The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Disability Allowance Scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It aims to provide financial assistance to differently abled, unemployed persons who have a disability of 40% or more. The allowance is available to eligible persons who are either permanent residents or have lived in the territory for over 10 years.
Benefits
- Monthly Allowance:
Beneficiaries receive ₹2500 per month, subject to meeting eligibility conditions. - Duration of Assistance:
The allowance is payable until the disabled person’s death, provided the conditions remain fulfilled. - Commencement of Payment:
Payments start from the month following the sanction of the allowance. - Mode of Payment:
The allowance is disbursed on a monthly basis via a bank account. - Cessation of Benefits:
Assistance will cease if the beneficiary gains employment or if it is found that the initial sanction was based on erroneous or false information.
Eligibility
- Residency Requirement:
- Must be a permanent resident of the Union Territory or have resided there for more than 10 years.
- Disability Criterion:
- The applicant must be at least 1 month old with a disability of 40% or above.
- Income and Employment Status:
- There is no income ceiling.
- The applicant must not be receiving any other financial assistance or be employed.
Application Process
Offline Application Process
- Obtain Application Form:
- The application form is available free of cost at the Directorate of Social Welfare, Port Blair, and the sub-divisional offices of Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs).
- It can also be downloaded from the official website.
- Submit the Application:
- Submit the completed application form in the prescribed format at the offices of the concerned CDPOs located in Port Blair, Ferrargunj, Rangat, Diglipur, and Car Nicobar.
- Verification:
- The application is verified by the Mukhya Sevikas (or the concerned CDPO) with a counter signature and then forwarded to the Director (Social Welfare) for sanction.
- Change of Address/Employment Status:
- Beneficiaries must inform the Director of Social Welfare within the stipulated time if there is any change in address or employment status.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph.
- Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card).
- Disability certificate (renewed every five years).
- Proof of residence (Local Certificate, Islander Identity Card, or a certificate from the Tehsildar confirming a minimum of 10 years of residence in A&N Islands).
- Caste/community certificate, if applicable.
- Bank account details or a copy of the passbook.
- Affidavit.
- For beneficiaries under 18 years, a certificate from the State Institute of Education is mandatory.
- Any other document as required.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the objective of the Scheme?
To provide financial assistance to differently abled, unemployed persons with a disability of 40% or more in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. -
What are the benefits offered under the scheme?
A monthly disability allowance of ₹2500, payable until the beneficiary’s death, provided the conditions remain met. -
How long is the financial assistance provided?
The benefit is provided for the lifetime of the beneficiary, subject to continued eligibility. -
What happens if the disabled person passes away before receiving assistance for a specific period?
Assistance ceases upon the death of the beneficiary. -
When does the Disability Allowance become payable?
The allowance becomes payable from the month following its sanction. -
How is the allowance paid?
Payments are made on a monthly basis through the beneficiary’s bank account. -
Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
Persons (aged 1 month or older) with a disability of 40% or above, who are either permanent residents or have resided in the Union Territory for over 10 years, and are not receiving other financial assistance or employed. -
Under what circumstances can the assistance be canceled?
Assistance can be canceled if it is discovered that the sanction was based on false information or if the beneficiary becomes employed. -
Who has the authority to cancel assistance?
The Director (Social Welfare) has the authority to cancel the assistance. -
How is the application for allowance verified?
Verification is carried out by the Mukhya Sevikas or the concerned CDPO, and then forwarded to the Director (Social Welfare). -
What is the procedure for informing about changes in address or employment status?
Beneficiaries must notify the Director (Social Welfare) within the specified time frame. -
How can an applicant apply for the scheme?
The application process is offline; forms are available at the Directorate of Social Welfare, Port Blair, and sub-divisional offices, or can be downloaded from the official website. -
Is there a validity period for the disability certificate?
Yes, the disability certificate must be renewed every five years. -
Can individuals outside the specified disability percentage apply for the scheme?
No, only individuals with a disability of 40% or more are eligible. -
Is there an age limit for beneficiaries?
The scheme covers persons aged 1 month or older.