List of Government Schemes for Disabled Persons in India: Empowerment and Inclusion Guide

Wondering what the government has lined up for our differently-abled friends? Well, there are a bunch of schemes that help PwD get jobs, support, and assistance. For people with disabilities, getting education, healthcare, transportation, and work can be tough and hence, these schemes assist them so they can feel included in mainstream society. While some provide training by assisting PwDs to join courses in schools and colleges, others furnish PwDs with monetary aid for purposes like kick starting small businesses. The list is endless. The guiding principle here is simple yet powerful: no one should be held back because of physical or mental conditions. It's a commitment to allowing everyone to realise their full potential. 

This article has a list of government schemes for disabled persons in India. It is a guide for disabled people to know about the schemes accessible to them and how to avail of their benefits.

List of Schemes:

Here are 10 schemes with their benefits available exclusively for persons with disabilities: 

1. GHARAUNDA (Group Home for Adults)

Eligibility Criteria

This scheme is open to people with the following disabilities: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Multiple Disabilities. You need to be over 18 years old.

Brief Description

This scheme guarantees a secure home and lifelong quality care services under the National Trust Act. The scheme also provides medical care from professionals to help PwD get along with their day to day life and engages disabled people with vocational and prevocational activities and other training opportunities.

Key Benefits

• GHARAUNDA provides a dual-role Special Educator for skill development and vocational training.
• Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists enhance physical abilities and daily living skills.
• Caregivers ensure daily needs and personal care for individuals.
• Basic medical care from healthcare professionals is part of the scheme.
• Available nationwide for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Real-Life Impact

Prematurely born Satyajit showed signs of autism at age 2, struggling in school with declining speech and IQ. After a 1992 diagnosis, he moved to a special school focused on job skills. Through therapy, he improved communication. Now 23, Satyajit attends workshops, commutes independently, and earns money, demonstrating progress despite challenges.

How to Apply?

• Apply for the scheme at the GHARAUNDA centres or apply online here. After that, a therapist or counsellor conducts an Individual PwD Assessment Test. 
• People who are orphaned, abandoned, or crisis-affected PwDs are categorised as BPL, and enrolled in Niramaya and Gharaunda. 
• Parents/guardians need to fill out the form with all the required documents. Please visit the website for further information. 

2. NIRAMAYA(Health Insurance Scheme)

Eligibility Criteria

Any disabled person with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation or multiple disabilities may apply. One also needs to have the following: 

• Need a valid disability certificate. 
• Need your UDID card number or enrollment number.

Brief Description 

The NIRAMAYA Health Insurance Scheme offers up to Rs. 1 lakh coverage for individuals with disabilities, covering OPD treatments, medicines, check-ups, dental care, surgeries, therapies, and alternative medicine. It also includes transportation costs. The great part is that no pre-insurance medical tests are needed, ensuring streamlined and accessible healthcare solutions for PwDs.

Key Benefits

• Covers medical treatment costs. It includes hospitalization expenses.
• You have a single premium across all age bands.
• Provides the same coverage irrespective of disability type.
• Surgeries, if needed, are financially supported.
• Various therapies are also covered under this scheme.

Real-Life Impact

Bharat, 41, born in Rishikesh to parents with leprosy, has mild cerebral palsy. Despite school challenges, he thrived at Raphael's home for disabled kids, winning Special Olympics medals. Government health schemes have facilitated crucial treatment for his disability, supporting his continued learning and helpful nature.

How to Apply?

• Visit the nearest RO with the required documents
• Pay the application fees, adhering to the category-specific fees:
•  
• For individuals Below Poverty Line (BPL): Rs. 250/-
• For individuals not under BPL: Rs. 500/-
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD) with a Legal Guardian (other than natural parents): Free.

