Taking care of a person with a benchmark disability often requires a lot of support, constant attention, and, most importantly, financial resources. However, regarding financial resources, the Department of Social Welfare, Government of NCT of Delhi, has introduced a Financial Assistance Scheme for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities having High Support Needs to help them. This scheme provides financial assistance to eligible individuals. This scheme ensures that they can avail themselves of the benefits of caregiver support, medical care, therapies, and assistive services. The scheme is designed under the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and it covers the entire National Capital Territory of Delhi. This exemplifies a step towards the social inclusion, rehabilitation, and empowerment of people with disabilities who need long-term high-level support.

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What is the Financial Assistance Scheme for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities Having High Support Needs? 

The Financial Assistance Scheme for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities having High Support Needs is a welfare program launched in Delhi to extend monthly financial support. It provides an allowance to persons who hold a benchmark disability certificate and are assessed to have high support needs. The allowance helps cover costs related to:

• Caregiver services
• Psychological counselling
• Medical treatment
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Assistive aids and appliances

The scheme ensures that persons with benchmark disabilities lead a dignified life, participate in society, and receive equal opportunities despite their limitations.

Objective of the Scheme

The main objectives of this scheme include:

• Supporting persons with benchmark disabilities who require high support in daily life.
• Providing financial assistance for caregiver services and essential medical or therapeutic support.
• Ensuring independence and inclusion of persons with disabilities in education, employment, family, and community life.
• Providing financial support to families caring for loved ones with long-term needs.

Amount of Assistance

The Financial Assistance Scheme for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities having High Support Needs provides each eligible beneficiary with a monthly allowance of ₹6,000. This allowance begins from the month of sanction and is deposited directly into the beneficiary's account. Importantly, the financial aid is offered in addition to any support received under the "Financial Assistance for Persons with Special Needs" scheme run by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of NCT of Delhi. This ensures that beneficiaries with high support needs receive adequate help for their daily care, therapies, and rehabilitation.

Important Things of the Financial Assistance Scheme

The important things to remember about the scheme are:

1. Sanctioning Authority

The District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) approves the financial help. After receiving the assessment report, the officer must issue the sanction order within 15 days.

2. Mode of Disbursal of Assistance

The allowance is sent directly to the beneficiary's bank account. Payment is made through the Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS) using the Public Financial Management System (PFMS). This method makes the process safe, quick, and transparent.

3. Implementing Authority

The District Social Welfare Officer carries out the scheme at the district level. The officer is responsible for disbursing funds, making necessary corrections, and ensuring a smooth transfer of cases when a beneficiary moves to another district.

4. Appellate Authority

In case of any complaint, the matter can be taken to the Director, Social Welfare. The Director acts as the final authority for solving issues under this scheme.

5. Miscellaneous Provisions

The scheme is reviewed every three years to check it’s working. Beneficiaries can also get support from other programs like the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and the Financial Assistance to Persons with Special Needs Scheme. However, they cannot get monthly aid from other similar schemes of Delhi or the Central Government at the same time. Every year, a life certificate has to be submitted to continue receiving the benefit.

What are the Eligibility Norms for Persons with Benchmark Disability Having High Support Needs?

To qualify for financial assistance under this scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

1. Must hold a permanent benchmark disability certificate from a notified authority under the RPwD Act, 2016.
2. Must be a resident of Delhi for at least five years.
3. Must be assessed with a score of 60 to 100 by the Assessment Board.
4. Annual family income should not exceed ₹1,00,000.
5. The applicant should not be a government employee.
6. Must possess a valid Aadhaar card showing residence in Delhi.

Documents Required to Apply for the Financial Assistance Scheme for Benchmark Disabled

Applicants need to provide the following documents:
a) Proof of residence, which clearly shows at least 5 years of residence in Delhi. Any one of the following documents of the applicant (as defined above) may only be submitted for residence proof.

1. Ration card
2. Voter card
3. Passport
4. Driving license
5. Birth certificate issued by MCD/ Registrar- Births & Deaths.
6. Electricity Bill 
7. Water Bill
8. Telephone bill
9. Gas connection receipt
10. Bank/ Post office passbook
11. Caste certificate issued in Delhi
12. Property document- Registered Sale Deed/ Rent Agreement
13. In case 'No Documentary Evidence' is available with the applicant with regard to proof of residence-the applicant will need to produce statements of any Gazetted Officer, stating the period of the applicant's length of stay in Delhi. The Gazetted Officer of the Central / Delhi Govt. has to furnish a self-attested copy of official ID and contact details.

b) A self-declaration by the applicant regarding his/her family income per year.
c) The Applicant should have a bank account (Single/ Joint) in any Bank operational in the NCT of Delhi for receiving the payment through PFMS.
d) One passport-size photo of the applicant

Procedure for Availing Assistance

The application process is as follows:

1. Online Application

The application must be submitted on the e-district portal of Delhi under this scheme. It will go to the concerned District Social Welfare Office.

2. Referral to Assessment Board

The District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) checks the application and sends it to the Assessment Board through the portal. This step must be completed within 10 days.

3. Enquiry by Assessment Board

The Assessment Board, formed by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, carries out an enquiry. This process must be finished within 90 days. The board's decision is considered final.

4. Uploading of Report

The assessment report is uploaded on the e-district portal by the board. A hard copy is also kept for official records, audits, and checks.

Stoppage of Assistance

Assistance may be stopped in the following cases:

• If false information is provided, the allowance is cancelled, and recovery is initiated.
• If the beneficiary passes away, caregivers must inform the Department within one month. Failure to do so may result in recovery and penalties under Section 91 of the RPwD Act, 2016.
• In the event of death, retrospective benefits due until the beneficiary's demise are provided to the nominee or family.
• If eligibility conditions no longer apply, the sanctioning authority can stop the allowance and recover payments already made.

Conclusion

The Financial Assistance Scheme for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities having High Support Needs is a significant initiative by the Delhi Government to support individuals and their families, enabling them to grow. This scheme will provide an allowance of Rs. 6000 per month, which will ensure that people with benchmark disabilities get proper support, medical care, and rehabilitation services. With its adequate procedure, transparent eligibility norms, and strong implementation authorities, the scheme is crucial for individuals with high support needs to have a quality life and move forward in their lives. It will not only support the individual but also the families and caregivers who will take responsibility for their long-term care.