Kerala government is running the Marriage Assistance Scheme for Legally Married Transgender Couples in 2026, and applications are open through the SUNEETHI online portal. Under this scheme, eligible couples get a one-time cash benefit of ₹30,000 from the Social Justice Department.
Scheme is meant for transgender persons in Kerala who have completed Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) and entered into a legal marriage. Applicants must apply between 6 months and 12 months from the marriage date to claim the benefit.
Marriage Assistance Scheme for Transgender Couples in Kerala
Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala runs this welfare scheme to give financial support to legally married transgender couples in the state. Main aim is to help such couples settle down after marriage and cover basic household needs during the first year of married life.
Payment is done through DBT into the beneficiary's bank account after the application is approved by the District Social Justice Office. Only one partner in the marriage needs to belong to the transgender community for the couple to qualify.
How to Apply Online at SUNEETHI Portal
Application is fully online through the SUNEETHI portal run by Kerala Social Justice Department. Registration is a one-time process and the same login can be used for other Social Justice Department schemes as well. Here are the steps to apply.
STEP 1 - Go to the SUNEETHI portal at suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in and click on the 'New Registration' button on the homepage to start the sign-up process.
STEP 2 - Enter your mobile number and email ID, verify with the OTP sent on your phone, and set a password to create your account.
STEP 3 - Log in to your account, go to the profile section, and fill in personal details like name, address, Aadhaar number, and bank account details.
STEP 4 - From the scheme list, pick 'Marriage Assistance for Legally Married Transgender Couples' and click on Apply Now.
STEP 5 - Fill in the marriage details, upload scanned copies of all required documents, and submit the form. Note down the application reference number for tracking.
How to Apply Offline
Offline mode is also available for people who cannot apply online. Download the application form from the official Social Justice Department website at sjd.kerala.gov.in, fill it in with all the details, attach self-attested copies of required documents, and submit the full file at your nearest District Social Justice Office. Office staff will give you a receipt for tracking your application.
Eligibility Rules
Before applying, check if you meet all the conditions set by the Social Justice Department for this scheme.
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
- At least one partner in the marriage must be from the transgender community.
- Applicant must hold a valid Transgender Identity Card issued by the state government.
- Couple must have completed Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) before marriage.
- Application must be filed after 6 months of marriage but within 12 months from the marriage date.
- People who have already got this benefit for a previous marriage cannot claim it again after divorce and re-marriage.
For example, if a couple gets married on 1st January, they can apply anytime between 1st July and 31st December of the same year. Applying too early or after one year makes the application invalid.
Benefit Amount
Eligible couples get a one-time cash benefit of ₹30,000 under this scheme. Money is transferred straight into the bank account of one of the partners through DBT. Amount can be used for household setup, treatment costs, or any other family expense as per the couple's need.
Highlights of the Scheme
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Marriage Assistance for Legally Married Transgender Couples |
| Launched By | Social Justice Department, Kerala |
| Eligible People | Legally married transgender couples in Kerala |
| Benefit Amount | ₹30,000 one-time cash benefit |
| Application Mode | Online (SUNEETHI Portal) and Offline |
| Payment Mode | DBT to bank account |
| Apply Window | After 6 months and within 12 months of marriage |
| Official Website | sjd.kerala.gov.in |
Required Documents
Keep the following documents ready in scanned form before starting the application on the SUNEETHI portal.
- Aadhaar Card or Voter ID of both partners as identity proof.
- Valid Transgender Identity Card issued by the Kerala government.
- Marriage Registration Certificate issued under the relevant marriage act.
- Certificate from the Ward Councillor confirming that the couple is living together.
- Notarised affidavit from a public representative confirming that the couple has been living together for at least 6 months.
- Self-declaration affidavit that the applicant is a transgender person.
- Copy of bank passbook for DBT payment.
- Recent passport-size photographs of both partners.
How to Check Application Status
After submitting the application, log in to the SUNEETHI portal using the same mobile number and password used at the time of registration. Go to the 'My Applications' section, where the current status of every submitted application is shown. Applicants can also visit the District Social Justice Office in person and share the application reference number to check the status.
Other Kerala Transgender Welfare Schemes
Kerala Social Justice Department also runs other welfare schemes for the transgender community which eligible people can apply for along with this scheme. These include the Varnam Scheme for higher studies through distance mode, the Sabhalam Scheme for professional course support, and the Sewing Machine Scheme for self-employment. Details about all such schemes are also covered in this related guide on Kerala Transgender Couples Marriage Assistance.
References
Official Scheme Page | Download Application Form | Official Notification | SUNEETHI Online Portal
FAQ's
Who can apply for the Kerala Marriage Assistance Scheme for Transgender Couples?
Legally married couples where at least one partner is from the transgender community, has a valid Transgender ID Card, and has completed SRS can apply. Couple must be Kerala residents.
How much money is given under the scheme?
A one-time cash benefit of ₹30,000 is transferred to the bank account of the couple through DBT after the application is approved.
What is the time limit for applying?
Application must be filed after completing 6 months of marriage and before completing 12 months from the marriage date. Applications outside this window are rejected.
Is it required that both partners belong to the transgender community?
No, only one partner needs to be a transgender person for the couple to qualify for the benefit.
Can a person claim this benefit twice?
No, a person who has already got this cash benefit for an earlier marriage cannot claim it again after divorce and second marriage.
What is the official website to apply for this scheme?
Applications are accepted online through the SUNEETHI portal at suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in run by the Kerala Social Justice Department.