The Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala, established the Distress Relief Fund for the Differently Abled (Medical Treatment) on 24 January 1995 with G.O.(MS) 4/95 SWD. A ₹1 crore sum was approved by the Kerala government and placed in the Treasury. Disabled people get financial aid from this fund’s interest:
- Surgery and medical care.
- Accidentally disabled people.
- For additional purposes not covered by disability policies.
Benefits of the Scheme
- Financial assistance of ₹5,000 per person per year for medical treatment, including surgery.
- The assistance is available to disabled persons and those who become handicapped due to accidents.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must be a native and resident of Kerala State.
- The applicant must be a disabled person or someone who has become handicapped due to an accident and requires medical treatment, including surgery.
- The annual income of the applicant should not exceed:
- ₹20,000 in Rural areas
- ₹22,375 in Urban areas
- Eligible disabilities/categories include:
- Blind
- Deaf and Dumb
- Orthopedically Handicapped
- Mentally Challenged
- Persons in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category with 40% disability or more
Application Process
Online Application
Registration Process:
- Visit the SUNEETHI – Online Service Application Portal.
- Click on “One-time Registration” on the homepage.
- Fill in the details like Name, Email ID, Mobile Number, and click on Register.
- Enter the verification code received on the mobile number and click on Verify.
- A new profile form will open, fill in all mandatory details and click on Register.
Login & Application Process:
- After registration, visit the SUNEETHI – Online Service Application Portal and click on Citizen Login.
- Enter the Mobile Number and Password and click on Sign in.
- Update personal details, contact details, identity card information, and bank details by clicking on the Edit button.
- Once the profile is updated, a list of schemes will appear on the left side of the screen.
- Select the Distress Relief Fund for the Differently Abled (Medical Treatment) Scheme and click on Apply Now.
- Fill in the required details in the application form and click on Submit.
Offline Application
Applicants can visit the concerned Social Justice Department office and submit a physical application form along with the required documents.
Documents Required
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card).
- Mobile number.
- Email ID.
- Passport-size photograph.
- Doctor’s certificate confirming that treatment is necessary.
- Original copy of the Income Certificate.
- Bank account details (copy of bank passbook).
- Other relevant documents, if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the “Distress Relief Fund for the Differently Abled (Medical Treatment)” Scheme?
The scheme provides financial assistance of ₹5,000 per year for medical treatment, including surgery, to differently-abled persons and those who have become handicapped due to accidents.
2. Which department has launched this scheme?
The scheme was introduced by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala.
3. Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
Any native and resident of Kerala who is differently-abled or has become handicapped due to an accident can apply for assistance.
4. Is this scheme only for residents of Kerala State?
Yes, only permanent residents of Kerala are eligible for benefits under this scheme.
5. Is there any criterion for annual family income?
Yes, the applicant’s annual family income should not exceed ₹20,000 (Rural areas) and ₹22,375 (Urban areas).
6. What is the benefit of the scheme?
Eligible applicants receive ₹5,000 per year for medical treatment and surgery-related expenses.
7. For what purpose will financial assistance be given to disabled persons?
Financial assistance is provided for:
- Medical treatment, including surgery.
- For persons who have become handicapped due to accidents.
- For any medical needs not covered by other government schemes.
8. Which type of disabilities/categories of disabled persons shall be included under the scheme?
The following categories are eligible:
- Blind
- Deaf and Dumb
- Orthopedically Handicapped
- Mentally Challenged
- Persons in the BPL category with 40% disability or more
9. What is the criterion for disabled persons belonging to the BPL category?
To qualify under the BPL category, the applicant must have a 40% or more disability as certified by a competent medical authority.
10. How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
Applicants can apply through the SUNEETHI – Online Service Application Portal or submit an offline application at the Social Justice Department office.
Sources & References
For official guidelines and application details, visit: