AI SummaryThe Ministry of Defence has revised the financial assistance limit for the AFFDF scheme that helps non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows with treatment costs for serious diseases. The one-time ceiling now stands at ₹1.5 lakh, up from the earlier ₹1.25 lakh.
This support covers approved conditions like cancer, heart surgery, renal failure, and joint replacement at government hospitals following CGHS or ECHS rates. Non-pensioner officers and widows get 75% of the bill covered, while other ranks and their widows receive 90% coverage.
AFFDF Financial Assistance for Serious Diseases
The scheme runs through the Kendriya Sainik Board under the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. It is meant for non-pensioner ex-servicemen of all ranks and their widows who do not have ECHS or AFMS medical cover. With healthcare costs rising, many veterans find it hard to afford treatment for life-threatening conditions in old age. This scheme steps in to reduce that burden.
Serious diseases covered
The following conditions are approved for financial assistance under this scheme:
- Angiography and Angioplasty
- CABG (heart bypass surgery)
- Open heart surgery
- Valve replacement
- Pacemaker implant
- Cerebral stroke
- Prostate surgery
- Joint replacement
- Renal failure
- Cancer
- Dialysis
If treatment is needed for a serious disease not listed above, the application is sent to the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services for a recommendation on whether to include it.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | AFFDF Financial Assistance for Treatment of Serious Diseases |
| Launched By | Ministry of Defence |
| Beneficiaries | Non-pensioner ex-servicemen (all ranks) and widows |
| Maximum One-Time Assistance | ₹1,50,000 |
| Cancer/Dialysis Annual Limit | ₹75,000 per financial year |
| Officers/Widows Coverage | 75% of eligible expenditure |
| Other Ranks/Widows Coverage | 90% of eligible expenditure |
| Application Mode | Offline through Zila Sainik Board |
| Official Website | ksb.gov.in |
Who can apply
To be eligible, you must meet all these conditions:
- You are a non-pensioner ex-serviceman or the widow of one
- You are not a member of ECHS and do not use AFMS facilities
- Your application is recommended by the concerned Zila Sainik Board
- Treatment was done at an approved government hospital at CGHS/ECHS rates
How to apply
STEP 1 - Get the prescribed application form from your Zila Sainik Welfare Office (ZSWO) or download it from the KSB portal.
STEP 2 - Fill the form completely and attach all required documents attested by the ZSWO.
STEP 3 - Submit the application at your Zila Sainik Board. The ZSWO will scrutinise it and if found correct, forward it to the Kendriya Sainik Board Secretariat for processing.
STEP 4 - The KSB welfare section verifies the details, gets approval from the Secretary KSB, and processes payment via ECS to your bank account (SBI or PNB only).
You can track the status using your DAK ID on the KSB portal once the application is submitted.
Documents needed
All documents must be attested by the ZSWO:
- Complete Service Discharge Book or service documents
- Photocopy of Ex-Serviceman or widow identity card
- Original medical bills countersigned by the attending doctor
- Hospital admission and discharge reports countersigned by hospital authority
- Certificate stating you have not received reimbursement or medical allowance from state government or other employer
- Bank account details (SBI or PNB only) with IFSC code
References
Official Scheme Guidelines on KSB Portal
Application Authorization Flow (PDF)
FAQ's
Can I get benefits for treatment at a private hospital?
No. Financial assistance is only for treatment at approved government hospitals following CGHS or ECHS rates.
Which bank accounts are accepted for payment?
Only State Bank of India (SBI) or Punjab National Bank (PNB) accounts are accepted. The account must be linked with Aadhaar.
Is there a time limit to apply after treatment?
The official guidelines do not specify a fixed deadline, but you should apply as soon as possible after discharge. Check with your ZSWO for any local timelines.
What if my disease is not in the approved list?
Your application will be referred to DGAFMS for a recommendation. If they approve, the scheme can cover it.
Can I apply online directly?
Registration on the KSB portal is available, but the actual application must be submitted through your Zila Sainik Board with ZSWO recommendation.