The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Old Age Assistance Scheme

Description
The scheme “The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Old Age Assistance Scheme” is implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to provide financial assistance to senior citizens Above 60 years of age in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The aim of the scheme is to provide social security by way of financial assistance to destitute, senior citizens who are without any means of subsistence and having no one to give financial support to them for their livelihood. As per the scheme, only those who are permanent residents of A&N Islands or having resided in this territory for not less than 10 years immediately preceding the date of applications are eligible for receiving financial assistance.

Benefits
• The amount of assistance for persons in the age group 60-79 years shall be ₹2,500/- per month.
• The amount of assistance for persons aged 80 years & above shall be ₹3,000/-.
• **Note 01:** The scheme also included the beneficiaries of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS).
• **Note 02:** Payment of allowance shall be made through Bank Account on a monthly basis.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a permanent resident 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. The age of the applicant should be 60 years or above.
3. The household income of the applicant does not exceed ₹4000/- per month.
4. The applicant should not be receiving any other financial assistance, pension, or grant from the government or any other source.

Required Documents
• Passport-size photograph
• Identity proof i.e. 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
Q: What is the aim of the scheme?
A: The aim of the scheme is to provide social security by way of financial assistance to destitute, senior citizens who are without any means of subsistence and having no one to give financial support to them for their livelihood.

Q: Who is eligible to receive assistance under this scheme?
A: Eligible individuals must be permanent residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands or have resided there for at least 10 years preceding the application date.

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for applicants?
A: Applicants must be 60 years or older, with a household income not exceeding [?]4000 per month. They should not be receiving any other financial assistance or pension.

Q: What are the benefits provided by the scheme?
A: Individuals aged 60-79 receive [?]2,500 per month, while those aged 80 and above receive [?]3,000 per month. Beneficiaries of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) are also included.

Q: How is the allowance disbursed?
A: The allowance is paid through bank accounts on a monthly basis.

Q: Where can one obtain the application form?
A: Application forms are available free of cost at the Directorate of Social Welfare in Port Blair and the sub-divisional offices of Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs). The form can also be downloaded from the official website.

Q: Where should the completed application form be submitted?
A: Completed forms should be submitted to the office of the concerned Child Development Project Officer.

Q: Is there a fee for submitting the application?
A: No, the application form is available free of cost.

Q: Is there any age limit for eligibility?
A: Yes, applicants must be 60 years or older to qualify.