Government Schemes for Persons with Disabilities in India 2026–27: Complete State-Wise Guide to Pension, UDID, Scholarships, Jobs, Assistive Devices and Financial Help

Last verified: August 2026

If you or someone in your family has a disability, finding government assistance can feel unnecessarily complicated.

There may be help available for monthly financial assistance, disability certificates, UDID cards, education, scholarships, assistive devices, rehabilitation, skill development, employment, self-employment, loans and other welfare services.

The problem is often not the complete absence of schemes. It is knowing which scheme applies to you, where to apply, what documents you need and what to do when your application gets stuck.

This guide is designed to be a practical starting point.

It covers all 28 states and 8 Union Territories and begins with the most important Central Government resources.

Important: Disability benefits differ according to disability type, disability percentage, age, income, residence, education level and the specific scheme. Amounts, eligibility rules and application dates can change. Always verify the latest official government notification before applying.

First: Get Your Disability Certificate and UDID

For many government benefits, the first thing you should investigate is your Disability Certificate and Unique Disability ID (UDID).

The official UDID portal allows persons with disabilities to apply for a disability certificate and UDID card, track applications and identify the appropriate medical authority. The system is intended to make access to government benefits more transparent and efficient.

Official UDID Portal

Apply for or track a UDID card

The UDID system also allows applications through medical authorities and supports assistance through District Welfare Officers and registration camps.

Do not buy a fake disability certificate

DEPwD has specifically published an advisory concerning fraudulent UDID cards and disability certificates.

Use the official system and authorized medical authorities.

What Government Assistance Can a Person With a Disability Look For?

Don't search only for "disability pension."

Depending on your circumstances, investigate:

1. Disability pension

State and/or Central social-security assistance for eligible persons.

2. Disability certificate and UDID

Often an important gateway to benefits.

3. Assistive devices

Wheelchairs, hearing-related devices, mobility aids and other eligible equipment may be available under government programmes.

4. Education

Look for:

Pre-matric scholarships
Post-matric scholarships
Top Class Education
Fellowships
Free coaching
State scholarships
Fee assistance
Hostel assistance

DEPwD currently lists scholarships for students with disabilities and has published revised scholarship guidelines.

5. Skill development

DEPwD's current portal provides a route for skill-development registration for persons with disabilities.

6. Employment

Look for:

Government recruitment opportunities
PwD/reservation-related opportunities
Skill-linked employment
Employment registration
Private-sector opportunities
Self-employment

7. Self-employment

Depending on eligibility, investigate loans, financial assistance and livelihood programmes.

8. Rehabilitation

District Disability Rehabilitation Centres and other authorized organizations may provide rehabilitation services.

9. Healthcare

Check Central and state health programmes for which you qualify.

10. Legal rights and accessibility

Persons with disabilities have rights under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework. Government disability departments also provide information on rights and grievance mechanisms.

Major Central Government Schemes You Should Know

ADIP Scheme — Assistive Devices

The Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP) scheme is designed to assist eligible persons with disabilities in obtaining assistive devices.

The DEPwD lists ADIP among its major current schemes.

If you need a mobility, hearing, vision or other assistive device, don't assume you must purchase it entirely with your own money.

Check whether you qualify under ADIP or an applicable state programme.

Scholarships for Students With Disabilities

DEPwD's scholarship umbrella covers multiple education stages.

The Department's published scheme material includes:

Pre-matric scholarship
Post-matric scholarship
Top Class Education
National Fellowship
National Overseas Scholarship
Free Coaching

The Department has also stated that UDID is mandatory for scholars under the National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities scheme.

A student should therefore check:

Disability certificate → UDID → school/college eligibility → scholarship eligibility → official application portal

1. Andhra Pradesh

Government Schemes for Persons With Disabilities in Andhra Pradesh 2026–27

Persons with disabilities should check:

State disability welfare department
Social welfare programmes
Disability pension
Assistive-device programmes
Rehabilitation services
Skill development
Employment assistance
Self-employment programmes
Children's scholarships
Student scholarships
Central Government disability schemes

Students

Check both:

Andhra Pradesh state scholarships + Central disability scholarships

Do not assume that a state scholarship automatically replaces a Central scholarship.

2. Arunachal Pradesh

Check:

State disability welfare programmes
Disability pension
Tribal welfare where applicable
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Education assistance
Central disability schemes

Persons living in remote areas should also ask the district administration about disability assessment camps and rehabilitation services.

3. Assam

Persons with disabilities should investigate:

State disability pension
Social welfare programmes
Disability certificates/UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill training
Employment assistance
Self-employment
Central Government disability schemes

Students should separately check NSP and DEPwD scholarship opportunities.

