Abhayakiranam Scheme-Financial Assistance to Destitute Widows is a Kerala government welfare scheme that gives monthly money support to close relatives who shelter and protect destitute and homeless widows. The scheme is managed by the Women and Child Development Department to help widows live safely with their own family instead of facing life alone.
Abhayakiranam Scheme continues to accept applications in 2026. The Kerala government has opened the online application portal for the scheme, and the scheme page was last updated on the state e-services dashboard in May 2026. Relatives who take care of an eligible widow get ₹1,000 every month as support.
In the first phase, the state government approved ₹99 lakh for the scheme and gave support to around 200 widows at ₹1,000 each for six months. The aim of the scheme is to make sure no destitute widow is left without shelter, food and family care.
Abhayakiranam Scheme-Financial Assistance to Destitute Widows - Introduction
The main aim of Abhayakiranam Scheme is community-based care. Instead of sending destitute widows to institutions, the government encourages close relatives to keep them at home. The relative who gives shelter and daily care receives the monthly payment to cover the expenses of looking after the widow.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Abhayakiranam Scheme-Financial Assistance to Destitute Widows |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Category | Social welfare and Empowerment, Women and Child |
| Benefit Type | Cash transfer |
| Monthly Support | ₹1,000 |
| Main Department | Women and Child Development Department |
| Checking Officer | Child Development Project Officer |
| Application Mode | Online and offline |
Benefits
Under Abhayakiranam Scheme, close relatives who provide shelter and care to a destitute widow get ₹1,000 per month. This money helps with the widow's food, clothing, treatment and other daily needs. The payment is made directly to the bank account of the relative through direct benefit transfer.
The scheme also encourages family bonds. When a widow stays with her relatives, she gets emotional support and dignity along with the monthly money help.
Eligibility
Only those applicants who meet the following conditions can get the benefit:
- Resident of Kerala - The widow and the relative must be permanent residents of the state.
- Age above 50 years - The destitute widow should be at least 50 years old.
- Income limit - Total annual family income should be below ₹1,00,000.
- No other pension - The widow should not be getting service pension or family pension.
- No similar scheme benefit - The widow should not already be covered under other welfare schemes like Aswasakiranam or Samashwasam.
Application Process
Applications for Abhayakiranam Scheme are accepted through the official online portal of the Women and Child Development Department, Government of Kerala. Follow these steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Open the official scheme application portal at schemes.wcd.kerala.gov.in and go to the Abhayakiranam scheme application page.
STEP 2 - Fill the online application form with correct details about the destitute widow, such as name, age, address, bank account and family income.
STEP 3 - Attach the required documents, including the village officer certificate and income proof, and submit the form.
STEP 4 - After submission, the Child Development Project Officer checks the application and documents. Once approved, the relative starts getting ₹1,000 per month directly into the bank account.
Offline process is also available. The filled application form with supporting documents can be submitted to the Child Development Project Officer of the local ICDS project or the concerned district office of the Women and Child Development Department.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready while applying for Abhayakiranam Scheme:
- Certificate from village officer - A certificate showing that the applicant is a widow and is under the protection of her relatives.
- Income proof - Attested copy of priority or BPL ration card, or an income certificate issued by the village officer.
- Age proof - Attested copy of SSLC certificate, election ID card or Aadhaar card.
- Photograph - A recent passport size photograph.
- Bank details - First page of the bank passbook for direct benefit transfer.
References
Official Abhayakiranam Scheme Page - WCD Kerala
Online Application Portal - WCD Kerala
FAQ's
What is the purpose of Abhayakiranam Scheme?
The scheme gives monthly money support to relatives who shelter and care for destitute and homeless widows, so that the widows get a safe and dignified family life.
Which department runs Abhayakiranam Scheme?
The Women and Child Development Department, Government of Kerala, manages the scheme. Earlier it was handled by the Social Justice Department.
What amount does the relative get under the scheme?
The relative who provides shelter to an eligible destitute widow gets ₹1,000 per month.
Is there an age limit for the widow?
Yes, the destitute widow should be above 50 years of age.
What is the family income limit?
Annual family income of the widow should be below ₹1,00,000.
Can a widow getting family pension apply?
No. Widows already getting service pension or family pension are not eligible for the scheme.
Where do I submit the application?
Applications can be submitted online through the WCD scheme portal, or offline to the Child Development Project Officer.