Scheme for Persons with Benchmark Disability Requiring High Support

The scheme "Scheme for Persons with Benchmark Disability Requiring High Support" was launched by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa. The scheme aims to promote economic self-reliance among persons with benchmark disabilities requiring high support by granting suitable financial assistance and ensuring proper utilization for their independent living and well-being. The scheme provides financial assistance of ₹40,000/- (Rupees forty thousand only) as a one-time payment for purchasing assistive technologies, aids/appliances, personal care assistance services, or educational/vocational training support. The scheme is implemented by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The applications for this scheme are accepted by submitting them to the Director of the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in the prescribed format (Annexure-A) along with the required documents.

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.

• 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).

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 Funds

• The 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.