3. Vikaas (Day Care)

Eligibility Criteria  

• For kids aged 10 years or older
• Have one of these conditions: Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation or Multiple Disabilities
• Not already in the Samarth or Gharaunda schemes

Brief Description

The Vikaas Day Care Scheme is a comprehensive initiative that establishes Vikaas Centres nationwide, managed by Registered Organizations (ROs), with a primary focus on enhancing the well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). These centers offer day-care facilities for at least 6 hours daily, incorporating age-specific activities to nurture interpersonal and vocational skills. With a cap of 30 PwDs per center and a 1:1 ratio for Lower Income Group (LIG) and above LIG PwDs, the scheme aims to provide crucial caregiving support, allowing family members respite while promoting the overall growth of individuals with disabilities. ROs are encouraged to collaborate with experts and pediatricians for increased enrollment, ensuring the scheme's broad impact and accessibility.

Key Benefits

• Participants receive counselling to live daily life with ease and confidence.
• A special educator is on hand to take care of individual needs.
• Access to physiotherapists or occupational therapists 
• Each batch accommodates only 30 people 

Real-Life Impact

17-year-old Sonu Sharma from Nagaur, coping with cerebral palsy after losing her dad, found improvement in walking and confidence through therapy and a special school. Now, she's learning money skills and can manage daily tasks independently.

How to Apply?

• Visit this link or nearest Vikaas centre.
• Children (10-14 years) undergo an assessment to determine school suitability. Guidance is provided for schooling options and National Trust schemes.
• If suitable for school, parents can choose between regular/special school or Vikaas Centre enrollment.

4. Samarth (Respite Care)

Eligibility Criteria

Only people with conditions such as autism or cerebral palsy as per the 1999 Disability Act can join a Samarth Centre. They should not already be in other disability schemes like Disha, Vikaas scheme or Gharaunda Scheme simultaneously

Brief Description

The Samarth Respite and Residential Care Scheme is designed to establish nationwide Samarth Centres, addressing the critical needs of orphans, abandoned individuals, families in crisis, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Lower Income Group (LIG) backgrounds. These centers provide group home facilities with quality care services, ensuring acceptable living standards and basic medical care from professional doctors. With a capacity of 30 PwDs and a maximum allowance of 39, the scheme offers respite to family members while fostering a supportive environment for those in need.

Key Benefits

• Group Home which gives a nurturing environment for all age groups, ensuring high-quality care and living standards.
• Provides basic medical care by professional doctors.
• Regular assessment and evaluation by experts help understand each PwD's unique needs and track their progress.
• At least two Special Educators, including a Vocational Trainer, one Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist

Real-Life Impact 

At 6 years old, Ratna Das entered an Agartala disability support program due to cerebral palsy, stuttering, and being underweight. Initially reliant on assistance for basic movements, with physio and daily training, she gained independence, learning to walk, read, write, and master household skills.

How to Apply?

• Visit Samarth Centre with the required proof along with their parents/guardians.
• Individual assessments are conducted by therapists or counsellors to understand each PwD's needs and ensure admission.

5. SAHYOGI (Care Associate Training Scheme)

Eligibility Criteria

For Primary Training: Applicants must be aged 18-35 and have a minimum educational qualification of 8th standard.

For Advanced Training: Applicants, aged 18-35, need at least an 8th standard education or equivalent, including completion of primary training, previous Sahyogi course, or RCI primary training.

Brief Description

This program trains caregivers to support disabled people and optionally educates parents too. Courses have basic and advanced levels. The primary 3-month course developed by India's Rehab Council teaches first aid and care skills for conditions like autism. The 6-month secondary course covers advanced abilities like communication methods. Both courses include paid internships.

Key Benefits

• The program has set up Care Associate Cells (CACs) across the country. 
• Aims to train a skilled workforce of care associates, dedicated to providing care for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and their families.
• Offers parents the chance to receive training in caregiving.
• Training is available through two-course levels: primary and advanced, adhering to different skill sets and learning needs.

How to Apply?

• Applicants must visit the designated centre by the specified deadline.
• They need to bring all necessary documents as mentioned in the training notice.

6. Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme

Eligibility Criteria

• The centre must be registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, or the relevant State/Union Territory Act.
• Charitable companies need to be licensed under Section 25 of the Companies Act, of 1958.
• Centres should have at least two years of operational history.
• A well-defined governing body with clear powers, duties, and responsibilities is mandatory.
• It must have sufficient resources, facilities, and experience required for undertaking proposed projects.

