The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Old Age Assistance Scheme is implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This scheme is designed to provide monthly financial support to destitute senior citizens—those above 60 years of age—who lack a means of subsistence and do not receive any financial support for their livelihood. The scheme ensures social security for these vulnerable groups by directly depositing the assistance into their bank accounts.
Benefits
- Monthly Financial Support:
- ₹2,500 for senior citizens aged 60-79 years.
- ₹3,000 for senior citizens aged 80 years and above.
- Direct Benefit Transfer: Assistance is credited directly into the bank account.
- Social Security: Provides essential support to destitute seniors without any means of financial backing.
Eligibility
To qualify for this scheme, applicants must:
- Be a permanent resident of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands or have resided in the territory for at least 10 years prior to the application.
- Be 60 years or older.
- Have a household income that does not exceed ₹4,000 per month.
- Not be receiving any other financial assistance, pension, or grant from the government or any other source.
Application Process
Offline Application Steps
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Collect the free application form from the Directorate of Social Welfare, Port Blair or from the sub-divisional offices of the Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs).
- Alternatively, download the form from the official website.
- Complete the Application:
- Fill out the form completely and attach all relevant documents.
- Submit the Form:
- Submit the completed application along with the required documents to the office of the concerned Child Development Project Officer.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Identity proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card)
- Proof of age
- Local certificate/domicile certificate
- Category/community certificate (if applicable)
- Bank account details/Copy of passbook
- Proof of income issued by the competent authority
- Any other document as required
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the aim of the scheme?
A1: The scheme aims to provide social security to destitute senior citizens by offering them monthly financial assistance.
Q2: Who is eligible to receive assistance under this scheme?
A2: Senior citizens aged 60 and above who are permanent residents or have resided in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for at least 10 years and whose household income does not exceed ₹4,000 per month.
Q3: What are the eligibility criteria for applicants?
A3: Applicants must be 60 years or older, have a household income not exceeding ₹4,000 per month, and must not be receiving any other financial assistance.
Q4: What are the benefits provided by the scheme?
A4: The scheme provides monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 for those aged 60-79 years and ₹3,000 for those aged 80 and above.
Q5: How is the allowance disbursed?
A5: The allowance is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer into the beneficiary’s bank account on a monthly basis.
Q6: Where can one obtain the application form?
A6: The application form is available at the Directorate of Social Welfare, Port Blair and sub-divisional offices of the Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), or can be downloaded from the official website.
Q7: Where should the completed application form be submitted?
A7: Submit the completed application form along with all required documents to the office of the concerned Child Development Project Officer.
Q8: Is there a fee for submitting the application?
A8: No, the application form is provided free of cost.
Q9: Is there any age limit for eligibility?
A9: Yes, the applicant must be 60 years or older.
Sources and References
- Official Website
- Notification
- Application Form
- Scheme Details