Swasraya Scheme For Parents/Mothers Of Physically Handicapped/Mentally Retarded Persons

Description
The scheme “Swasraya Scheme for Parents/Mothers of Physically Handicapped/Mentally Retarded Persons” was launched by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to women of Below Poverty Line BPL families to find self-employment, whose husbands have died/abandoned, and who have to take care of their sons/children with severe physical and mental challenges. Parents of severely mentally retarded and differently-abled persons require emotional strength and flexibility. Older parents can find themselves overwhelmed by various medical, caregiving, and financial responsibilities. Physically Handicapped/Mentally Retarded PH/MR persons always need special care and attention since they cannot perform their day-to-day activities without someone else’s assistance. Sometimes it can be quite challenging for older parents in BPL families, especially mothers, who have to take care of household tasks and work apart from taking care of MR persons. Looking after such a Mentally challenged/PH person is expensive. These expenses can arise from medical equipment and supplies, medical care, caregiving expenses, specialized transportation, etc. Even though an amount of ₹600/- is being provided as “Aswasakiranam Pension” to caregivers family members of bedridden PH/MR persons, it cannot cover the expenses completely. Single mothers face tremendous challenges. Often, a custodial parent must fulfill the roles of primary provider and caregiver without the benefit of a partner. It is a difficult task under the best of circumstances.

Exclusions
• <br>

Benefits
• Under the scheme, a one-time financial assistance of ₹35,000/- will be provided to women of BPL families to find self-employment, whose husbands have died/abandoned, and who have to take care of their sons/children with severe physical and mental challenges.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a native and resident of Kerala State.
2. The applicant should be from Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
3. The parents (mothers) with children having 70% or more disability / mental retardation are eligible to apply under the scheme.
4. Single/Unwed mothers/Wives abandoned by husbands/Legally divorced women/Separated women are eligible to apply under this scheme.
5. Close relatives (women- as mentioned in the above category) who act as caretakers of severely disabled/mentally challenged patients can also apply.
6. **Note 01:** Mothers of severely disabled/mentally challenged bedridden patients will be given priority.
7. **Note 02:** Beneficiaries of the “Aswasakiranam Scheme” can also apply under the scheme.

Application Process
Step 1: Registration Process:
Online — https://suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in

Registration Process:

Required Documents
• Copy of Aadhaar Card of Person with Disability
• Mobile number
• Email id
• Passport size photo
• Copy of Disability Identification Card
• Death/Divorce Certificate
• Copy of Income Certificate/Ration Card
• Copy of Parent's Aadhaar Card
• Non-remarriage certificate from Village Officer
• Bank account details
• Copy of bank passbook
• Other documents, if any

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the “Swasraya Scheme”?
A: Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to women of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families to find self-employment, whose husbands have died/abandoned, and who have to take care of their sons/children with severe physical and mental challenges.

Q: Which department has launched this scheme?
A: Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala

Q: Who is eligible to get the benefits under the scheme?
A: A woman belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) family is eligible to apply under the scheme.

Q: Is this scheme only for a member of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) family?
A: Yes, this scheme is only for a member (Woman) of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.

Q: Is this scheme only for a resident of Kerala State?
A: Yes, the applicant should be a permanent resident of Kerala State.

Q: What should be the minimum disability required to apply under the scheme?
A: The parents (mothers) with children having 70% or more disability / mental retardation are eligible to apply under the scheme.

Q: Who else can apply for this scheme?
A: Single/Unwed mothers/Wives abandoned by husbands/Legally divorced women/Separated women are eligible to apply under this scheme.

Q: Can a close relative who acts as a caretaker of severely disabled/mentally challenged patients apply under this scheme?
A: Yes, close relatives (women) who act as caretakers of severely disabled/mentally challenged patients can also apply.

Q: What is the benefit of the scheme?
A: Under the scheme, a one-time financial assistance of [?]35,000/- will be provided to women of BPL families to find self-employment, whose husbands have died/abandoned, and who have to take care of their sons/children with severe physical and mental challenges.

Q: Who will get preference under the scheme?
A: The mothers of severely disabled/mentally challenged bedridden patients will be given priority.

Q: What is “Aswasakiranam Scheme”?
A: The "Aswasakiranam Scheme" envisages assisting the caregivers of physically and mentally disabled bedridden patients, who are their family members or relatives. This scheme intends to provide a monthly assistance of [?]600/- to those caregivers who are unable to take up employment for self-sustenance. The scheme came into effect from 02/08/10 and all those who have been providing caregiving service to patients since 02/08/10 will be paid monthly assistance with retrospective effect.

Q: Can the beneficiaries of the “Aswasakiranam Scheme” apply under the scheme?
A: Yes, the beneficiaries of the "Aswasakiranam Scheme" can also apply under the scheme.

Q: How can an applicant apply under the scheme?
A: To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the applicant should visit the Official Portal- SUNEETHI- Online Service Application Portal. https://suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in