban livelihoods through mechanisms including:
- Skill development
- Self-employment
- Self-help groups
- Entrepreneurship
Eligibility varies by component.
26. Women With Disabilities
If you're a working woman with a disability, check:
- UDID
- Disability certificate
- Workplace protections
- Assistive devices
- Skill development
- Disability scholarships
- Entrepreneurship support
- Applicable tax provisions
Your disability can create additional eligibility for specific programmes.
27. Working Women From SC/ST Communities
Check additional schemes relating to:
- Education
- Scholarships
- Entrepreneurship
- Skill development
- Hostels
- Business finance
- Welfare
Eligibility depends on income, category and the individual programme.
28. Working Minority Women
Eligible minority women should investigate:
- Minority scholarships
- Skill programmes
- PM VIKAS
- Entrepreneurship support
- State minority welfare
- Education assistance
Again, employment does not automatically disqualify you.
29. Housing for Working Women
If you are a working woman living away from home, investigate:
- Working Women's Hostels
- Sakhi Niwas where available/applicable
- State housing programmes
- PMAY
- Affordable rental housing
The Sakhi Niwas (Working Women's Hostel) component operates under the Mission Shakti framework.
Check availability in your city because accommodation is not available everywhere.
30. Legal Protection at Work
Working women have legal protections against sexual harassment at the workplace under the applicable law.
If you face harassment:
- Preserve evidence.
- Identify your company's Internal Committee.
- Follow the applicable complaint procedure.
- Seek legal assistance if necessary.
Your employer cannot simply tell you:
"It's a personal issue."
Workplace sexual harassment is a legal workplace issue.
31. Free Legal Aid
If you cannot afford legal representation, check whether you qualify for free legal services through NALSA/DLSA.
This can be useful for matters involving:
- Domestic violence
- Divorce
- Maintenance
- Child custody
- Employment disputes
- Property disputes
- Other eligible legal matters
32. Women Facing Domestic Violence
If you're working but facing domestic violence or financial abuse, don't assume your salary means you have no access to support.
Investigate:
- Protection under the Domestic Violence Act
- Women & Child Development services
- Legal aid
- Shelter services
- Counselling
- Monetary/residence remedies where applicable
33. Working Women Who Are Single Mothers
A single working mother should combine the two categories.
Check:
Maternity/childcare
Scholarships
Healthcare
Housing
PDS where eligible
Employment
Skill development
Women entrepreneurship
Legal aid
State welfare
Don't search for only one "single working mother scheme."
34. Working Women Who Are Widows
Check:
- Widow pension where eligible
- Children's scholarships
- Health schemes
- Housing
- Skill development
- Self-employment
- PDS
- Legal aid
Employment does not necessarily eliminate every widow-related benefit, but income limits and scheme-specific conditions apply.
35. Working Women and Retirement
Start retirement planning early.
Consider:
EPF
NPS
PPF where appropriate
Mutual funds/investments
Insurance
Emergency fund
Don't depend entirely on your children for retirement.
36. Women Returning After a Career Break
If you've taken years away from work for:
- Children
- Marriage
- Elderly parents
- Illness
- Family responsibilities
you don't have to restart from zero.
Look for:
- Skill India
- State skill missions
- Apprenticeships
- Digital courses
- NCS
- Women entrepreneurship programmes
Start with the skills you already have and add one high-value skill.
State-Wise Government Support for Working Women
Andhra Pradesh
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour Department
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Women entrepreneurship
- State health schemes
- Scholarships
- Social-security programmes
Arunachal Pradesh
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Health
- Entrepreneurship
- Education support
Assam
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour Department
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
Bihar
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Scholarships
- Social security
Chhattisgarh
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
Goa
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- Employment
- Health
- Housing
- Entrepreneurship
Gujarat
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- Women entrepreneurship
- SHGs
- Health
- Housing
Haryana
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- Women entrepreneurship
- Health
- Housing
- Employment
Himachal Pradesh
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Health
- Education
- Entrepreneurship
Jharkhand
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- SHGs
- Skill development
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
Karnataka
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour Department
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
- Employment services
Kerala
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Kudumbashree
- Skill development
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
- Working-women accommodation
Madhya Pradesh
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
Maharashtra
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour Department
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Women entrepreneurship
- Health
- Housing
- Scholarships
- Employment services
Women working in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and other cities should also check local municipal programmes.
Manipur
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Health
- Education
- Entrepreneurship
Meghalaya
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Health
- Entrepreneurship
Mizoram
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Health
- Entrepreneurship
Nagaland
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Health
- Entrepreneurship
Odisha
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- SHGs
- Skill development
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
Punjab
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
Rajasthan
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- SHGs
- Skill development
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
Sikkim
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
Tamil Nadu
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- SHGs
- Skill development
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
- Working-women facilities
Telangana
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour Department
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Women entrepreneurship
- Health
- Housing
- Scholarships
- Employment services
Tripura
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Health
- Education
- Entrepreneurship
Uttar Pradesh
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Women entrepreneurship
- Health
- Housing
- Education
Uttarakhand
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- Skill development
- SHGs
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
West Bengal
Check:
- Women & Child Development
- Labour
- SHGs
- Skill development
- Entrepreneurship
- Health
- Education
- Social-security programmes
Union Territories
Working women in:
- Delhi
- Chandigarh
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Ladakh
- Puducherry
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Lakshadweep
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
should also check their UT's women/child welfare, labour, skill-development and employment departments.
Your Working-Woman Benefits Checklist
Save this checklist.
Employment
- [ ] Employment contract
- [ ] Salary slips
- [ ] EPF/UAN
- [ ] ESIC
- [ ] Gratuity
- [ ] Maternity rights
- [ ] Workplace safety
- [ ] POSH/Internal Committee
Family
- [ ] Childcare
- [ ] Children's scholarships
- [ ] School meals
- [ ] Health insurance
- [ ] Emergency fund
Financial
- [ ] EPF
- [ ] NPS
- [ ] Insurance
- [ ] Tax planning
- [ ] Investments
- [ ] Retirement plan
Career
- [ ] Skill development
- [ ] NCS
- [ ] Certifications
- [ ] Salary review
- [ ] Career progression
Business
If self-employed:
- [ ] Udyam
- [ ] MUDRA
- [ ] PMEGP
- [ ] SHG
- [ ] GeM
- [ ] State entrepreneurship schemes
The Best Strategy for Working Women
Don't build your financial life around government subsidies.
Build it around:
Earn
↓
Protect
↓
Save
↓
Invest
↓
Upskill
↓
Increase income
↓
Protect your children
↓
Build retirement security
Government schemes should strengthen that foundation, not replace it.
Official Websites to Bookmark
Final Message to Working Women
Being a working woman doesn't mean you have to handle everything alone.
You may already have access to employment-linked protections, while your family may separately qualify for healthcare, scholarships, food security, housing or other welfare programmes.
Before paying for something yourself, ask:
Is my employer required to provide this?
Is there a government programme for this?
Does my State have an additional benefit?
Can my children qualify separately?
Am I eligible because of my income, occupation, disability, social category or family circumstances?
That simple checklist can prevent you from missing benefits you may already be entitled to.
And if you're financially independent, don't stop at government assistance.
The strongest position for a working woman is to build enough income, savings, investments and skills that government support becomes a safety net—not her only source of security.
This article is for general information and navigation. Eligibility, benefit amounts, income limits and State-level programmes can change. Always verify current rules with the relevant official department before applying or making financial decisions.
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