Educational Assistance for Children of Victims of Crime

Educational Assistance for Children of Victims of Crime is a welfare scheme by the Government of Kerala that supports the education of children whose parents have survived crime. The scheme gives annual cash support to eligible students from class 1 up to postgraduate levels so they can keep studying even when their family faces money problems after a crime. As of August 2026, the scheme is still running and applications are accepted through the SUNEETHI online portal.

Being a victim of a crime is a stressful experience, and the aftermath often leaves families in difficult social, psychological and financial situations. When the dependents of a survivor include children, they find it hard to continue their studies because the family has to meet treatment costs. To strengthen victim support services in the state, the Social Justice Department of Kerala runs this scheme so that the education of at-risk children stays a priority.

Educational Assistance for Children of Victims of Crime - Introduction

The scheme is run by the Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala. It gives annual financial support to children of crime survivors who struggle to continue their education because of the heavy treatment and recovery costs. By providing this support, the government creates a stable path for students to focus on their growth.

Eligible applicants receive the amount directly into a joint bank account held by the child and their parent. The support is fixed based on the academic level of the student.

Key Information

Benefits

Eligible applicants receive annual financial support that is transferred directly into a joint bank account held by the child and their parent. The amount depends on the academic level as given below:

Note: The funds are transferred to the joint account of the child and the current parent.

Eligibility

To get this support, the applicant must meet the conditions set by the Social Justice Department. The main points are listed below:

1. The applicant should be a native and permanent resident of Kerala.
2. The applicant should be a child or dependent of a crime survivor.
3. The family combined annual income should be less than ₹1,00,000.
4. For degree level and above, the student should be enrolled in a government or aided institution, or hold a merit seat in an unaided institution.

Note: If the grant is received once, it can continue in later years as long as the school or college head certifies ongoing education. For example, if a student in class 8 receives the scholarship, the student can continue to get it in class 9 by providing a simple certificate of continuation from the school principal.

Exclusions

The following groups are not eligible for this support:

1. Families impacted by casualties resulting from road accidents.
2. Students already receiving benefits from similar government welfare schemes, such as:

• Sneha Purva Project of the Social Security Mission.
• Vijnana Deepthi or the Sponsorship Scheme of the Integrated Child Care Scheme.
• Financial support provided by the Department of Women and Child Development for children of women-headed households.
• Educational support provided by the Department of Social Justice for children of prisoners.

Application Process

Applications can be made online through the SUNEETHI portal or offline through the District Probation Officer. The steps are given below.

STEP 1 - Visit the SUNEETHI Online Service Application Portal to begin. Register your account by clicking One time Registration and enter your details such as name, email and mobile number.

STEP 2 - Verify your phone number using the code sent to you. Once verified, create your profile and log in using your mobile number and password.

STEP 3 - Update your personal, contact and bank details in the profile. Navigate to the scheme list on your dashboard and select this scheme.

STEP 4 - Submit your application online. For the offline process, download the application form from the official Social Justice Department website, fill it clearly, attach the required documents and forward it through your local District Probation Officer.

Note: The application should be submitted within 5 years of the actual offense occurring.

Documents

The following documents are required while applying for this scheme:

1. Copy of Aadhaar card.
2. Active mobile number and email ID.
3. Recent passport size photograph.
4. Copy of Ration Card, including pages with the cardholder name and family members.
5. A certificate of study from the current school or college.
6. Valid Income Certificate.
7. Certification from the ward councillor, member, panchayat or nagar sabha chairperson, or local station house officer.
8. Copy of the FIR related to the crime.
9. Copy of the joint bank passbook of the student and parent.

References

Official Website | Application Form | Official Order/Notice

FAQ's

What is this scheme about?

This scheme provides educational financial support to children of crime survivors so they can continue their studies despite the money problems their families may face.

Which department oversees this scheme?

The Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala.

Who is eligible for this support?

Children or dependents of crime survivors who are residents of Kerala are eligible to apply.

Is this scheme open to everyone?

No, it is specifically made for the children of survivors (victims) of crime.

Do I have to be a resident of Kerala?

Yes, you must be a permanent resident of Kerala to qualify.

What is the income limit for eligibility?

Your family combined annual income must be below ₹1,00,000.

Are private college students eligible?

Only students in government or aided institutions, or those holding merit seats in unaided institutions at the degree level or higher, are eligible.

How can I make sure I receive the grant in future years?

You can receive the grant in later years as long as the head of your educational institution provides a certificate confirming your continued enrollment.

What are the financial benefits?

Eligible students receive between ₹3,000 and ₹15,000 annually, depending on their level of education from class 1 up to PG/M.Phil courses.

How should I apply?

You should apply online through the SUNEETHI portal at https://suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in.