Ladki Bahin Yojana: Rs. 1,500 Monthly - Eligibility, Apply, eKYC & Status Check

Across Maharashtra, millions of women receive Rs. 1,500 every month through a government scheme — but a large number still aren't getting it. Not because they're ineligible, but because they missed a step: the eKYC wasn't done, the bank account wasn't Aadhaar-linked, or the application is stuck in a status nobody explained. The Ladki Bahin Yojana enrolled over 2.3 crore women since July 2024. Following the 2026 e-KYC and verification exercise, the Maharashtra government removed a large number of beneficiaries found ineligible or whose records could not be verified. Public reports and government statements have cited figures ranging from around 65 lakh to 80 lakh beneficiaries being removed from the scheme.

This article covers everything: who qualifies, what documents you need, how to apply, how to fix eKYC errors and what to do if your payment stopped or your name disappeared from the beneficiary list.

What Is Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana?

The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana is a Maharashtra government scheme that pays Rs. 1,500 per month directly into the bank accounts of eligible women. Launched in July 2024, it is implemented by the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department and uses the DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) system — meaning the money goes straight to the woman's own Aadhaar-linked account. No middleman, no agent, no counter queue.
The annual payout is Rs. 18,000 per beneficiary. Applications are processed at ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in. The helpline is 181.

Ladki Bahin Yojana Latest Updates — June 2026

The scheme looks the same on paper as it did in 2024. In practice, a lot has changed. Here is what matters right now.

• eKYC Deadline Closed — What It Means for You Now
  The government set April 30, 2026 as the hard deadline for completing eKYC. Accounts that had not completed biometric or OTP-based Aadhaar authentication by that date were suspended. The portal no longer shows the eKYC completion option for accounts that missed the deadline.
  If your account was suspended for missing eKYC, the only path forward is to visit your local WCD office or Anganwadi centre and ask about the re-verification process. The government has not announced a fresh online window as of June 2026. Keep checking the official portal for notifications; these are sometimes announced with very little advance notice.

• Beneficiary Verification Drive in 2026 — Are You Affected?
  The Maharashtra government carried out a verification exercise using multiple government records and eligibility checks to identify ineligible beneficiaries and duplicate records. Accounts that triggered a mismatch — income over Rs. 2.5 lakh, a government employee or income taxpayer in the family, or a duplicate entry — were suspended or permanently closed.
  Earlier reports cited 25 lakh accounts; the final count after the April 2026 verification round crossed 68 lakh. If your status changed to "Ineligible" or "Suspended" after March 2026, this is almost certainly why.

• Combined Installment Payouts — Who Gets Rs. 3,000 or Rs. 4,500
  Beneficiaries whose accounts were on "Hold" due to eKYC delays and later resolved received combined credits. Women who missed December 2025 and January 2026 received Rs. 3,000 in a single transfer. Those who missed November, December and January received Rs. 4,500 together. This is not a bonus — it is the same Rs. 1,500/month paid in one batch after the hold was lifted. If you received a higher-than-usual credit, this is why.

Ladki Bahin Yojana Eligibility Criteria

Who Can Apply?
To qualify, all of the following must be true at the time of application:

• Permanent resident of Maharashtra state

• Age between 21 and 65 years

• Total annual family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh

• Own bank account (in the applicant's name only) linked to Aadhaar via NPCI

• Married, widowed, divorced, abandoned, or destitute woman — OR one unmarried woman per family

One important nuance: only one unmarried woman per household can receive the benefit. Two unmarried sisters in the same house means only one application will be processed. Married women in the same household are treated separately and can each apply.

Who Is Excluded?