4. Bihar

Check:

Disability pension
Social-security assistance
Disability certificate/UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Housing and other welfare schemes

If you are a parent of a child with a disability

Check both:

disability-related benefits for your child + general education scholarships

The two systems are not necessarily the same.

5. Chhattisgarh

Persons with disabilities should check:

Disability pension
Social welfare schemes
Tribal welfare where applicable
Assistive-device assistance
Rehabilitation
Education
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central schemes

Rural residents should ask the local administration about disability camps and rehabilitation services.

6. Goa

Check:

Disability pension
Social welfare assistance
Disability certificate/UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment assistance
Self-employment
Central disability programmes

7. Gujarat

Persons with disabilities should investigate:

State disability welfare programmes
Disability pension
Assistive-device assistance
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Social welfare programmes
Central Government disability schemes

Students should also check the state's scholarship systems where applicable.

8. Haryana

Check:

Disability pension
Social-security assistance
Disability certificate and UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education assistance
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability schemes

If you are a student, check both state scholarships and Central disability scholarships.

9. Himachal Pradesh

Persons with disabilities should investigate:

Disability pension
Social welfare assistance
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment programmes
Self-employment
Housing and welfare assistance
Central disability schemes

10. Jharkhand

Check:

Disability pension
Social-security programmes
Disability certificate/UDID
Tribal welfare where applicable
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central Government schemes

11. Karnataka

Government Schemes for Persons With Disabilities in Karnataka

Check:

State disability welfare department
Disability pension
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Housing/welfare assistance
Central disability schemes

Students

Check:

Karnataka state scholarships
Department-specific scholarships
Disability scholarships
NSP
DEPwD scholarship programmes

12. Kerala

Persons with disabilities should investigate:

Disability pension
Social Justice Department schemes
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill training
Employment
Self-employment
Healthcare
Central disability schemes

If the person has a severe disability and requires regular assistance, ask the relevant local authority about all applicable support rather than looking only for pension.

13. Madhya Pradesh

Check:

Disability pension
Social Justice programmes
Disability certificate/UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability schemes

14. Maharashtra

Disability Assistance in Maharashtra

Maharashtra residents should check the state's disability welfare system alongside Central Government programmes.

Look for:

Disability pension/financial assistance
Disability certificate
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill training
Employment
Self-employment
State disability welfare schemes
Central disability schemes

Maharashtra's disability department currently lists schemes/programmes including ADIP, DDRS, SIPDA, National Fellowship, National Overseas Scholarship, Top Class Education, post-matric scholarship and state pre/post-matric scholarships for persons with disabilities.

This is important for students

Don't stop after checking the state post-matric scholarship.

Compare it with the Central disability scholarship options and the eligibility rules for your course.

15. Manipur

Check:

Disability pension
Social welfare
Tribal welfare where applicable
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability programmes

16. Meghalaya

Persons with disabilities should investigate:

Disability pension
Social-security assistance
Tribal welfare
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
North-East-specific opportunities
Central disability schemes

17. Mizoram

Check:

Disability pension
Social welfare
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central Government disability programmes

18. Nagaland

Persons with disabilities should investigate:

Disability pension
Tribal welfare
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
North-East opportunities
Central disability schemes

19. Odisha

Check:

State disability pension
Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities programmes
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability programmes

Important

A student with a disability should check both:

Odisha scholarship programmes + Central disability scholarships

20. Punjab

Persons with disabilities should investigate:

Disability pension
Social-security assistance
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability programmes

21. Rajasthan

Check:

Disability pension
Social Justice and Empowerment Department schemes
Disability certificate/UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability schemes

22. Sikkim

Persons with disabilities should check:

Disability pension
Social welfare assistance
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central schemes

23. Tamil Nadu

Check:

State disability welfare schemes
Disability pension
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Healthcare
Central disability schemes

Students

Check disability-specific scholarships in addition to general Tamil Nadu scholarship opportunities.

24. Telangana

Government Schemes for Persons With Disabilities in Telangana 2026–27

Telangana residents should investigate the state's disability welfare system as well as Central Government programmes.

Start with:

Disability pension/social-security assistance
Disability certificate
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Housing/welfare schemes
Central disability scholarships

The national UDID system allows applicants to apply online and track their disability certificate/UDID application.

Students in Telangana

Check:

Telangana state scholarship opportunities
Disability-specific scholarships
Post-matric assistance
NSP
DEPwD scholarship schemes

If you are a student with a disability, do not assume that your ordinary category scholarship is your only option.

