Laadli Laxmi Scheme 2026

The Kerala government's Distress Relief Fund offers financial help for medical treatments to differently-abled individuals and those Read More... who become disabled due to accidents. Read less

Details

Life can throw unexpected challenges, especially when it comes to health. For individuals in Kerala facing medical emergencies or requiring treatment due to disabilities, the state government has a special scheme to offer a helping hand.

What Is This Scheme?

This initiative, known as the 'Distress Relief Fund for the Differently Abled (Medical Treatment)', was set up by the Department of Social Justice in Kerala. Back in 1995, the Kerala government created a corpus fund of ₹1 crore. The interest earned from this fund is now used to provide financial support for the medical needs of people with disabilities.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is designed for residents of Kerala who are either differently-abled or have become handicapped due to an accident. It aims to help them manage medical expenses for treatment, including surgeries.

Why This Scheme Is Important

Medical treatments can be costly, and for those with limited income or facing sudden health crises, it can be a huge burden. This fund acts as a safety net, ensuring that a lack of funds doesn't stand in the way of necessary medical care for disabled individuals and accident victims in Kerala.

Objective

The Kerala government's Distress Relief Fund offers financial help for medical treatments to differently-abled individuals and those who become disabled due to accidents.

Benefits

For Unmarried Beneficiaries(beneficiaries who attain the age of majority i.e. 18 years on or after 01-04-2012)

Financial Assistance of ₹ 1,00,000, by means of a bank fixed deposit, jointly in the name of the Director (DoWCD) and the applicant.

The fixed deposit shall be renewed annually automatically on maturity, along with the amount of interest accrued, till the date of claim by the applicant as per the scheme or until the age of 45 years whichever is earlier.

For Married Beneficiaries( beneficiaries who have already attained the age of 18 years before 01-04-2012 and are in the age group of 19 to 45 years prospectively from 1st April, 2016)

Financial Assistance of ₹ 1,00,000., by means of cash payment.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be native and permanent residents of Kerala State.
Individuals who are differently-abled or have become handicapped due to an accident are eligible to apply for financial aid for their medical treatment, including surgeries.
The annual income of differently-abled persons should not exceed ₹20,000 in rural areas and ₹22,375 in urban areas to be eligible for financial assistance.
The scheme covers physically handicapped individuals, including those who are:
- Blind
- Deaf and Dumb
- Orthopedically Handicapped
- Mentally Challenged
- Persons in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category with 40% disability or more.

How To Apply

To apply for this scheme, eligible individuals need to visit the official SUNEETHI - Online Service Application Portal.
The official website for application is: https://suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in

Documents Required

Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card
A working Mobile Number
A valid Email ID
Passport size photograph
Doctor's certificate confirming the necessity of treatment
Original Income Certificate
Bank account details (Copy of bank passbook)
Any other documents as required by the authorities

FAQ’s

What is the Kerala Distress Relief Fund for the Differently Abled?

This is a fund set up by the Government of Kerala's Social Justice Department. It uses interest from a ₹1 crore corpus fund to offer financial aid for the medical treatment of disabled individuals and those disabled due to accidents.

Who is responsible for this scheme?

The Social Justice Department of the Government of Kerala is behind this scheme.

Can anyone apply for this medical assistance?

No, only disabled individuals or those who have become handicapped because of an accident can apply for financial help for their medical treatment, including surgeries.

Am I eligible if I don't live in Kerala?

No, to be eligible for this scheme, you must be a native and a resident of Kerala State.

Is there an income limit for this scheme?

Yes, there is an income limit. If you live in a rural area, your annual income should not exceed ₹20,000. For urban areas, the limit is ₹22,375.

What is the maximum financial aid I can receive per year?

Under this scheme, the financial assistance is capped at ₹5,000 per person per year for medical treatments, including any necessary surgeries.

What kind of medical needs does this fund cover?

The financial assistance can be used for medical treatment and surgeries. It also covers individuals who become handicapped after accidents and other medical needs not covered by existing schemes for the handicapped.

Which types of disabilities are included under this scheme?

The scheme includes persons who are blind, deaf and dumb, orthopedically handicapped, and mentally challenged. It also covers individuals in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category who have a disability of 40% or more.

How do I submit my application for the scheme?

You can apply online through the official SUNEETHI - Online Service Application Portal. The website is https://suneethi.sjd.kerala.gov.in.