Viklang Pension Yojana: Eligibility & Benefits

Explore the details of the Viklang Pension Yojana, a government program aimed at providing financial assistance to persons with disabilities. This blog post introduces the eligibility criteria and benefits associated with the scheme to clarify who can qualify and the support available. The guide breaks down essential aspects of the Viklang Pension Yojana, highlighting the assistance it offers and the necessary steps to benefit from this welfare initiative. Whether you have a direct interest or want to broaden your understanding, this information is a practical resource for those navigating the Viklang Pension landscape.

What is Viklang Pension Yojana?

The central government provides the Viklang Pension Yojana, which offers a monthly pension for specially-abled citizens of India. The state and central governments contribute to the individual’s pension fund under the scheme.

The state government covers the remainder of the central government and adds Rs. 200 per month to run the scheme. A beneficiary might receive Rs. 500 per month under the scheme. However, the amount differs from one state to the other according to the state’s policy. Several Indian states offer the scheme benefits to their citizens, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, etc. It is a crucial scheme for disabled people who need financial support to live comfortably and confidently.

The scheme offers direct benefit transfer by transferring the pension amount directly to the citizen’s account. Therefore, a bank account and an Aadhaar card are mandatory to avail of the scheme. In the following sections, we will discuss the benefits and eligibility of the Viklang Pension Yojana and other crucial information.

Eligibility Criteria for Viklang Pension Yojana

A beneficiary must fulfill the following general eligibility requirements to avail of the scheme’s benefits:

• A person should have at least 40% disability to qualify for the scheme benefits.
• The beneficiary should be over 18 and less than 59 years of age.
• The applicant should be a permanent resident of the state where they reside and apply for the scheme.
• The applicant should not be receiving benefits from any other pension scheme.

Specific Disability Categories for Viklang Pension Yojana

The Viklang Pension Yojana offers scheme benefits to people with the following types of disability categories:

1. Physical Disabilities: A person with physical disabilities has some temporary or permanent issue with their physical functioning, such as stamina, skill, or mobility. Usually, these people can fulfil their needs and understand the impact of their disability. The person may have a disability from birth or acquired it later in life.
2. Visual Impairments: A visually impaired individual may be blind completely or have partial vision. The visual impairment can be in one or both eyes, and the person may have it from birth or acquired later due to injury or disease.
3. Hearing Impairments: Hearing impairments may range from moderate to severe and require equipment or strategies related to speech, writing notes, lip-reading, sign language, hearing aids, etc. The hearing impairment may be acquired or by birth and may be present in one or both ears.
4. Intellectual Disabilities: An intellectual disability significantly impacts an individual's skills required for living, such as difficulties with self-care, safety, self-direction, socialising, communication, etc.
5. Multiple Disabilities: People with multiple disabilities may have issues with various physical or mental skills.

Income Criteria for Viklang Pension Yojana

The scheme provides benefits to applicants below the poverty line. Ideally, their annual income should be less than Rs. 46,080 in rural areas and Rs. 56,460 in urban areas. Moreover, government employees with disabilities and those owning a two-wheeler or three-wheeler are not eligible for this scheme.

List of Documentation Required for Viklang Pension Yojana

An applicant must provide the following documents to apply for the Viklang Pension Yojana:

1. Disability certificate: The disability certificate should be issued by a public or private health centre or physician.
2. Age proof: The individual must provide a birth certificate or 10^th-class certificate to apply for the scheme.
3. Income certificate: An MLA, Mayor, MP, Tehsildar, Chairman of Panchayat, etc., can issue an income certificate.
4. Proof of residence/citizenship: The applicant may provide a Ration card, Voter ID, or Aadhaar card for residence or citizenship proof.

Viklang Pension Yojana Application Process

An applicant can apply for the Viklang Pension Yojana both online and offline using the following steps:

Online Application

1. Visit the official scheme website.
2. Click ‘Disabled Pension’.
3. Click ‘Apply Online’.
4. Enter the disabled person’s personal, bank, and state details.
5. Choose the type of disability and other related details.
6. Upload the necessary documents.
7. Click ‘Submit’.

Offline Application

1. Eligible candidates must visit their District Social Welfare Department Office.
2. Request an application form for the Viklang Pension scheme.
3. Fill out the form carefully.
4. Attach the required documents.
5. Submit the form at the office.

After application scrutiny, the scheme benefits will be credited to the applicant’s bank account.

Benefits of Viklang Pension Yojana

• Monthly Pension: Provides a fixed monthly pension to individuals with disabilities based on the type and severity of their condition.
• Additional Support: Extends extra assistance to those with severe disabilities, including equipment, therapies, healthcare benefits, skill development, and employment support.
• Continuous Assessment: Recognises that disability conditions may change, thus requiring ongoing assessment of the beneficiary's eligibility.
• Renewal Option: Although the scheme benefits are initially valid for 6 months, the beneficiaries can renew the scheme for an additional 6 months, contingent on continued eligibility and specific requirements.
• Government Services: Offers beneficiaries various government-provided healthcare services to enhance overall health and address disability challenges.
• Skill Development: Facilitates skill development programs to empower beneficiaries and enhance their employability.
• Employment Support: Provides support for finding employment, contributing to the improvement of the beneficiary's lifestyle and overall condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there an age limit for Viklang Pension?

Disabled individuals from 18 to 59 years of age are eligible to apply for the Viklang Pension Yojana.

2. How is the disability level assessed for Viklang Pension?

At the time of application, the disabled person must provide a disability certificate issued by a public or private health centre or physician. Regular assessments are also necessary to monitor the beneficiary's improvement and requirements.

3. Is Viklang Pension taxable?

Since the Viklang Pension benefits are available for disabled people below the poverty line, it is not taxable by the income tax department.

4. What is the amount of Viklang Pension provided?

The Viklang Pension amount varies greatly based on the beneficiary's state of residence, type and level of disability, etc.