25. Tripura

Check:

Disability pension
Social welfare
Tribal welfare
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability programmes

26. Uttar Pradesh

Disability Assistance in Uttar Pradesh

Persons with disabilities should investigate:

State disability pension
Disability certificate
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability schemes

Students

Check both UP scholarship opportunities and Central disability scholarships.

Do not assume that receiving one scholarship automatically means you qualify for another.

27. Uttarakhand

Check:

Disability pension
Social welfare assistance
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability schemes

28. West Bengal

Persons with disabilities should investigate:

Disability pension
State disability welfare
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability programmes

Students

Also check:

SVMCM where eligible
Other state scholarships
Disability-specific scholarships
NSP
DEPwD scholarships

Union Territories

29. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Check:

Disability pension
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability schemes

30. Chandigarh

Check:

Disability pension
Social welfare assistance
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Central schemes

31. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

Check:

Disability pension
Social welfare
Tribal welfare where applicable
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education
Skill development
Employment
Central schemes

32. Delhi

Persons with disabilities in Delhi should check:

Disability pension
Social welfare assistance
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability schemes

Students should separately investigate Delhi education assistance and Central disability scholarships.

33. Jammu and Kashmir

Check:

Disability pension
Social welfare
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability schemes

34. Ladakh

Persons with disabilities should check:

Disability pension
Social welfare
Tribal-related assistance where applicable
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education
Skill development
Employment
Central schemes

35. Lakshadweep

Check:

Disability pension
Social welfare
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education
Skill development
Employment
Central disability schemes

36. Puducherry

Check:

Disability pension
Social welfare assistance
UDID
Assistive devices
Rehabilitation
Education scholarships
Skill development
Employment
Self-employment
Central disability schemes

Education Support for Students With Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability, don't search only for:

"disability scholarship."

Search according to your education level.

Class 9–10

Look for:

Pre-matric disability scholarship
State scholarships
General category scholarships
Merit-based assistance

Class 11–12

Check:

Post-matric disability scholarships
State scholarships
NSP schemes
Merit-cum-means assistance

College

Check:

Post-matric scholarship
Top Class Education
State scholarship
Fee assistance
Hostel assistance

Postgraduate

Check:

Post-matric schemes
Top Class Education
Fellowships
University scholarships

M.Phil/PhD

Investigate:

National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities
University fellowships
Other research fellowships

Studying abroad

Check:

National Overseas Scholarship for eligible persons with disabilities
University scholarships
Other international funding opportunities

DEPwD currently lists National Fellowship, National Overseas Scholarship and Top Class Education among its disability scholarship programmes.

Free Coaching for Students With Disabilities

If you are preparing for a competitive examination, don't automatically assume you have to pay for coaching.

DEPwD currently lists a Free Coaching Scheme for Students with Disabilities, with revised guidelines published by the Department.

Check the current notification for:

Eligible examinations
Eligibility
Institutions
Application procedure
Assistance available

Assistive Devices: Don't Assume You Have to Buy Them Yourself

If you need an assistive device, investigate the ADIP Scheme before spending a large amount of money.

DEPwD currently lists ADIP as one of its principal schemes for persons with disabilities.

Depending on eligibility, assistance may relate to devices such as mobility or other functional aids.

Ask:

"Am I eligible for an assistive device under ADIP or a state scheme?"

Skill Development and Employment

A disability does not mean that you cannot earn an independent income.

DEPwD currently provides dedicated routes for:

Skill development
Employment registration
Employment opportunities

through its disability portal.

Look for skills such as:

Computer skills
Data entry
Accounting
Digital marketing
Graphic design
Coding
Tailoring
Handicrafts
Repair work
Online services
Entrepreneurship
Other vocational skills

The appropriate option depends on the person's disability, education, interests and local employment opportunities.

Self-Employment

If you want to start a small business, investigate:

Disability-focused self-employment programmes
Government loans
Subsidy/assistance programmes
Skill-linked entrepreneurship
State welfare programmes
National financial-development institutions where eligible

Don't take a loan just because someone says it is "for disabled people."

First understand:

Loan amount + interest + repayment + subsidy conditions + eligibility + consequences of default.

Government Jobs and Disability Rights

Persons with disabilities should not assume that every job application is open only to candidates without disabilities.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework provides important protections, including provisions relating to equality, accessibility and employment.

DEPwD currently provides information on rights and related government resources.

When applying for a government examination or job:

Read the current recruitment notification.
Check whether the post is identified for PwD reservation.
Check the applicable disability category.
Check the required disability percentage/certificate.
Check whether a scribe, compensatory time or other accommodation is available.
Follow the current examination authority's instructions.