2026 Stricter Verification — What Changed This Year
Before 2026, self-declarations were taken largely on trust. This year the government cross-checked every active account against Income Tax filing records and government payroll data — two databases that were not used previously.
The government employee condition is where most accounts got wrongly flagged. The Marathi question on the portal reads: "Is any member of the family in government/semi-government service?" (Is any member of your family in government/semi-government service?) Many women answered "Yes" out of caution, thinking it referred to a distant relative or a now-retired parent. If the answer is "Yes," the application is automatically disqualified.
The correct answer is "No" if no immediate household member (husband, parents living with you, adult children) is currently drawing a government salary or pension. A married brother in a different city is not part of your household. A retired parent who no longer draws an active salary is not currently in service.
Similarly, many families where one member filed an ITR (even a small freelance return) got flagged. An ITR filing does not automatically mean income above Rs. 2.5 lakh, but the cross-check flagged the account for manual review, which led to suspension in many cases.

Ladki Bahin Yojana Documents Required 2026

Gather all of these before opening the portal. Sessions time out and an incomplete submission means starting over.

Why Applications Get Rejected — Document Mistakes to Avoid

• Using an outdated Hamipatra: The 2026 self-declaration format is different from the 2024 version. Hundreds of third-party websites still host the old PDF. Always download it fresh from ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in ; anything else risks rejection.

• Name mismatch across documents: Spelling and format must be consistent across Aadhaar, passbook, and income certificate. Get bank records corrected before you apply if there is any mismatch.

• Submitting husband's or joint account details: DBT only works when the account belongs solely to the applicant woman.

• Income certificate not from Tehsildar: Self-written income declarations or certificates from gram sevaks are not accepted.

• Aadhaar-linked mobile number not active: If your number has changed and you haven't updated it on Aadhaar, OTP delivery fails and the form cannot be submitted.

How to Apply for Ladki Bahin Yojana Online and Offline

Online Application — Step by Step
Official Portal:ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in

Step 1: Open the portal and click "New Registration". If you already registered, use "Applicant Login."

Step 2: Enter your name exactly as it appears on Aadhaar. This is the single biggest rejection trigger.

Step 3: Fill in your date of birth, Aadhaar number and Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Step 4: Upload scanned copies of all required documents. Check the portal for file size and format limits before uploading.

Step 5: Enter your bank account number and IFSC code. The account must be in your name only.

Step 6: An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile. Enter it to verify.

Step 7: Submit and save your Application Reference Number. Screenshot it. You will need it for every future status check.

Offline Application — Anganwadi, CSC, Setu Kendra
If online access is difficult, you can apply in person at your nearest Anganwadi Centre, Common Service Centre (CSC), or Setu Kendra (Maharashtra's citizen service centres). Carry original documents and two sets of self-attested photocopies. The form is filled by the centre operator. Ask for a written acknowledgement with your reference number before leaving.

Application Is Free — How to Spot and Avoid Fraud Agents
The application costs nothing — no fee to register, no fee to check status, no fee to file a grievance.
In rural Maharashtra, a pattern has emerged where self-styled "agents" charge Rs. 200–Rs. 1,000 to file applications or "expedite" approvals. They cannot do anything an Anganwadi worker or CSC cannot do for free. If anyone asks you to pay to apply or fix your account — walk away. Report them to the local WCD office or call 181.
Watch for these red flags: anyone claiming "contacts" in the scheme office, anyone asking for your Aadhaar OTP (never share it) and any website that looks like the official portal but has a different URL. The only real portal is ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in.

Ladki Bahin Yojana eKYC Guide 2026

What Is eKYC and Why Is It Mandatory?
eKYC is Aadhaar-based identity verification — the government confirms that the person receiving the Rs. 1,500 is the same person who applied. Without completing it, payments are paused. The account shows "Hold" or "Pending eKYC" status and no amount is credited until the step is done. It is not a re-application — it does not delete your previous approval. It is simply a verification gate that must be cleared.

Step-by-Step eKYC Process
eKYC Portal:ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in/ekyc

Step 1: Visit the eKYC page and enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number. Fill the CAPTCHA.

Step 2: Tick the consent box for Aadhaar-based authentication and click "Send OTP."

Step 3: Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Click "Verify."

Step 4: Enter your father's or husband's Aadhaar number for family verification. A second OTP will be sent — enter it.

