Subsistence Allowance (Sainik Welfare) is a welfare scheme run by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. It gives monthly cash support to Second World War veterans, non-pensioner ex-servicemen above 60 years who fall below the poverty line, and their widows so they can manage their daily needs without worry.
As of August 2026, the monthly amounts have been revised. Second World War veterans now get ₹14,000 per month, while non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows get ₹12,000 per month. The scheme is open to eligible people who hold a valid registration with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry, and the application is done through the offline process.
Subsistence Allowance (Sainik Welfare) - Introduction
Subsistence Allowance (Sainik Welfare) serves as a key welfare program managed by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. This scheme offers regular financial support to veterans of the Second World War, non-pensioner ex-servicemen over the age of 60 who fall under the below poverty line category, and their widows.
The scheme is funded through the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, and it applies only to ex-servicemen and widows who hold a valid registration with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. Eligible people need to follow the offline application process to get these benefits, which are aimed at providing a stable support system for those who have served the nation.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Subsistence Allowance (Sainik Welfare) |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Puducherry |
| Category | Social welfare & Empowerment |
| Sub Category | Financial assistance |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Sainik Welfare Department, Puducherry |
| Implementing Agency | Rajya Sainik Board, Puducherry |
Benefits
The scheme provides monthly financial support directly to the beneficiary's bank account. The monthly assistance amounts have been revised as per the latest official update of June 2026, and are structured as follows:
| Category | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Second World War (WWII) Veterans | ₹14,000 |
| Non-pensioner ESM (Above 60 years & BPL) | ₹12,000 |
| Widows of eligible categories | ₹12,000 |
For the allowance to continue, a life certificate needs to be submitted to the bank by January every year. Widows should register within 03 months from the date of death of the ex-serviceman to keep the allowance going.
Eligibility
To be eligible, the following criteria should be met:
1. The applicant should be an Ex-Serviceman or the widow of an ex-serviceman.
2. A valid registration should be maintained with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.
3. Second World War veterans are eligible irrespective of their financial status. Non-pensioner ex-servicemen should be above 60 years of age and fall under the below poverty line category.
Exclusions
Financial support is not available if the applicant is currently re-employed in a regular capacity within government, public sector, or private organizations. Also, a self-employed income tax assessee falls outside the scope of this scheme.
Application Process
Offline
STEP 1 - Get the prescribed application form by downloading it from the official website, or request a hard copy from the Rajya Sainik Board office at Jawan Bhawan, Puducherry, during working hours (Monday to Friday, 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM).
STEP 2 - Fill in all the required details, affix a passport-sized photograph, and attach self-attested copies of all the required documents.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed application to the designated authority at the Rajya Sainik Board.
STEP 4 - Once the board receives the application, officials record it in their register and provide a unique identification number, which serves as the acknowledgment for future tracking.
Queries and Grievances
For questions, reach out to the office at 261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry - 605013, or contact (+91)(0413) 2253107. An email can also be sent to dirdsw.pon@nic.in between 02:30 PM and 05:00 PM on weekdays.
Documents
For the application, the following items should be prepared:
- The official identity card as an ex-serviceman.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
For the continuation of the allowance, a 'Life Certificate' should be submitted to the bank every January.
References
Guidelines | Government Order | Application Form | Contact Us
FAQ's
Which Department administers this scheme?
The Department of Sainik Welfare, Union Territory of Puducherry, administers this scheme under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.
Where can I locate the official website?
The official information is available at https://sainik.py.gov.in/.
What are the revised monthly amounts in 2026?
Second World War veterans get ₹14,000 per month, while non-pensioner ex-servicemen above 60 years under BPL and widows get ₹12,000 per month, as per the latest official update.
Is self-attestation necessary for documents?
Yes, self-attested copies of all the required documents should be provided along with the application.
Where can I find details for the Appellate Authority?
Contact Shri. S.D. Sundaresan, I.A.S., Secretary to the Government at the Chief Secretariat, Puducherry, by calling 0413-2349712 or emailing jshome.pon@nic.in.
Are Short Service commission officers eligible?
Yes, if the criteria of being released upon engagement completion and receiving a gratuity at the time of release are met.
Do widows qualify for this scheme?
Yes, widows of ex-servicemen who are registered with the Department are eligible to receive the benefit.
How can I file an RTI query?
Submit an application along with an IPO or DD for ₹10 in favor of the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. Visit the RTI page for full details.
What is the definition of an Ex-serviceman?
The official definition is available at this link.
How do I track my application?
There is no live tracking system, so an acknowledgment receipt with the unique identification number should always be requested when the application is submitted.
Is there compensation for delayed payments?
No, the current scheme rules do not include provisions for compensation regarding payment delays.
Can individuals with disabilities apply?
Yes, a person with a disability who meets all the general eligibility requirements of the scheme can apply.