PRISM (Promoting Innovations in Individuals, Start-ups and MSMEs): Category-1: Proof of Concept/ Prototypes/ Models 2026

The National Family Benefit Scheme offers financial help of ₹20,000 to families who have lost their main Read More... earning member, regardless of the cause of death. Read less

Details

Losing a primary earner in the family can be devastating. The Government of India understands this hardship and has a scheme to help. The National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) is part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) aimed at providing support to families facing such a loss.

What Is This Scheme?

This scheme provides a one-time financial assistance of ₹20,000. It's designed for families that have lost their main source of income – the primary breadwinner. The assistance is given to the surviving member who takes over as the head of the household after the death.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The NFBS is for families that meet specific criteria. The most crucial is that the family must be living Below Poverty Line (BPL). The deceased person must have been the main earner, aged between 18 and 60 years.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This scheme acts as a crucial safety net during a difficult time. The financial aid helps the family cope with the immediate expenses and economic shock following the death of the primary breadwinner, helping them stabilize and move forward.

Objective

The National Family Benefit Scheme offers financial help of ₹20,000 to families who have lost their main earning member, regardless of the cause of death.

Benefits

Project cost up to₹5,00,000to help Innovators convert their ideas into demonstrable models/prototypes.

Maximum support under this category is₹2,00,000 or 90% of the approved project cost, whichever is lower.

NOTE 1:The financial support is not an award or a prize or a research fellowship. The financial support is provided for the work to be undertaken.NOTE 2:Elements like self-salary, rent of own accommodation, creation of infrastructure facility like shed etc should not form the component of support/funds. The support/funds should be mainly for prototype development work/proof of concept.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
The family must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.
The deceased must have been the primary breadwinner of the family.
The age of the deceased breadwinner must have been between 18 and 60 years.
The applicant must be the member who becomes the head of the family after the death.

How To Apply

To apply for the National Family Benefit Scheme, you need to submit a duly filled application form along with the required documents. This can be submitted to:

The District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO)
The Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO)

Please ensure all details are accurate and necessary proofs are attached.

Documents Required

To apply, you'll need documents related to both the deceased and the applicant.

For the Deceased Breadwinner:

Death Certificate
Proof of Identity (e.g., Voter ID, Aadhaar Card)
Proof of Address
BPL Card or Ration Card
Family ID / Member ID

For the Family Member Receiving Assistance:

Proof of Identity
Proof of Address
Proof of Age
Family ID / Member ID
Details of the Aadhaar-seeded Bank Account or Post Office Account
Passport Size Photo

FAQ’s

What is the total financial aid a family can get from the NFBS?

A family can receive a one-time financial assistance of ₹20,000 under this scheme.

How is the 'household' defined for this scheme?

For this scheme, a 'household' typically includes the spouse, minor children, unmarried daughters, and dependent parents of the deceased. Extended family like uncles and aunts and their children are generally not included.

Can someone who cannot sign apply using a thumb impression?

Yes, absolutely. If the applicant is unable to sign the application form, providing a thumb impression is an accepted alternative.

If my mother, who earned more than my father, has passed away, will she be considered the primary breadwinner?

Yes, the primary breadwinner is defined as the family member whose income contributes the most to the family's earnings, regardless of gender. So, your mother would be considered the primary breadwinner.

Where can I find my Family ID and Member ID?

You can usually find your Family ID and Member ID details on your BPL Card.

Will the money be given as a monthly payment or a one-time grant?

The financial assistance provided under this scheme is a one-time lump sum payment.

How is the recipient of the aid decided within the family?

After a local inquiry, the financial aid is given to the surviving family member who is identified as the head of the household.

I've completed the application form and gathered the documents. Where should I submit them?

You should submit the completed and signed application form, along with copies of the required documents, to either the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) or the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO).