Welfare of the Differently Abled

The Unique Disability Identity Card (UDID) is a single, tamper-proof national identity card for persons with disabilities that streamlines access to all state and central welfare schemes.

Start online (fastest):

• Visit the official Swavlamban portal (swavlambancard.gov.in↗).
• Click 'Apply for Disability Certificate & UDID Card'.
• Enter demographic details, disability category (locomotor, visual, hearing, intellectual, mental illness), and upload medical records.
• Upload Aadhaar card, residence proof, and applicant photograph.

Medical evaluation:

• Attend the assessment by the Medical Board at your Government District Headquarters Hospital.
• If disability is evaluated at 40% or higher, a permanent smart UDID card with QR code is dispatched to your address.

The Department for Welfare of Differently Abled Persons provides monthly maintenance grants of ₹2,000 and advanced mobility aids free of cost.

Monthly maintenance allowance:

• ₹2,000 per month is directly deposited into the beneficiary's bank account for persons with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, severe locomotor disability (75%+), or intellectual disability.

Free assistive devices:

• Battery-operated motorized wheelchairs and retro-fitted three-wheeled petrol scooters.
• Behind-the-Ear (BTE) digital hearing aids.
• Smart canes and braille learning kits for visually impaired individuals.

How to apply:

• Submit an application with your UDID card copy to the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer (DDAWO) at your District Collectorate. Helpline: 1800-425-0111.

Differently-abled individuals are entitled to 100% free bus travel in state public transport and concessional fares on Indian Railways.

State bus travel:

• 100% free travel across all ordinary town and city buses operated by MTC and TNSTC.
• Free bus passes are issued by the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer (DDAWO) for holders of valid disability certificates (40%+).
• Severely disabled or visually impaired individuals are entitled to travel with a free escort companion.

Railway concessions:

• Indian Railways offers 50% to 75% fare concession for the disabled individual and an escort. Submit the prescribed Railway Doctor Concession Certificate at the railway reservation counter.