AI SummaryGoa High-Support Disability Scheme offers a one-time support of ₹40,000 to persons with benchmark disabilities who need high levels of care and assistance. Government of Goa launched this scheme in November 2025 through its Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), and it stays open for new applications.
Grant amount can be used for assistive devices, personal care support, and educational or vocational training as per individual needs. Eligible applicants can claim this benefit once every five years, subject to a fresh eligibility check each time.
With this money, a person can buy advanced wheelchairs, customized prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, communication devices, computer accessibility tools, and other mobility aids. Amount can also be used to hire a personal care assistant or to pay for a course that builds skills and opens up work options.
Goa became the first state in the country to bring a dedicated financial support plan for people with high support needs. At the launch in November 2025, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai said the department had already sanctioned support for three eligible persons and many more applications were under process.
Highlights of Goa High-Support Disability Scheme
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Goa High-Support Disability Scheme (Scheme for Persons with Benchmark Disability Requiring High Support) |
| Launched By | Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of Goa |
| Beneficiaries | Persons with benchmark disability requiring high support, bonafide residents of Goa |
| Financial Support | ₹40,000 one-time grant, once every five years |
| Use of Grant | Assistive devices, personal care support, education or vocational training |
| Application Mode | Offline (Annexure-A form submitted to DEPwD office) |
| Official Website | scpwd.goa.gov.in |
How to apply for Goa High-Support Disability Scheme
Application for this scheme is done offline. There is no online form or portal. Eligible persons need to fill the prescribed Annexure-A form and submit it to the department office.
STEP 1 - Download the Annexure-A application form from the official scheme notification PDF published by Goa Printing Press, or collect a printout from the department office.
STEP 2 - Fill all the required fields in the form, paste a passport size photograph, and attach self-attested copies of the documents listed below.
STEP 3 - Submit the signed application form to the Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Building 'B', New Market Complex, 3rd Floor, Porvorim, Goa 403 501.
STEP 4 - Department checks the form, verifies the disability certificate, income status, and residence proof, and then approves the application.
STEP 5 - After approval, the one-time grant of ₹40,000 is paid to the applicant's bank account. Recipient must submit proof of use, such as receipts or invoices, within ninety days of receiving the money.
Misuse of the grant or a false declaration leads to cancellation of support and recovery of the paid amount.
Eligibility criteria for Goa High-Support Disability Scheme
This scheme is made for people whose disability is severe enough to need high support for daily living. A benchmark disability means a disability of forty percent or more, certified as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Applicants also need to meet the conditions given below.
- Applicant must be a bonafide resident of Goa by birth, by marriage, or through continuous domicile of at least fifteen years.
- Applicant must be a person with a benchmark disability requiring high support, with a certificate issued by the Medical Board notified under Section 38 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- High Support Need Certificate is required from North Goa District Hospital, South Goa District Hospital, GMC, or IPHB.
- Family must fall under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category, with annual income below ₹8 lakh.
- Applicant must not be getting similar financial support from any other government or non-government source for the same purpose.
Documents required
Keep these documents ready while filling the application form.
- Aadhaar card
- Proof of Goa residence, such as birth proof, marriage proof, or domicile proof of fifteen years
- Benchmark disability certificate issued by the notified Medical Board
- High Support Need Certificate from North Goa District Hospital, South Goa District Hospital, GMC, or IPHB
- Income proof to show the family comes under the EWS category
- Bank account details for payment of the grant
- Passport size photograph and a self-declaration that no similar support is received from other sources
What the grant can be used for
Eligible person decides how the ₹40,000 grant is used, based on their own needs. The money covers the three main areas given below, and there is no rule that it has to be spent on only one type of expense.
- Assistive technologies and aids: advanced wheelchairs, customized prosthetic limbs, hearing aids, communication devices, and computer accessibility tools.
- Personal care assistance: cost of hiring a personal care assistant for daily activities, mobility, and personal needs.
- Education and vocational training: fees for vocational courses, skill training, or support services that help with employment and self-reliance.
The department has also said the amount can be used for therapeutic support such as physiotherapy or speech therapy, or to start a small business. People already getting wheelchairs or monthly pensions under other schemes can still apply for this grant.
Why this scheme matters
This scheme reduces the money burden on families looking after people with high support needs. Devices, personal care, and training are often very expensive, and the one-time grant makes these services reachable.
It also gives eligible people more control over their own lives. Funding for assistive devices improves mobility, training improves job chances, and personal care support allows greater participation in daily and social life. Along with the grant, the department continues to offer home-based therapy services and the Divyang Rath mobile unit across Goa.
FAQ's
What is Goa High-Support Disability Scheme?
It is a state scheme of Government of Goa that gives a one-time grant of ₹40,000 to persons with benchmark disabilities requiring high support, for assistive devices, personal care, or education and training.
Can a person get this grant more than once?
Yes, once every five years, subject to fresh assessment of eligibility at the time of the next application.
Is the application online or offline?
The application is offline. Eligible persons need to submit the Annexure-A form to the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Goa.
Which families can apply?
Families in the Economically Weaker Section category with an annual income under ₹8 lakh can apply, provided the member has a benchmark disability requiring high support and is a bonafide resident of Goa.
What happens in case of misuse of the grant?
The support gets cancelled and the paid amount is recovered. Any false declaration also leads to recovery of the amount.
Goa High-Support Disability Scheme is one of several social welfare schemes in the state. Eligible persons can check the full list of Goa government schemes and find details of other state programs like Atmanirbhar Bharat Swayampurna Goa Scheme.
For the official guidelines and the application form, download the notification PDF from Goa Printing Press. For updates and queries, visit the official website of State Commission for Persons with Disabilities Goa.