Educational Assistance to Children of Women Headed Families is a social welfare scheme for residents of Kerala that provides financial support to help children from women-led households cover their educational expenses. The scheme is run by the Social Justice Department together with the Women and Child Development Department of the Government of Kerala.
Many women-headed families in Kerala live in difficult conditions. The scheme steps in to lend a helping hand by paying for the education of children from these families. For the 2026-27 period the scheme remains open, and eligible families can now apply online through the official Women and Child Development scheme application portal instead of visiting an office.
Educational Assistance to Children of Women Headed Families
The scheme focuses on women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) or priority families, including those affected by HIV/AIDS, social discrimination, or war widows. Families where the husband is bedridden due to a stroke or spinal injury and cannot support the household may also qualify for this support.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, the family needs to meet the following conditions:
- The family must be a resident of Kerala state.
- The family should belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) or priority family category.
- Women from priority groups such as war widows, people affected by HIV/AIDS, or those facing social discrimination are eligible even without BPL status.
- Families where the husband is bedridden due to a stroke or spinal injury and cannot earn a living are also eligible, with a medical certificate from a government doctor.
- Benefits are limited to a maximum of two children per family.
- The child must study in a government or government-aided school or college.
Benefits
The scheme offers financial support based on the education level of the child. The grant is paid on a yearly basis as per the table below:
| Category | Education Level | Yearly Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Category I | Below 5 years and 1st to 5th standard | ₹3000 |
| Category II | 6th to 10th standard | ₹5000 |
| Category III | 11th and 12th standard (Plus one/two) | ₹7500 |
| Category IV | Degree and above | ₹10000 |
Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Educational Assistance to Children of Women Headed Families |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Kerala |
| Category | Social welfare and education |
| Main Department | Social Justice Department |
| Implementing Department | Women and Child Development Directorate |
| Benefit Type | Financial support for education |
| Application Mode | Online and offline |
| Official Website | wcd.kerala.gov.in |
Application Process
Eligible families can now apply online through the official Women and Child Development scheme application portal. The steps are given below:
STEP 1 - Go to the official scheme application portal of the Women and Child Development Department at schemes.wcd.kerala.gov.in and create a login using a valid identity document and mobile number.
STEP 2 - Enter the one-time password sent to the mobile number, log in, and change the password to start submitting the application.
STEP 3 - Fill in the application form with the required family and child details and upload all the required documents.
STEP 4 - Submit the application online and keep note of the reference number to track the status of the application.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Aadhaar card or other government-issued identity proof.
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- BPL ration card or priority family proof for status verification.
- Proof of residence in Kerala.
- Child's academic records, including the previous mark sheet and a bonafide certificate.
- Medical certificate from a government doctor if the husband is bedridden.
- Details of the bank account for receiving the benefit.
- A no-scholarship certificate from the head of the educational institution if the child is not receiving any other scholarship.
References
- View Official Scheme Details
- Women and Child Development Department Scheme Page
- WCD Scheme Application Portal
FAQ's
What is the Educational Assistance to Children of Women Headed Families scheme?
This is a government scheme in Kerala that provides financial support to help children from women-led families access education when the family is below the poverty line or qualifies under priority categories.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Social Justice Department and the Women and Child Development Department of the Government of Kerala manage this scheme.
What is the financial benefit provided?
Depending on the academic level, children receive between ₹3000 and ₹10000 per year.
Who qualifies for the benefits?
Women-headed families under the BPL or priority category, families with a bedridden husband due to spinal injury or stroke, and specific priority groups like war widows or HIV-affected persons qualify.
Is this scheme open to residents of other states?
No, this scheme is exclusively for residents of Kerala.
Is there a limit on the number of children per family?
Yes, a family can get support for a maximum of two children.
Can my child attend a private school?
No, children must be enrolled in government or government-aided educational institutions to be eligible.
Can I apply if my child receives another scholarship?
No, if the child is already receiving a different scholarship, they cannot claim benefits under this scheme.
How can I apply for this scheme?
Eligible families can apply online through the official WCD scheme application portal at schemes.wcd.kerala.gov.in, or through the offline process at the local social justice or women and child development office.