Behind the Ear Hearing Aids by Welfare of Differently Abled Persons is a government scheme of Tamil Nadu that provides high quality hearing devices to help hearing impaired students, self employed individuals, and working professionals improve their speech capacity and independence through better auditory support.
Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Government of Tamil Nadu, continues this scheme in 2026 through the Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled. The scheme will help you get a modern behind the ear hearing aid free, remove the daily barriers caused by hearing loss, and make classroom learning or office work much easier.
Behind the Ear Hearing Aids by Welfare of Differently Abled Persons - Introduction
Behind the Ear Hearing Aids by Welfare of Differently Abled Persons is a dedicated scheme of the Department for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Government of Tamil Nadu. The main aim is simple: encourage persons with hearing impairment to wear hearing aids and improve their speech clarity, communication skills, and academic participation.
Hearing loss creates problems in daily life. A student misses what the teacher says, a shopkeeper struggles to talk to customers, and an employee cannot follow instructions properly. This scheme removes those barriers by providing free behind the ear hearing aids to eligible applicants.
The scheme covers three groups: students, self employed individuals, and professionally employed persons. A disability certificate showing hearing impairment above 40% as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 is the main condition. Students should be studying in 6th standard or above to qualify.
Applicants do not need to pay any fee for the hearing aid. The device is given in kind through the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer, and the cost is borne by the state government under the special assistive devices programme.
Highlights of Behind the Ear Hearing Aids Scheme
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Behind the Ear Hearing Aids by Welfare of Differently Abled Persons |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary | Individuals |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Category | Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| Official Body | Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department |
| Eligibility | Hearing impairment above 40% as per RPwD Act, 2016 |
| Application Mode | Offline through District Differently Abled Welfare Officer |
| Official Website | scd.tn.gov.in |
Benefits
You receive a high quality behind the ear hearing aid free to improve your daily interaction and auditory capacity. The device is handed over directly, so you do not have to purchase it from any private shop or pay any cost from your pocket.
Students gain better speech development and can follow classroom lessons clearly. Self employed persons can talk to customers and manage their work without repeated confusion. Professionals can attend meetings and follow office instructions with more confidence.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, you should meet the following requirements:
- Hearing impairment certificate - You should have documented hearing impairment. The disability level should be above 40% as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
- Student category - If you are a student, you should be enrolled in the 6th standard or higher in a recognised school or college.
- Other categories - Self employed individuals and gainfully employed professionals can also apply for these hearing aids.
Application Process
The application process for this scheme is fully offline. You should follow these five steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Visit the office of the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer during official business hours. The office address and contact details of all district officers are available on the official website scd.tn.gov.in.
STEP 2 - Request the application form from the designated staff member at the office. Staff members are available to provide and collect these forms.
STEP 3 - Fill in all the fields carefully and attach self attested copies of your required documents such as the National Identity Card (UDID card), hearing impairment certificate, and bonafide certificate.
STEP 4 - Submit the completed application form to the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer or the officer in charge at the counter.
STEP 5 - Always ask for a formal acknowledgment receipt upon submission. Check that the receipt includes the date, time, and your unique identification number so that you can follow up on the status later.
Documents Required
Please keep the following documents ready before you visit the district office. Self attested copies should be submitted along with the application form:
- National Identity Card (UDID Card) issued for the differently abled person.
- A valid Hearing Impairment Certificate showing disability above 40% as per RPwD Act, 2016.
- A current Bonafide Certificate from your school headmaster or college principal if you are applying as a student.
Important Contact Details
For any doubts or follow ups, contact the Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled at No.5, Kamarajar Salai, Lady Wellington College Campus, Chennai - 600 005. The office can be reached on landline 044-28444948, email scd.tn@nic.in, and the helpline number 18004250111. A special WhatsApp and video call helpline for speech and hearing impaired persons is available at 9700799993.
References
Special Assistive Devices - Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled
District Differently Abled Welfare Officers Contact Details
FAQ's
Who is eligible to receive behind the ear hearing aids under this scheme?
Students studying in 6th standard or above, as well as self employed and professionally employed individuals, are eligible for this support. A hearing impairment certificate showing disability above 40% as per RPwD Act, 2016 is required.
What is the main goal of providing these devices?
The scheme aims to support you in improving your speech capacity and daily communication by providing modern hearing aids free.
Are there age restrictions for applying?
No, there are no specific age restrictions for obtaining support under this program.
Can I apply if I am currently employed?
Yes, both employed and self employed individuals can apply for these hearing aids.
Is there a specific educational level required?
If you are applying as a student, you must be studying in at least the 6th standard.
Where can I get the application form?
You can obtain the official application form directly from the office of your local District Differently Abled Welfare Officer.
What documents are necessary to submit?
You should submit your National Identity Card (UDID card), a Hearing Impairment Certificate, and a Bonafide Certificate from your school or college.
Who should I contact for grievances?
If you have any concerns, contact the Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled at No.5, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai - 600 005 or call the helpline number 18004250111.
Are there limits on the number of hearing aids provided?
The provision of aids is subject to the specific guidelines and budget allocated under this scheme.
Can people from outside my district apply here?
The scheme guidelines generally focus on services within the local district authority. It is recommended to apply through your registered district office.