The Distress Relief Scheme is an initiative by the Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. It is designed to provide financial assistance of ₹20,000 to households classified as Below Poverty Line (BPL) in the event of the death of their primary breadwinner (male or female). The scheme targets families solely dependent on agriculture or with an annual income not exceeding ₹24,000.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- A one-time payment of ₹20,000 is provided to the legal heirs of the deceased primary breadwinner.
Eligibility Criteria
- Legal Heir:
- The applicant must be the legal heir of the deceased primary breadwinner.
- Dependence on Agriculture / Income Limit:
- The family should be solely dependent on agriculture (e.g., agricultural labourers, small and marginal farmers) OR the annual family income must not exceed ₹24,000.
- BPL Status:
- The family must belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
Application Process (Offline)
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the District Office:
- During office hours, visit the district office of the Tahsildars and request a hard copy of the prescribed application form from the designated staff.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields on the form and attach copies of all required documents (self-attested if required).
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the supporting documents to the District Collector, Special Deputy Collector, or Special Tahsildar.
- Obtain Acknowledgment:
- Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the Tahsildar, ensuring that it includes the date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Application Deadline:
- The application must be submitted within six months from the date of the breadwinner’s death. Late submissions are generally not considered.
Documents Required
- Copy of Ration Card.
- Copy of Aadhaar Card.
- Breadwinner Death Certificate:
- The certificate must be attested by the Panchayat President.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the objective of the Distress Relief Scheme?
A: The scheme aims to provide financial assistance of ₹20,000 to BPL households in Tamil Nadu upon the death of their primary breadwinner to help mitigate the immediate financial burden.
Q: How much financial assistance is provided under the scheme?
A: Beneficiaries receive ₹20,000 as a one-time payment.
Q: Who are the eligible persons to receive assistance under this scheme?
A: The scheme is open to legal heirs of the deceased primary breadwinner, provided the family is either solely dependent on agriculture or has an annual income not exceeding ₹24,000 and belongs to the BPL category.
Q: What documents need to be submitted along with the application?
A: Applicants must submit a copy of the ration card, Aadhaar card, and a death certificate of the breadwinner (attested by the Panchayat President).
Q: Where should the application be sent?
A: The completed application form should be submitted to the District Collector, Special Deputy Collector, or Special Tahsildar at the district office of the Tahsildars.
Q: Who is the sanctioning authority for the scheme?
A: The sanctioning authority is the relevant district administration (District Collector/Special Deputy Collector/Special Tahsildar) as per the guidelines.
Q: Who should be contacted in case of delays or deficiencies in service?
A: In such cases, applicants should contact the district office of the Tahsildars or refer to the Citizen’s Charter and guidelines for grievance redressal.
Q: Is there a specific income limit for eligibility?
A: Yes, if the family is not solely dependent on agriculture, the annual income should not exceed ₹24,000.
Q: Are legal heirs the only ones eligible to apply for assistance?
A: Yes, only the legal heirs of the deceased primary breadwinner can apply for the benefits under this scheme.
Q: Are there any additional benefits or support provided to families who qualify for distress relief?
A: The primary benefit is the ₹20,000 financial assistance; further support would be outlined in the official guidelines if available.