Brief Description

This program aims to financially assist voluntary groups that offer rehabilitation services for disabled persons. The goal is to empower those with disabilities to participate fully in society and achieve their potential. By supporting nonprofit centres, people with disabilities can get the early intervention, training, and equipment needed to increase independence and integration within their communities.

Key Benefits

• Grants aid NGOs in early intervention for developmental delays in disabled children.
• Funds daily living skill programs for increased independence in cooking, cleaning, and personal care.
• Supports NGO initiatives for employability through computer, office, and trade skills training.
• Provides funds for infrastructure upgrades like ramps, toilets, and equipment for the disabled.
• Backs eco-friendly projects for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
• Establishes facilities for inclusive activities, including sports, recreation, and the arts.

How to Apply?

• NGOs seeking financial aid must first register on the NGO Darpan portal run by NITI Aayog to obtain a Unique ID. This ID number associates each NGO with their credentials.
• Once registered and approved for an ID, NGOs can then apply for grants through the online E-Anudaan portal owned by the Ministry. 

7. Welfare Schemes for Persons with Disabilities

Eligibility Criteria

Disability Allowance

This scheme provides ₹1500 monthly to disabled individuals who:

• Must have a disability certificate from the government. 
• One should have disabilities like problems moving, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, blood conditions, etc to benefit from the scheme. 
• For blind people, they must have total blindness and be between the ages of 19-59.

Marriage Incentive

This government scheme for economic for disabled persons gives ₹30,000 when disabled people get married. The bride and groom need to be old enough and meet other marriage rules. One person must prove disability with a certificate.

Scholarships for Students

This provides ₹3000 to ₹8000 annually to help disabled students pay for education. 

• Need a disability certificate and be in 1st grade or higher.

Free Travel Card

Disabled people can get a free card to ride state buses at no cost. 

• A disability certificate is needed

Unemployment Allowance

Unemployed disabled people between 18-48 years old can get ₹400 to ₹1000 monthly. 

• Need a 10th grade education.
• Registered as unemployed
• Need a disability certificate.

Brief Description

This government scheme & programme for persons with a disability provides monthly and unemployment funds to help disabled people pay for their needs and be self-sufficient. Whereas scholarships provide education opportunities, the marriage incentive makes the disabled feel part of society. It shows that people can look past disabilities to see good qualities and accept them.

Key Benefits

• Maintenance Grants
• Marriage Incentives
• Unemployment Allowance
• Free Travel Card
• Scholarship

Real-Life Impact

Despite a mental disability and delays in his village upbringing, Mr. Akhil Pasha excelled with skill training. Leading groups for enhanced income and social engagement, he secured an office job, proving disability isn't limiting. 

How to Apply?

• Application forms are available year-round in District and Directorate Offices for welfare schemes.
• Forms for Caregiver Allowance, Maintenance Grant, and Free Travel Cards under CMST are also obtainable during Meeyamgi Numit at Chief Minister’s Darbar Hall.

8. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant age between 18-79 years.
• Must be a resident of India.
• Physically or mentally disabled.
• Disability severity over 80%.
• Dwarfs eligible.
• Below Poverty Line (BPL) status required.

Brief Description

This scheme provides monthly income support to economically disadvantaged adults living with disabilities. Specifically, any disabled individual over 18 years old with at least 80% disability can apply. Applicants must also fall under the national poverty line criteria to qualify. Those approved receive a monthly pension intended to help cover necessities. 

Key Benefits

• Pension of Rs. 300/month for Divyangjan aged 18-79 years.
• Increased pension of Rs. 500/month for individuals aged 80 years and above.

How to Apply?

• Download the UMANG app or visit the website to learn more about this government scheme and policies for persons with disability.
• Login with your mobile number and OTP.
• Search for NSAP and click "Apply Online".
• Enter basic details, and choose the pension payment method.
• Upload a photo and click "Submit".

