Scheme for Persons with Benchmark Disability Requiring High Support
State: Goa
Ministry: null
Department: Social Welfare Department
Category: Social welfare & Empowerment
Beneficiary Type: Individual

The scheme aims to promote economic self-reliance and ensure the well-being of persons with benchmark disabilities requiring high support. It provides a one-time financial assistance of ₹40,000/- to eligible applicants who are bonafide residents of Goa and belong to the EWS Category.

Benefits:
Financial Assistance (one-time payment) of ₹40,000/- for the following purposes:

- Assistive technologies and required aids/appliances.
- Personal care assistance services.
- Educational or vocational training support.

##### ***Conditions***

- _The scheme can be availed once every five years, subject to reassessment of eligibility._
- _Funds will be recovered if they are found to be misused or used for purposes other than those specified in the scheme._
- _Beneficiaries may be required to participate in periodic audits by providing necessary documentation._
- _In cases of misuse or non-compliance, the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities may disqualify the beneficiary from future assistance under the scheme._

<br>

Eligibility:
- The applicant must satisfy the following conditions to apply for financial assistance under this scheme.
- The applicant must be a bona fide resident of the State of Goa by birth, by marriage, or through continuous domicile of at least fifteen years.
- The applicant must be a person with a benchmark disability requiring high support.
- The applicant must possess a certificate issued by the Medical Board notified by the State Government under Section 38 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- The applicant must belong to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category as per the Government of India or the State Government’s notified criteria.
- The applicant must not be receiving similar financial assistance from other Government or Non-Government sources for the same purpose.
- The applicant must submit a self-declaration confirming that they are not receiving similar assistance from other sources.

***Relaxation***
Exceptions to the residence requirement may be allowed for certain special cases (e.g., persons married into Goa).
<br>

Application Process:
[Offline]
Step 1: The interested applicant should take a printout of the prescribed format (Annexure-A) of the application form.
Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).
Step 3: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to - The Director of the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Building 'B', New Market Complex, 3rd Floor, Porvorim, Goa - 403 501.
Disbursement of FundsThe grant of financial assistance shall be sanctioned by the Director, Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The sanctioned amount is released as a one-time payment.
The beneficiary must submit proof of utilization, such as receipts or invoices, within ninety days from the date of receiving the financial assistance.

Documents Required:
During ApplicationCertificate of Benchmark Disability Requiring High Support Needs Issued By A Competent Authority.
Unique Disability Identity Card.
Economically Weaker Section Certificate Of The Family Issued By A Competent Authority.
Residence Certificate Issued By The Mamlatdar Of The Concerned Taluka.
Self-Declaration Stating That The Financial Assistance Will Be Utilized Exclusively For The Approved Purposes.
Bank Passbook Copy.
Consent To Provide Proof Of Fund Utilization Within Ninety Days.
Post-DisbursementProof of Utilization, Such As Receipts Or Invoices (Must be submitted within ninety days of receiving the financial assistance).
Necessary Documentation (May be required for periodic audits).