Step 5: Select your caste category. Read Declaration statements A.S. No. 1 and No. 2 carefully before ticking.

Step 6: Answer the government employee question carefully (see note below).

Step 7: Check the final confirmation box and click "Submit." A success screen confirms completion. Screenshot it.

Timing matters: complete eKYC between the 1st and 5th of the month. Completing it after the 10th risks a one-month delay in that month's payment.

The Government Employee Question — A Common Cause of Eligibility Issues
During eKYC, the portal asks: "Is any member of the family in government/semi-government service?"
Incorrect responses to eligibility questions during verification have been reported as one of the reasons some applications were flagged for review or verification. The rule is limited to immediate family members who currently live in the same household and are presently employed in or drawing a pension from central or state government, semi-government, or government-aided organisations. A married brother in a different city is not part of your household. A retired parent who no longer draws an active salary is not currently in service.
If you answered "Yes" by mistake, your account was likely suspended. Approach your local WCD office with a written clarification and supporting documents — a separate address proof for the family member, or a retirement certificate.

OTP Not Received? Portal Slow? — How to Fix Common eKYC Errors

eKYC Deadline Passed — What Are Your Options Now
The April 30, 2026 deadline has passed. The online portal no longer accepts new eKYC submissions for accounts that missed it.
Your options are now physical, not digital. Visit your nearest Anganwadi Centre or WCD District Office with your Aadhaar card and application reference number. Ask specifically about the "biometric-assisted re-verification" process that some districts have implemented for deadline-missed accounts. There is no guarantee of reinstatement, but no WCD office will turn you away without at least directing you properly.
Watch the official portal and Maharashtra government press releases for any re-opening announcement. These are sometimes posted with just 48–72 hours' notice.

How to Check Application and Payment Status 2026

How to Check Status Online — Step by Step
Official Portal:ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in

Step 1: Click "Applicant Login" on the homepage.

Step 2: Enter your registered mobile number, password and CAPTCHA. Click Login.

Step 3: On your dashboard, click "Applications Made Earlier."

Step 4: Your application status appears in the Status column. For payment history, click "Application/Payment Status" and check the "Last credited on" field.

What Each Status Label Actually Means

Name Not in Beneficiary List? — Step-by-Step Recovery Process

Step 1: Log in to the portal and confirm your reference number still appears under "Applications Made Earlier." If it does, your application exists even if the public list doesn't show your name.

Step 2: Check your application status. If it shows "Approved" or "Verified" but you're not on the published list, there may be a name-spelling mismatch between your application and the Aadhaar-pulled data used to generate the list.

Step 3: If status shows "Ineligible" or "Suspended," follow the eligibility dispute steps above.

Step 4: If status shows "Approved" but payment has never arrived, check whether your Aadhaar is seeded to your bank account via NPCI. Log in to internet banking or visit your branch and ask for an "Aadhaar NPCI seeding status" confirmation.

Step 5: If none of the above resolves it, visit your local WCD office with your Aadhaar card, bank passbook and reference number. Ask them to run a "beneficiary lookup" using your Aadhaar number directly — this bypasses name-spelling mismatches.

Step 6: If the WCD office cannot resolve it, file a formal grievance through the portal and note the ticket number. The government must respond within 30 days.

Ladki Bahin Yojana Installment Dates & Payment Schedule 2026

Expected Monthly Payment Window
Installments are generally released periodically by the Maharashtra Government through DBT. The exact date varies and is confirmed on the official portal close to the release date. Public holidays and bank processing delays can shift it by 2–3 days. Do not rely on WhatsApp forwards or YouTube channels for payment dates — check the official portal only.

Full Installment History (1st to Latest)

*Women who missed payments due to eKYC holds received Rs. 3,000 (2 months) or Rs. 4,500 (3 months) in one combined credit.