9. ADIP Scheme

Eligibility Criteria

• Be an Indian citizen of any age
• Have a 40% disability certificate
• Employed/self-employed or pensioner with income below Rs. 30,000 per month.
• For dependents, parents/guardians' income should be below Rs. 30,000 per month.
• Not received similar assistance in the last 3 years (1 year for children under 12).

Brief Description

The ADIP scheme primarily supports disabled individuals in acquiring modern, certified aids and appliances. These devices, including those for hearing, visual, orthopaedic, and mental challenges, are designed to be durable and scientifically advanced. The goal of the scheme is to foster physical, social, and psychological rehabilitation, lessen the impact of disabilities, and boost economic potential.

Key Benefits

• ADIP covers essential surgeries for aids' proper functionality.
• Funds available for minor procedures before device fitting.
• Rs 1500 for hearing/speech aid optimization.
• Rs 3000 for visually impaired pre-aid interventions.
• Rs 15,000 for orthopedic recipients' pre-mobility aid surgeries.

How to Apply?

• To register online for the scheme, click here.
• To track the status of your application, click here

10. BADHTE KADAM (Awareness, Community Interaction and Innovative Project)

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be registered with a valid certificate from the National Trust under the National Trust Act and provide proof of PwD registration.

Brief Description

Badhte Kadam aims to raise awareness and promote inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) under the National Trust Act. Objectives include public awareness, preventive strategies dissemination, community sensitization, and maximizing benefits of National Trust schemes. The scheme supports Registered Organizations (ROs) in conducting awareness activities targeting various stakeholders. The target audience comprises the public, government officials, medical and legal professionals, educational institutions, and families of PwDs. ROs are encouraged to innovate in awareness campaigns focusing on the four disabilities covered under the National Trust Act.

Key Benefits

• Aims to increase community awareness about persons with disabilities (PwDs).
• Promotes the social integration of PwDs through greater visibility and participation in community activities.
• Povides knowledge about preventive strategies for disabilities under the National Trust Act of 1999.
• Helps sensitization of community stakeholders.

How to Apply?

• The NGO must access the National Trust's online portal.
• Fill and upload the Badhte Kadam application form online, including all required scanned documents.
• Pay the INR 1000 application fee through the portal.
• Send the application form by post with supporting documents to the National Trust within 7 days, ensuring it reaches them within 15 days.
• Upon successful enrollment, a scheme ID is created for the RO.

Please visit the website to check all the schemes of the government for disabled persons in India. 

How Can Atypical Advantage Help a Disabled Person Generate a Livelihood?

Atypical Advantage works towards unlocking employment opportunities for people with disabilities (PwDs). Here’s how we contribute: 

• We connect PwDs with available jobs, including internships, freelancing gigs, and full-time roles via Atypical Job Portal. Our approach is inclusive; we send weekly email alerts and regular updates about open positions so PwDs don't miss any promising opportunities. We also offer end-to-end support to PwDs from CV screening to post-placement support.
• Through Atypical Art we empower the artistic abilities of 250+ artists, with 20 diverse disabilities, across 17 states.
• Atypical Experience is another unique initiative that allows corporates to book/hire PwD performing artists for their event. We’re glad to share that 1,00,000+ Employees Have Been Moved With Over 200+ Corporate Shows
• Through Atypical Academy, we offer training, upskilling workshops and skill development programs exclusively for PwD. 
• We also offer corporate gifting solutions to directly help over 1000+ PwDs

Atypical Advantage is India’s largest livelihood platform for Persons with Disabilities(PWD). Whether it is a singer looking for a show, a visual artist looking to sell their paintings, or job seekers with disabilities looking for career opportunities, it bridges the supply & demand side inefficiencies so that Persons with Disabilities can earn a dignified income. We have a large pool of 15,000+ talents with disabilities and have worked with 250+ corporates within a short span of 3 years. We were also featured on Shark Tank Season 2 and were declared the winner of the prestigious National Startup Award under the social impact category by the Union Government. For more information, visit our website here.