Digital Exclusion, Rural Elderly, Government Welfare Schemes, Digital Literacy, Social Work, Jalgaon District, Digital Governance, Social Inclusion The rapid digitalization of government welfare services in India has transformed the delivery of social security benefits, healthcare schemes, pension services, banking, and public administration. While digital governance has improved transparency and efficiency, it has also created significant challenges for elderly populations in rural areas who often possess limited digital literacy and inadequate access to digital resources. In Jalgaon District of Maharashtra, a large proportion of senior citizens depend on government welfare schemes for their livelihood; however, difficulties in using smartphones, online portals, biometric authentication, and internet-based services have increased their vulnerability to digital exclusion. The present study aims to examine the extent of digital exclusion among rural elderly and its impact on access to government welfare schemes in Jalgaon District. The specific objectives were to assess the socio-economic profile of elderly respondents, evaluate their level of digital literacy, identify barriers in accessing digital welfare services, and examine the relationship between digital literacy and utilization of welfare schemes. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Primary data were collected from 300 elderly respondents (aged 60 years and above) selected through multistage sampling from six talukas of Jalgaon District using a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that 62% of respondents did not own smartphones, while 57% possessed low digital literacy. Major barriers included difficulties in operating smartphones, OTP verification, poor internet connectivity, language limitations, and dependence on family members or intermediaries. Statistical analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between educational attainment and digital literacy, and higher digital literacy was associated with improved access to welfare schemes. The study concludes that digital exclusion has emerged as a critical social problem among the rural elderly in Jalgaon District. Strengthening digital literacy programme improving rural digital infrastructure, and establishing community-based digital assistance centers can enhance social inclusion and ensure equitable access to government welfare services.