Never rely on an old screenshot of a recruitment notification.

What If You Cannot Travel Easily?

Ask about:

UDID/disability camps
District Disability Rehabilitation Centres
District welfare officers
Local government service centres
Medical assessment camps
Authorized rehabilitation centres

DEPwD's current Divyang Corner provides a directory of state offices, district offices, rehabilitation centres and NGOs.

This can be particularly important for people living in rural areas.

What If You Don't Have a Disability Certificate?

Start with the official UDID portal.

You can use it to begin the disability certificate/UDID process and identify the medical authority responsible for assessment.

Do not purchase a certificate from an unofficial person.

What If Your UDID Application Is Rejected?

Don't assume the process is over.

DEPwD has published a 2026 Standard Operating Procedure for rejection and handling of rejected applications through the UDID portal.

Check the rejection reason and follow the official correction/reconsideration process.

If You Are a Parent of a Child With a Disability

You may need to investigate two different sets of benefits:

For the child

Disability certificate
UDID
Assistive devices
Education
Scholarship
Rehabilitation
Healthcare
Skill development later in life

For the family

Social-security assistance
Food security
Housing
Healthcare
Livelihood assistance
Other state welfare schemes

Don't assume that the child's disability automatically means the entire family receives every welfare benefit.

If You Are a Student With a Disability and a Poor Family

Use this order:

1. Get disability certification/UDID

2. Check Central disability scholarships

3. Check your state scholarship

4. Check NSP

5. Check your college's financial aid

6. Check hostel/fee assistance

7. Check free coaching if preparing for competitive exams

8. Check assistive-device support

This can prevent students from missing opportunities simply because they searched for only one scholarship.

Documents Checklist

Keep digital and physical copies of:

[ ] Aadhaar
[ ] Disability certificate
[ ] UDID
[ ] Bank account details
[ ] Income certificate where required
[ ] Residence/domicile certificate where required
[ ] Caste certificate where applicable
[ ] Educational certificates
[ ] Marksheets
[ ] Admission/bonafide certificate
[ ] Fee receipt
[ ] Passport photographs
[ ] Mobile number
[ ] Previous scholarship details
[ ] Application acknowledgement
[ ] Grievance/reference numbers

Beware of Disability-Related Scams

Persons with disabilities and their families can be targeted by fraudsters.

Never give an unknown person:

OTP
UPI PIN
ATM PIN
Banking password
Email password

Be especially careful if someone offers:

"Guaranteed disability pension."

"Guaranteed UDID card."

"Government wheelchair for ₹X — pay us first."

"Scholarship approval guaranteed."

Use official government websites and authorized service providers.

DEPwD has specifically published information concerning fraudulent UDID cards and disability certificates, so this is not a theoretical concern.

The Most Important Starting Points

1. UDID

Official UDID Portal — disability certificate and UDID card

2. Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

Official DEPwD website

3. Disability Scholarships

Official DEPwD scholarship information

4. Central Government Schemes

Government of India information on disability schemes

A Simple Action Plan

If you are confused about where to start, follow these steps:

Step 1: Get your disability certificate/UDID.

Step 2: Check your state's disability welfare department.

Step 3: Check disability pension if you may qualify.

Step 4: Check ADIP if you need an assistive device.

Step 5: If you are studying, check disability scholarships.

Step 6: Check NSP.

Step 7: If you want employment, register/check disability employment and skill-development opportunities.

Step 8: If you want to start a business, investigate disability-focused self-employment assistance.

Step 9: Check healthcare, housing and food-security benefits.

Step 10: Save every application number and acknowledgement.

A Message to Persons With Disabilities and Their Families

If you have a disability and money is tight, don't assume that your only option is to depend on your family.

There may be support available for education, assistive devices, rehabilitation, skills, employment and independent living in addition to financial assistance.

You may not qualify for every programme.

That is normal.

The goal is to find every legitimate programme for which you actually qualify.

Don't pay an agent who promises guaranteed government benefits.

Don't give away your OTP or banking PIN.

And don't give up because one application was rejected.

Find the reason. Correct what can be corrected. Contact the official department. Apply for the next eligible programme.

Your disability should never be treated as a reason to deny you dignity, education or the opportunity to build an independent life.

This guide is intended to help persons with disabilities and their families navigate government assistance. Eligibility, disability-percentage requirements, income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines vary by scheme and may change. The latest official government notification and portal should always be treated as the final authority.

🤲 A Heartfelt Dua for My Beloved Father, Shaik Ahmed