Payment Credited But Wrong Amount — Why It Happens
If you received more than Rs. 1,500, it is almost certainly a combined installment payout as multiple months paid together after a hold was lifted. Check your passbook for the exact date and credit description.If you received less than Rs. 1,500, contact your bank first. If no amount was credited at all despite an "Approved" status, the issue is almost always NPCI seeding that is incomplete, or a name/account number mismatch between the application and the bank's records. Both are fixable at your bank branch.

Ladki Bahin Yojana Payment Stopped or Account Closed — How to Fix

Payment Stopped Mid-Way
Payments stop mid-scheme for three main reasons. First, eKYC was not completed before the deadline — the account went into "Hold" and eventually "Suspended." Second, the 2026 cross-verification flagged the account for a condition that developed after the original application. Third, NPCI seeding at the bank lapsed. For the first situation: visit the WCD office and ask about re-verification options. For the third: visit your bank branch with your Aadhaar card and ask them to re-seed Aadhaar to your account via NPCI.

Account Wrongly Closed
If you believe your account was closed due to a database error, visit the WCD District Office with your Aadhaar card, income certificate, a written explanation of the discrepancy and any supporting documents. Ask for a formal grievance acknowledgement in writing. If unresolved in 30 days, escalate to the District Collector's office.

Application Rejected
If your application was rejected at submission, the rejection reason is usually one of the document issues listed earlier — name mismatch, outdated Hamipatra, missing income certificate, or a joint bank account. Correct the specific issue and re-apply. Re-application carries no penalty or waiting period.

Bank Account Not Aadhaar-Linked
Visit your bank branch with your Aadhaar card and ask for "Aadhaar seeding" or "NPCI linking." Confirmation usually takes 2–5 working days. After that, verify the link via internet banking or the NPCI mapper at npci.org.in before checking your next payment cycle.

Duplicate Application Flag
If the system flagged your account as a duplicate, contact your local WCD office. They can run an Aadhaar-based lookup that distinguishes between records even if names are similar. Bring your original documents and your unique reference number.

Ladki Bahin Yojana Helpline and Grievance Redressal

Helpline 181 — What It Covers
The official helpline is 181, operational Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 6 PM, in Marathi, Hindi and English. It can help with:

• Step 1: Explaining your application or payment status.

• Step 2: Clarifying eligibility conditions (including the government employee question).

• Step 3: Guiding you through eKYC steps.

• Step 4: Connecting you to the correct WCD district office.

• Step 5: Logging a verbal complaint that gets escalated internally.

Keep your application reference number ready before calling. The call is free from any Maharashtra network.

Online Grievance Portal — How to File Step by Step
For a written record — or if the helpline hasn't resolved your issue — file a formal grievance online.

• Step 1: Go to ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in and log in with your registered mobile and password.

• Step 2: Look for the "Grievance" or "तक्रार नोंदणी" option on your dashboard.

• Step 3: Select the grievance category — payment not received, account suspended, rejection dispute, eKYC issue, or other.

• Step 4: Describe your issue clearly. Include your reference number, the current portal status and what you have already tried.

• Step 5: Submit and note the Grievance Ticket Number. The government is required to respond within 30 working days.

• Step 6: If no response after 30 days, escalate to the District Women and Child Development Officer ( DWCDO) in person or via email. Contact details are on the Maharashtra WCD website.
  A filed grievance creates a paper trail. It is significantly more effective than repeat calls to 181 for account closure or suspension disputes.

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Summing Up

The Ladki Bahin Yojana is a meaningful income support for millions of women in Maharashtra — Rs. 1,500 a month, Rs. 18,000 a year, transferred directly to your bank account with no middleman. The 2026 verification drive has made the process stricter, but it has also made the system more accurate. If your account is active and your eKYC is done, payments will continue. If your account was suspended, the fix usually requires one visit to your WCD office with the right documents.

The most common fixable mistakes are a name mismatch across documents, an incorrectly answered government employee question during eKYC, and NPCI seeding that hasn't been done at the bank. All three are solvable. Start with the official portal at ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in, and call 181 if you need guidance at any step.

FAQs