Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances, widely known as the ADIP Scheme, provides durable, modern and scientifically manufactured assistive devices to eligible divyangjan across India. Managed by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, it has been in operation since 1981 and continues to take new applications through the Arjun Portal.
The scheme was last revised on 26th September 2024 and approved for continuation up to 31st March 2026. It works through implementing agencies like ALIMCO, National Institutes, Composite Regional Centres, District Disability Rehabilitation Centres and NGOs, covering mobility aids, hearing devices, cochlear implants, educational kits and many other assistive tools.
Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase-Fitting of Aids-Appliances - Introduction
ADIP Scheme helps needy disabled persons get good quality, modern and durable aids or appliances. Launched on 1st January 1981, it supports the physical, social and psychological rehabilitation of persons with disabilities by reducing the effect of their condition and improving daily independence.
Assistive devices given under this scheme must carry proper certification. Corrective surgeries are also arranged before providing a device whenever required. Financial support is released to various implementing agencies for buying and distributing these tools. The scheme was last revised with effect from 26.09.2024 and further modified and approved for continuation during the remaining period of the 15th Finance Commission, up to 31.3.2026.
Objective
This scheme helps disabled persons get standard and modern assistive tools so they can reach their full economic and personal potential and live more independently.
Scope
Implementing agencies across the country receive financial support to buy, make and distribute these tools. Along with providing devices, agencies arrange proper fitting and follow-up care. The scheme also promotes awareness through camps, workshops and exhibitions so that eligible people can get the help they need.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Nodal Department | Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities |
| Official Portal | Arjun Portal |
Benefits
Quantum of Assistance
The financial support for buying aids and appliances is structured as follows:
| Cost of Aid/Appliance | Assistance Provided |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹ 15,000 | Full cost covered |
| ₹ 15,001 to ₹ 30,000 | Up to ₹ 15,000 |
| Above ₹ 30,001 | 50% of cost (subject to Committee approval) |
Cochlear Implants: for children with hearing loss, the government provides up to ₹ 7.00 lakh for pre-lingual loss (age 1 to 5 years) and up to ₹ 6.00 lakh for acquired loss (age 5 to 18 years), covering implant, surgery, therapy, mapping and pre-implant assessment.
Income-Based Assistance: for a monthly income up to ₹ 22,500, the full cost of the aid is covered. For a monthly income between ₹ 22,501 and ₹ 30,000, assistance is 50% of the cost.
Travel and Living Support
Eligible people can claim transport allowance of ₹ 250 per visit for themselves and one escort. For those with a monthly income up to ₹ 22,500, an additional ₹ 100 per day is given for boarding and lodging for a maximum of 15 days when attending camps or surgical procedures.
Available Aids
The scheme provides many tools. These include prosthetic and orthotic devices, motorized tricycles or wheelchairs for severe locomotor disabilities, accessible mobile phones for visually impaired students, educational kits and teaching material for intellectual disabilities.
Eligibility
An Indian citizen of any age can apply. The applicant must hold a disability certificate of 40% or more. The monthly income from all sources must not exceed ₹ 30,000. For dependents, the income of the parent or guardian must stay within the same limit.
Applicants should not have received similar assistance for the same purpose in the last 3 years. For children below 12 years of age, the minimum waiting period is one year. A UDID card and Aadhaar number are now mandatory to avail benefits under the scheme.
Implementing Agencies
Authorized organizations such as Societies, Charitable Trusts, Indian Red Cross Societies, National Institutes like ALIMCO, Composite Regional Centres, DDRCs and local bodies like Zilla Parishad can apply to run this scheme. These agencies should have trained professional staff and proper infrastructure for fitting and follow-up care.
Exclusions
There are no specific exclusions beyond the income ceilings and the waiting periods for repeated assistance described above.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Go to the Arjun Portal at adip.depwd.gov.in and register as an individual user using your UDID number or mobile number.
STEP 2 - Verify your identity through the OTP sent to your registered number and fill in the required personal and income details.
STEP 3 - Upload the required documents such as disability certificate, income certificate, Aadhaar card and address proof.
STEP 4 - Select the assistive device you need and submit the application for review and approval by the implementation agency.
STEP 5 - Attend the identification or distribution camp arranged by the implementing agency, or visit the nearest Common Service Centre for help, and collect your device after fitting.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Passport-sized photographs and a valid disability certificate.
- Proof of address such as Aadhaar, Voter ID or Ration Card, along with the Aadhaar number.
- Income certificate, and a UDID card as it is now mandatory.
- Self-undertaking stating that similar assistance has not been received in the last 3 years.
References
- Official DEPwD ADIP Scheme page
- Arjun Portal for individual application
- Revised ADIP Scheme guidelines 2024
- UMANG platform
FAQ's
Q. What is the Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances?
This scheme provides assistive devices to help PwDs improve their independent functioning and manage their disability more effectively through financial assistance and surgical support.
Q. What documents are required for application?
You need your passport-sized photo, disability certificate, address proof, income certificate, Aadhaar number, UDID card and a self-declaration that no similar aid was received in the last 3 years.
Q. Who issues the income certificate?
Accepted authorities include revenue agencies, BPL or MGNREGA cards, disability pension cards, or certificates from the local MP, MLA or Gram Pradhan.
Q. How do I apply online?
Eligible persons can apply individually on the Arjun Portal at adip.depwd.gov.in, which handles both ADIP and RVY assistive device distribution.
Q. Can I request repairs for my devices?
Yes, contact the implementation agency that provided the device. For ALIMCO devices, call the toll-free number 1800-599-0019.