Matrimonial Incentives is a state government scheme in Maharashtra for newly married couples where one partner is a Person with Disability (PwD). Eligible couples get combined financial support of up to ₹ 50,000 under this scheme. The scheme is listed on the official website of the Persons with Disabilities Welfare Department of Maharashtra, so eligible couples can still apply for it in 2026.
The scheme covers persons under 21 disability categories as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. A person with minimum 40% disability who marries a non-disabled partner can get this one-time benefit. The amount is given partly in cash, partly in savings certificate and partly as household utility support.
This article explains the benefits, eligibility, documents, application steps and official links for Matrimonial Incentives, along with answers to common questions.
Matrimonial Incentives - Introduction
Matrimonial Incentives is run by the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department of Maharashtra and is fully funded by the state government. The main aim is to support a disabled person who marries a non-disabled partner, so that the couple can start their new life with some financial help. As per the Government Decision of the Social Justice Department dated 13.09.2022, persons with disabilities in all 21 disability categories listed in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 can benefit from this scheme.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Matrimonial Incentives |
| Level | State |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary State | Maharashtra |
| Category | Social welfare and empowerment |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice and Special Assistance Department |
| Implementing Agency | District Social Welfare Offices |
| Benefit Amount | Up to ₹ 50,000 |
| Application Mode | Offline |
| Official Website | depwd.maharashtra.gov.in |
Benefits
Eligible couples get a total financial support of up to ₹ 50,000 as a one-time benefit. The amount is given in the following parts:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Savings Certificate | ₹ 25,000 |
| Cash Incentive | ₹ 20,000 |
| Household Utility Support | ₹ 4,500 |
| Program Attendance Allowance | ₹ 500 |
The breakdown shows that only part of the amount is given in cash. The remaining support comes as a savings certificate, household utility help and an allowance for taking part in the marriage incentive program.
Eligibility
Before applying, applicants should check whether they meet the eligibility rules given below:
- Couple must be citizens of India.
- One of the partners must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra with valid domicile proof.
- Either the husband or the wife must have a recognized disability as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, covering 21 disability categories.
- The disabled partner must have minimum 40% disability, certified by the authorized authority.
- The disabled person must be married to a partner who does not have a disability. For example, if Ramesh has 45% visual impairment and marries Sunita who is non-disabled, they satisfy this rule.
Application Process
Matrimonial Incentives is an offline scheme and there is no online application link. Eligible couples need to apply in the prescribed form at the concerned office.
STEP 1 - Visit the concerned District Social Welfare Office, Zilla Parishad office, or the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Social Welfare Department, Mumbai Urban and Mumbai Suburban to collect the prescribed application form.
STEP 2 - Fill in the form with correct details, attach a recent passport-sized photograph signed across, and keep all required documents ready.
STEP 3 - Submit the filled application form along with the documents at the same office.
STEP 4 - Collect the official receipt or acknowledgment slip after submitting the application for future reference.
Documents
Keep photocopies of the following documents ready before visiting the office:
- Aadhaar Card.
- Two passport-sized photographs (signed across).
- Valid Residential or Domicile Certificate of Maharashtra.
- Authorized Disability Certificate issued by the competent medical board showing the disability percentage.
- Bank account details including bank name, branch address and IFSC code.
- Proof of age such as birth certificate or class 10th/12th mark sheet to confirm the legal marriage age.
- Legal proof of marriage or marriage registration certificate.
- Any additional document asked by the local District Social Welfare Office.
Related Schemes
Maharashtra government also runs other schemes for persons with disabilities. Eligible people can check the Maharashtra Physically Handicapped (Viklang) Pension Scheme, the Shravanbal Seva State Pension Scheme and the State Post-Matric Scholarship for Disabled Students for more state help.
References
Details about this scheme are available on the official websites given below:
- Official Matrimonial Incentives scheme page
- Persons with Disabilities Welfare Department, Maharashtra
- Social Justice and Special Assistance Department, Maharashtra
FAQ's
Is it mandatory for both partners to have a disability?
No, only one partner needs to have a disability to qualify for the incentive.
What is the minimum disability percentage required?
The disability percentage must be 40% or higher.
How is the ₹ 4,500 household utility amount provided?
This amount is given as household utility support as part of the total incentive.
Is the ₹ 500 allowance provided for attending the program?
Yes, ₹ 500 is given to encourage participation in the marriage incentive program.
Is the entire amount paid in cash?
No, only ₹ 20,000 is given in cash, while the rest is provided through a savings certificate, utility support and program allowance.
Why is proof of age required?
Proof of age is needed to confirm that both husband and wife meet the legal age rules for marriage.
Are orthopedically handicapped persons eligible?
Yes, orthopedically handicapped persons are included under the 21 disability categories of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Is the Domicile Certificate required?
Yes, a valid Maharashtra Domicile Certificate is required to prove residency in the state.
Can I apply again if I have already got the benefit?
No, this is a one-time benefit and you cannot reapply after receiving it.
Is this a state or central scheme?
It is a state-funded scheme by the Government of Maharashtra.
Is there an application fee?
No, the application process is free.
Is there an income limit for applicants?
No, there is no income-related rule for this scheme.
Where can I file a grievance?
You can contact the District Social Welfare Office where you applied, or visit the official website of the Social Justice and Special Assistance Department of Maharashtra for help.
