Under the Financial Assistance to Disabled for Self Employment scheme, persons with disabilities in Maharashtra receive financial support to start their own businesses. This initiative, fully funded by the state government, provides up to ₹1.5 lakh per beneficiary.
Beneficiaries can access a bank loan covering 80% of the project cost, complemented by a government subsidy covering 20% (up to ₹30,000). Such support enables ventures in small-scale manufacturing, service sector businesses, and agro-based projects.
Scheme Overview
The Financial Assistance to Disabled for Self Employment scheme is a flagship program of the Maharashtra government aimed at promoting economic independence among persons with disabilities. The scheme facilitates self-employment by providing financial assistance for setting up small-scale businesses, agro-based projects, or other viable income-generating activities.
Launched under the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, the scheme has been instrumental in empowering disabled individuals to become entrepreneurs and achieve financial self-reliance.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Financial Assistance to Disabled for Self Employment |
| Scheme Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Maharashtra |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice and Special Assistance Department |
| Implementing Agency | District Social Welfare Offices, Zilla Parishad, and Assistant Commissioner Social Welfare Office (Mumbai Urban & Mumbai Suburban) |
| Funding Pattern | 100% State Government Funded (80% Bank Loan + 20% Government Subsidy) |
| Maximum Financial Assistance | ₹1,50,000 per beneficiary |
| Subsidy Component | 20% of project cost, capped at ₹30,000 |
| Loan Component | 80% of project cost from a Nationalized Bank |
| Target Beneficiaries | Unemployed persons with disabilities (40% or more disability) aged 18-50 years |
| Application Mode | Online via Divyang Sahayak Portal or Offline at District Social Welfare Office |
| Last Updated | June 2026 (Information verified) |
Benefits
The scheme provides the following financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries:
- Bank loan covering 80% of the project cost
- Government subsidy covering 20% of the project cost (maximum ₹30,000)
- Total financial assistance up to ₹1,50,000 (based on project cost)
- Assistance in project preparation and business planning
- Monitoring and guidance during the implementation phase
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Financial Assistance to Disabled for Self Employment scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a resident of Maharashtra state
- Must have a disability certificate showing 40% or more disability
- Must be aged between 18 to 50 years
- Must have a viable business plan or project report for the intended self-employment activity
- Must not have availed benefits from any similar government scheme in the past
- Annual family income must be below ₹1,00,000
Application Process
Applicants can choose between online and offline modes to apply for the scheme:
Online Application
- Visit the Divyang Sahayak Portal at https://divyangsahayak.maharashtra.gov.in/
- Register or log in to the portal
- Select the "Financial Assistance to Disabled for Self Employment" scheme
- Fill out the online application form with accurate details
- Upload scanned copies of required documents
- Submit the application and note the application reference number
- Track the application status through the portal
Offline Application
- Visit the nearest District Social Welfare Office or Zilla Parishad Office
- Obtain the application form and scheme guidelines
- Fill out the application form with accurate details
- Attach self-attested copies of required documents
- Submit the application along with documents to the concerned office
- Collect the receipt or acknowledgment slip for future reference
Documents Required
Applicants need to submit the following documents along with the application form:
- Disability certificate issued by the competent authority
- Residence proof (ration card, voter ID, electricity bill, etc.)
- Age proof (birth certificate, school leaving certificate, etc.)
- Business plan or project report detailing the proposed self-employment activity
- Quotations for machinery/equipment to be purchased
- Bank account details (including IFSC code)
- Any other documents as specified by the concerned authorities
Official Website and Contact Information
For more information and to apply online, applicants can visit the official Divyang Sahayak Portal or the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Maharashtra website.
Official Website (Divyang Sahayak Portal): https://divyangsahayak.maharashtra.gov.in/
Official Website (Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities): https://depwd.maharashtra.gov.in/
Helpdesk Email: helpdesk.divyangsahayak@gmail.com
Helpline Number: 022 47161362
Address: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Maharashtra, Mumbai - 400032
References
For further reading and official notifications, refer to the following resources:
- Scheme Details Page (Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities)
- Divyang Sahayak Portal
- JanSevaPlus Scheme Information (Verified June 2026)
FAQ's
Is the Financial Assistance to Disabled for Self Employment scheme currently active?
Yes, the Financial Assistance to Disabled for Self Employment scheme is currently active and accepting applications from eligible beneficiaries across Maharashtra through both online and offline modes.
What is the maximum amount of financial assistance one can receive under this scheme?
The maximum financial assistance under this scheme is ₹1,50,000, which includes an 80% bank loan and a 20% government subsidy capped at ₹30,000.
Can non-residents of Maharashtra apply for this scheme?
No, the scheme is exclusively for residents of Maharashtra state only.
Is there any age relaxation for reserved category candidates?
No, the age limit of 18 to 50 years applies to all categories without any relaxation.
How long does the approval process take?
The approval process typically takes 4-6 weeks from the date of submission of a complete application. Online applications via the Divyang Sahayak Portal may experience faster processing times.
What types of businesses are eligible under this scheme?
Eligible businesses include small-scale manufacturing, service sector ventures, agro-based enterprises, retail shops, and any other viable income-generating activity.
How can I apply for the scheme?
You can apply either online through the Divyang Sahayak Portal (https://divyangsahayak.maharashtra.gov.in/) or offline by visiting your nearest District Social Welfare Office or Zilla Parishad Office.