Andaman and Nicobar Islands has the Disability Allowance Scheme for unemployed persons with 40% or more disability, and registration is open through the Directorate of Social Welfare. The scheme provides a monthly cash allowance to help eligible people in the Union Territory cover their daily needs.
The monthly benefit amount stays at 2500 rupees and is paid directly into the bank account of each eligible person for their lifetime, provided they remain unemployed and meet the disability criteria. The application process is open in 2026 with no changes to the core benefit or eligibility rules from earlier years.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Disability Allowance Scheme
STEP 1 – Go to the official website at andssw1.and.nic.in/socialwelfare/ and download the application form. You can also pick up a free copy from the Directorate of Social Welfare office in Port Blair or your nearest sub-divisional CDPO office.
STEP 2 – Fill the form in the prescribed format and submit it to your nearest Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) in Port Blair, Ferrargunj, Rangat, Diglipur, or Car Nicobar. Mukhya Sevikas and your local CDPO will check your documents before sending them to the Director of Social Welfare for final approval. Please let the Director of Social Welfare know right away if you move house or find a job.
To apply, you must meet the following checks first. You should be a permanent resident of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, or have lived there for at least 10 years. Your age must be between 1 month and 100 years. You should have a disability of 40% or more as certified by a medical authority. You must be an Indian citizen and currently unemployed, not receiving any other financial support from the government.
If you find a job or your eligibility papers turn out to be wrong, your support will stop. For example, Ramesh, a resident of Port Blair, has a 45% disability and no job, so he qualifies to apply even without any personal income.
Benefits
You get 2500 rupees every month as cash support to help with daily needs. The allowance starts from the month after your application is officially sanctioned and is sent straight to your bank account. This support continues for your lifetime as long as you stay eligible by remaining unemployed and meeting the disability criteria.
Note: If a beneficiary passes away, the monthly payment stops right away. Any pending payment for the period before the passing will lapse as per government policy.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Andaman and Nicobar Islands Disability Allowance Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary | Individual |
| Area | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Category | Social welfare & Empowerment |
| Benefit Amount | 2500 rupees per month |
| Age Limit | 1 month to 100 years |
| Disability Required | 40% or more |
| Department | Social Welfare Department |
| Agency | Directorate of Social Welfare |
| Application Mode | Online / Offline via CDPO office |
Documents Required
Keep these papers ready before you start your application. The following list covers all the documents the Director of Social Welfare asks for during the checking process:
- Passport-size photograph – a recent colored photo
- Identity proof – your Aadhaar Card works as the main ID
- Disability Certificate – must be renewed every 5 years to stay valid
- Proof of residence – Local Certificate or Islander Identity Card, or a certificate from your Tehsildar confirming 10 years of stay in the islands
- Caste or community certificate – only if applicable
- Bank passbook copy – needed for direct payment into your account
- Unemployment Certificate – confirms you do not have a job
- Affidavit – a sworn declaration of your current status
- Special certificate from State Institute of Education – required if the applicant is below 18 years of age
References
View Official Guidelines | Official Website | Download Application Form
FAQ’s
What does the scheme offer?
The scheme provides 2500 rupees per month as cash support to unemployed persons with 40% or more disability living in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Who can apply?
Any Indian citizen who is a permanent resident of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has a disability of 40% or more, is between 1 month and 100 years of age, and is currently unemployed with no other government financial support.
How is the money paid?
The allowance is deposited directly into the beneficiary’s bank account every month on a direct payment basis.
Is there any income limit?
No, there is no income ceiling to apply for this scheme.
What if my disability certificate expires?
You must renew it every 5 years to remain eligible for the monthly support.
Can the support be cancelled?
Yes, if the information given is found to be false or if the beneficiary secures a job, the Director of Social Welfare may stop the support.
Who checks the application?
The Mukhya Sevikas and the local CDPO check the documents before they are sent to the Director of Social Welfare for the final decision.
What if I move house or change address?
You should let the Director of Social Welfare know about any change in your address or employment status as soon as possible.
Where can I apply?
You can apply through the CDPO offices in Port Blair, Ferrargunj, Rangat, Diglipur, or Car Nicobar, or download the form from the official website at andssw1.and.nic.in/socialwelfare/.