The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Disability Allowance Scheme

Description
The scheme “The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Disability Allowance Scheme” is implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to provide financial assistance to the differently able unemployed persons with 40% disability or more in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Benefits
• The quantum of Disability Allowance shall be ₹2500/- per month subject to eligibility.
• The financial assistance sanction shall be payable to a disabled person till his/her death subject to the conditions.
• Disability allowance shall become payable from the month following the one in which it is sanctioned.
• **Note:** Assistance shall be stopped on the death of the disabled person, if the disabled person dies, before receiving assistance for a particular period, the same shall lapse.
• > **Mode of Payment:**
• Payment of allowance shall be made through Bank Account on a monthly basis.

Eligibility Criteria
1. Persons who are permanent residents of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands or have resided in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for more than 10 years at the time of making the application.
2. A person of age 01 month or more and having 40% & above disability is eligible under the scheme.
3. There is no income ceiling to avail this allowance.
4. The applicant is neither in receipt of any other financial assistance/allowances nor employed anywhere.
5. > **Cancellation of Assistance:**
6. - The sanctioning authority i.e. Director (Social Welfare) shall have the right cancel to the sanction of assistance at any stage if it is found that it was sanctioned on a mistaken ground or false information tendered or the conditions under which the assistance was granted no longer exist.
7. - The assistance shall be stopped if the beneficiary gets employment.

Required Documents
• Passport-size photograph
• Identity proof i.e. Aadhaar Card
• Disability certificate
• Proof of Residence i.e. Local Certificate or Islander Identity Card issued by the competent Authority shall be considered. In the absence of the above two, a certificate issued by the Tehsildar of the respective Tehsils stating their stay in the A & N Islands for a minimum period of 10 years shall suffice.
• Caste/community certificate, if applicable
• Bank account details/Copy of passbook
• Affidavit
• Certificate to be furnished by State Institute of Education (Mandatory only in case of Persons with disabilities whose age is less than 18 years)
• Any other document as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the objective of the Scheme?
A: The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the differently able unemployed persons with 40% disability or more in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Q: What are the benefits offered under the scheme?
A: What are the benefits offered under the scheme?

Q: How long is the financial assistance provided?
A: The financial assistance is provided until the death of the disabled person.

Q: What happens if the disabled person passes away before receiving assistance for a specific period?
A: If the disabled person dies before receiving assistance for a particular period, the assistance for that period lapses.

Q: When does the Disability Allowance become payable?
A: The Disability Allowance becomes payable from the month following the one in which it is sanctioned.

Q: How is the allowance paid?
A: The allowance is paid through the beneficiary's Bank Account on a monthly basis.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
A: Permanent residents of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands or those who have resided in the UT for more than 10 years are eligible. Additionally, individuals aged 01 month or more with 40% and above disability are eligible, with no income ceiling to avail the allowance.

Q: Under what circumstances can the assistance be canceled?
A: The assistance can be canceled if it was sanctioned based on mistaken grounds or false information, or if the conditions for which it was granted no longer exist. Assistance will also cease if the beneficiary gains employment.

Q: Who has the authority to cancel assistance?
A: The Director (Social Welfare) has the authority to cancel the sanction of assistance.

Q: How is the application for allowance verified?
A: The application is verified by the Mukhya Sevikas with counter signature or the CDPO concerned before being forwarded to the Director (Social Welfare) for sanction.

Q: What is the procedure for informing about changes in address or employment status?
A: Beneficiaries must inform the Director of Social Welfare within days of any change in address or employment status.

Q: How can an applicant apply for the scheme?
A: Application for "Financial Assistance" shall be submitted in the prescribed format in the offices of the concerned Child Development Project Officers located at Port Blair, Ferrargunj, Rangat, Diglipur and Car Nicobar.

Q: Is there a validity period for the disability certificate?
A: Yes, the disability certificate must be renewed every five years.

Q: Can individuals outside the specified disability percentage apply for the scheme?
A: No, individuals must have a disability of 40% or more to qualify for the scheme.

Q: Is there an age limit for beneficiaries?
A: There is no upper age limit for beneficiaries to avail of the Disability Allowance.