Financial Assistance for Marriage of Daughters of Poor Widows and Orphan Girls 2026 - Delhi WDM Scheme Apply Online

Delhi government continues to run Widow Daughter Marriage (WDM) Scheme in 2026 to give a one-time cash grant of ₹30,000 to poor widows and guardians of orphan girls for their daughter's wedding. Applications for this welfare scheme are open on Delhi e-District portal at edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in, and eligible families can apply within 60 days before or after the wedding date.

Delhi WCD Department has raised the EWS income ceiling to ₹5,00,000 per year as per Delhi High Court order dated 2 January 2026. However, the general income limit for this WDM scheme stays at ₹1,00,000 per year. Support is available for the marriage of up to two daughters per widow applicant, and the money is sent straight to the applicant's Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Delhi WDM Scheme 2026 - Marriage Support for Widow's Daughters and Orphan Girls

Delhi Widow Daughter Marriage Scheme is a state welfare scheme run by Department of Women and Child Development, Government of NCT of Delhi. Poor widows can get money help for their daughter's wedding under this scheme. Guardians, foster parents, or institutions caring for orphan girls also qualify for the same benefit.

Earlier, this scheme was handled by Department for Welfare of SC/ST/OBC/Minorities. From 2006-07 onward, it was moved to Social Welfare Department, and now Delhi WCD Department manages it. Payment goes as DBT payment into the Aadhaar-linked bank account, so there is no scope for middlemen. Families looking for more Delhi women-focused welfare programs can also check our list of women welfare schemes for related support.

How to Apply for Delhi WDM Scheme Online

You can apply for this scheme through Delhi e-District portal. The portal handles both new registration and scheme application in a single flow. Keep your Aadhaar, bank details, and required documents scanned and ready before you start.

STEP 1 - Go to the official website at edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in and click on 'New User' link under the Citizen Corner section on the homepage.

STEP 2 - Pick your ID proof type (Aadhaar or Voter ID), enter the number, type the captcha shown, and submit. Then fill your full name, address, contact number, and email in the registration form.

STEP 3 - Check your email or SMS for login details sent by the portal. Log in using the username and password you received.

STEP 4 - After login, click on 'Apply Online' from the dashboard. Pick 'Department of Women and Child Development' from the department list, then select Widow Daughter Marriage Scheme.

STEP 5 - Fill the application form with personal details, daughter's details, income details, and marriage date. Upload all self-attested documents and add your passport-size photo.

STEP 6 - Submit the form and enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number to finish the process. Save or print the acknowledgment receipt for your records.

Offline Application Process

If you cannot apply online, you can also submit the form offline at your local District Office of Women and Child Development. Collect the application form from the office counter or download it from wcd.delhi.gov.in. Fill it manually, attach photocopies of required documents, and submit it to the concerned District WCD Officer.

Delhi WDM Scheme 2026 - Highlights

Latest Update - EWS Income Limit Raised in 2026

As per Delhi High Court order dated 2 January 2026, Delhi WCD Department has raised the EWS income ceiling for welfare schemes to ₹5,00,000 per year. However, for the general category applicants of Widow Daughter Marriage Scheme, the income limit continues at ₹1,00,000 per year. This change opens the door for more EWS families to get support for their daughter's wedding under related welfare programs of Delhi WCD.

Who Can Apply - Eligibility Rules

To apply for this scheme, the widow or guardian should meet a few basic conditions. Read all points below carefully before starting the application.

• The applicant should be a poor widow planning her daughter's marriage, or a guardian/foster parent/institution caring for an orphan girl.
• The applicant should have lived in Delhi for at least 5 years continuously before the application date, with valid proof of residence.
• Total annual family income from all sources (salary, interest, rent, farm earnings) should be below ₹1,00,000 per year. For EWS category, the income limit is ₹5,00,000 per year as per the 2026 HC order.
• The daughter for whose marriage money help is sought should be 18 years or above on the marriage date.
• The applicant should have a valid Aadhaar number and a single-operated, Aadhaar-linked bank account in any bank located in Delhi.
• The applicant should not have already got similar money help from the Lt. Governor's or Chief Minister's discretionary fund for the same wedding.
• Support is available for up to 2 daughters only per family under this scheme.

Benefits of WDM Scheme

Under this scheme, the eligible applicant gets a one-time cash grant of ₹30,000 for their daughter's marriage. This amount is paid via DBT payment into the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the applicant. The payment covers wedding-related costs and is available for up to 2 daughters per widow or guardian.

Documents Required for Application

Keep the following self-attested documents scanned and ready before you apply online. Any missing document can lead to delay or rejection of the application.

• Recommendation letter from local MLA or MP of the applicant's area.
• Death certificate of the husband (for widow applicants) issued by Registrar of Births and Deaths.
• Proof of Delhi residence for the last 5 years, such as Ration Card, Voter ID, electricity bill, or rent agreement.
• Self-declaration of annual family income from all sources.
• Age proof of the daughter, such as School Leaving Certificate or Birth Certificate showing she is 18 or above.
• Affidavit of orphan status (for orphan girl cases) attested by Magistrate, Notary, or Gazetted Officer.
• Marriage invitation card or marriage certificate.
• Self-declaration confirming no other government body has given money help for the same marriage.
• Aadhaar card and bank passbook or statement (Aadhaar-linked account in Delhi).
• Passport-size photo of the applicant, plus one photo of the marriage ceremony.
• Caste certificate (for SC/ST applicants) or religious declaration (for minority applicants).

Application Timeline and Approval

You should submit the application within 60 days before or after the wedding date. Delhi WCD Department targets to sanction eligible applications within 60 days of submission. Once approved, the ₹30,000 cash benefit is credited straight to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the applicant.

Helpline and Support

For any issue related to the application, you can contact your local District Office of the Department of Women and Child Development. Visit wcd.delhi.gov.in for district office addresses and contact numbers. You can also raise a query on the e-District portal helpdesk if you face any technical problem while filling the form.

References

Official Guidelines | Frequently Asked Questions | Amendment Notification WDM Scheme

FAQ's

Is Aadhaar number required to apply?

Yes, a valid Aadhaar number is required. Your bank account should also be linked with your Aadhaar to get the payment.

Which bank account can be used to receive the payment?

You should use a single-operated, Aadhaar-linked bank account held in any bank located within Delhi.

What is the income limit for this scheme in 2026?

Family annual income should be below ₹1,00,000 for general category. For EWS category, the ceiling is ₹5,00,000 as per Delhi HC order dated 2 January 2026.

How much money support is given?

A one-time cash grant of ₹30,000 is given per eligible daughter. Support is available for up to 2 daughters per family.

Is any recommendation needed with the application?

Yes, a recommendation letter from your area MLA or MP is needed, along with attestation of documents by a Gazetted Officer.

What happens if I submit false information?

If you submit forged documents or false information, the government will take legal action against you and recover the paid amount with penalties.

How long does approval take?

District WCD authorities aim to sanction the application within 60 days from the date of submission.

Can I apply after the wedding is over?

Yes, you can apply up to 60 days after the marriage date. But applying before or right after the wedding is safer to avoid delay.