AI SummaryFinancial Assistance to Visually Impaired Advocates is a welfare scheme of the Kerala government for blind legal professionals. Eligible advocates get a one-time grant of ₹3,500 for books and professional suits, plus a reader allowance of ₹5,000 per month for 10 years to help with daily court practice.
Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, delivers this scheme through the SUNEETHI online portal and district offices. Applications for 2026-27 are open, so practicing visually impaired advocates in the state can apply online or by visiting their District Social Justice Office.
Financial Assistance to Visually Impaired Advocates - Introduction
This scheme supports visually impaired advocates practicing in courts across Kerala. It gives money for books, professional suits and other materials, and also pays a monthly reader allowance so that every advocate can keep up with legal work without money worries.
The scheme was launched by Social Justice Department and is listed among the services available on SUNEETHI, the single online platform for Social Justice schemes in Kerala. This makes it easy for eligible advocates to apply from home.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance to Visually Impaired Advocates |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Target Group | Individual |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice Department |
| Benefit Type | Cash Grant and Allowance |
| Application Mode | Online via SUNEETHI and offline |
Benefits
Financial Assistance to Visually Impaired Advocates gives two main cash benefits. Each one is described below.
- One-time grant of ₹3,500: This ex-gratia non-recurring grant helps buy books, professional suits and other required materials for legal practice.
- Reader allowance of ₹5,000 per month: Paid for 10 years to cover the cost of a reading assistant who helps with daily court and chamber work.
Eligibility
Applicants need to meet fixed conditions set by Social Justice Department. Check the points below before applying.
- Applicant must be a native and permanent resident of Kerala.
- Applicant must be a visually impaired advocate practicing in one or more courts in Kerala.
- Combined annual income of applicant and family from all sources should not exceed ₹1,00,000.
Note: The reader assistant engaged for a blind advocate should have passed at least the S.S.L.C. examination.
Application Process
Online Application
Applications are accepted on the SUNEETHI Online Service Application Portal of Social Justice Department.
STEP 1 - Open the SUNEETHI portal and click on One Time Registration to create a profile using mobile number and email.
STEP 2 - Log in to the citizen dashboard and fill in personal and professional details.
STEP 3 - Select Financial Assistance to Visually Impaired Advocates from the list of services, upload the required documents and submit the application.
Offline Application
Those who prefer the offline process can download the official application form from the Social Justice Department website.
STEP 1 - Download and print the application form and fill in every detail carefully.
STEP 2 - Attach the required documents and submit the form to the District Social Justice Office or the Director of Social Justice.
Documents
Keep these documents ready so that the application is not delayed:
- Aadhaar card for identity verification.
- Recent passport size photograph.
- Valid email ID and active mobile number.
- Medical certificate from an eye specialist confirming visual impairment.
- Practicing certificate from the Presiding Officer of the court where the advocate practices.
- Income certificate from the Village Officer showing combined family income.
- Attested copies of educational and professional certificates of both the advocate and the reader assistant.
- Copy of bank passbook for payment.
References
Official scheme guidelines on Social Justice Department website
Government Order for Financial Assistance to Visually Impaired Advocates
Government Order for financial assistance for blind advocates
FAQ's
What is Financial Assistance to Visually Impaired Advocates?
This is a Kerala government welfare scheme that gives a one-time grant for books and professional suits, and a monthly reader allowance to practicing visually impaired advocates.
Which department manages this scheme?
Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala, manages and pays benefits under this scheme.
Who qualifies for this support?
Visually impaired advocates who are native and permanent residents of Kerala and practicing in one or more state courts are eligible.
Are there specific requirements for the reader assistant?
Yes, the reader assistant engaged for a blind advocate should have passed at least the S.S.L.C. examination.
What is the income limit for eligibility?
Combined annual family income from all sources must stay within ₹1,00,000.
How much is the reader allowance?
The scheme pays ₹5,000 per month for 10 years along with a one-time grant of ₹3,500.
How do I apply for this grant?
Apply online through the SUNEETHI portal or submit a physical form to the District Social Justice Office.