AI SummaryAswasakiranam provides monthly financial support of ₹600 to family caregivers who look after bedridden patients with physical or mental disabilities. Kerala Social Security Mission runs this scheme for relatives who give up work to care for loved ones at home.
The scheme has been in force since 2 August 2010 and keeps helping eligible caregivers across Kerala. Caregivers who have served continuously since that date get the allowance with retrospective effect, apart from any pension the patient may already receive.
Aswasakiranam - Introduction
Aswasakiranam extends a helping hand to family members and relatives who serve as full-time caregivers for loved ones suffering from severe physical or mental disabilities. This scheme recognises the hard work involved in providing home-based care for people who are bedridden.
Kerala has a strong healthcare system, yet many families relying on home treatment face money problems. While well-off families can afford professional home nursing, families with limited means often manage alone. Family caregivers frequently give up their own jobs to provide round-the-clock care. This scheme offers monthly cash support to ease this burden and give some relief to those providing dedicated service since 02/08/10.
The scheme supports people caring for patients with the following health conditions:
| Health Category | Description |
|---|---|
| General | All bedridden patients requiring a full-time caregiver |
| Mental Conditions | Autism, Cerebral Palsy, mental retardation, or mental illness |
| Visual and Physical | 100% blind patients, bedridden cancer patients, and the aged |
| Specific | Brittle bone disease |
Key Information
| Key | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Aswasakiranam |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| State | Kerala |
| Category | Health and Wellness |
| Benefit Type | Cash transfer |
| Department | Social Justice Department |
| Implementing Agency | Kerala Social Security Mission |
| Effective Date | 02/08/2010 |
Benefits
Aswasakiranam offers useful cash support to dedicated caregivers. The main points of the benefit are given below:
- Eligible caregivers receive a monthly grant of ₹600 to help care for bedridden patients.
- The benefit applies to caregivers who have been doing their duties faithfully since 02/08/2010.
- The payment is given in addition to any pension the patient may already be getting.
- This support helps manage daily expenses so caregivers do not have to depend on others while focusing on their loved one's care.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the applicant should meet the conditions listed below:
- The patient must be fully bedridden at home due to a serious physical, functional, or mental disability.
- The patient should need help for all day-to-day activities and cannot function on their own without a caregiver's support.
- The patient's family must fall under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category as per the official ration card records.
For example, if Ramesh, who is bedridden due to cerebral palsy, lives with his mother, and their family is on the BPL list, his mother can apply for this support.
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the scheme:
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest Anganwadi or ICDS office to collect the application form, or download it from the official Kerala Social Security Mission website at socialsecuritymission.gov.in.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the required details accurately in the application form.
STEP 3 - Gather all the required documents and attach them to the filled form.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application packet to the nearest Anganwadi center or local ICDS office for verification and approval.
Documents
Prepare the following documents to support the application:
- A valid medical certificate attested by a Government, Vayomithram, or NRHM doctor.
- An attested copy of the BPL ration card, or a BPL certificate from the local Panchayat, Municipality, or Corporation. An income certificate issued by a Village Officer can also be used.
- A copy of the Aadhar card or the official confirmation slip.
References
Scheme details and the application form are available on the official Kerala Social Security Mission website at socialsecuritymission.gov.in.
FAQ's
What is Aswasakiranam?
Aswasakiranam is a welfare scheme that gives monthly cash support to family caregivers who look after bedridden relatives suffering from severe physical or mental disabilities.
Are there specific start date rules?
Yes, the scheme provides support with retrospective effect, covering those who have given caregiving service continuously since 02/08/2010.
Which diseases qualify under this scheme?
The scheme covers patients who are bedridden due to conditions like Autism, Cerebral Palsy, mental retardation, mental illness, 100% blindness, cancer, old age, or brittle bone disease.
How much money will I receive?
Eligible caregivers receive ₹600 per month under this scheme.
What are the basic eligibility conditions?
The patient must be totally bedridden, unable to do daily activities without help, and the household must be registered under the BPL category.
Where can I find the application form?
You can get the application form from the nearest Anganwadi center, ICDS office, or download it from the official Kerala Social Security Mission website.
Which documents must I submit?
You must submit a medical certificate from a government-recognized doctor, proof of BPL status (ration card or certificate), and an Aadhar card copy.