Introduction The Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) is a social assistance programme designed to provide monthly financial support to economically vulnerable individuals who require help in meeting their daily living expenses. The scheme covers senior citizens, widows, single women, deserted and divorced women, persons with disabilities, and HIV/AIDS patients through direct financial assistance. Launched in 2001, the scheme aims to strengthen social security by ensuring regular income support for eligible beneficiaries. Assistance is transferred directly to beneficiaries through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, making the payment process transparent and efficient. Depending on the beneficiary category, monthly assistance ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000. Special provisions have also been made for persons with severe disabilities and widows with dependent children. In addition to monthly assistance, eligible persons with disabilities may receive financial support for purchasing aids and assistive devices. Beneficiaries can also explore welfare programmes such as the Griha Aadhar Scheme and Laadli Laxmi Scheme for additional support, subject to applicable eligibility conditions. Benefits Monthly financial assistance for eligible beneficiaries. ₹2,000 per month for senior citizens, eligible single women, HIV/AIDS patients, and certain categories of persons with disabilities. ₹2,500 per month for widows without dependent children below 21 years. ₹4,000 per month for widows whose youngest child is below 21 years of age. ₹2,500 per month for eligible disabled children. ₹3,500 per month for persons with 90% to 100% disability. Additional ₹500 per month for eligible senior citizens undergoing continuous medical treatment. One-time assistance of up to ₹1 lakh for aids and appliances for eligible persons with disabilities. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. Financial Assistance Structure Senior Citizens: ₹2,000 per month Adult Persons with Disabilities (Below 90%): ₹2,000 per month Single, Divorced and Deserted Women: ₹2,000 per month HIV/AIDS Patients: ₹2,000 per month Widows without Dependent Children Below 21 Years: ₹2,500 per month Widows with Youngest Child Below 21 Years: ₹4,000 per month Disabled Children: ₹2,500 per month Persons with Severe Disability (90%-100%): ₹3,500 per month Post-Death Assistance Eligible surviving spouses may continue receiving assistance subject to scheme conditions. Dependent children may receive benefits where applicable. Death certificate and supporting relationship documents must be submitted for consideration. Benefits are granted only after verification by the concerned authority. Eligibility Applicant must be a resident by birth or possess a minimum 15-year domicile certificate. Annual family income should not exceed ₹1.50 lakh. Applicant must belong to an eligible beneficiary category covered under the scheme. Senior citizen applicants must be 60 years or older. Persons with disabilities must possess a valid disability certificate. Applicants must have an active bank account for benefit transfer. Applicants must comply with scheme rules regarding receipt of assistance from other welfare programmes. Documents required Aadhaar Card. Residence Certificate / 15-Year Domicile Certificate. Income Certificate or self-declaration. Bank Passbook or bank account details. Passport-size photograph. Age proof document. Disability Certificate (if applicable). Death Certificate of spouse for widow applicants. Medical certificate for HIV/AIDS patients. Any category-specific documents required by the department. Process to Apply Collect the prescribed DSSS application form from the Social Welfare Department office. Fill in personal, income, and beneficiary category details carefully. Attach all required supporting documents. Verify that the application form is complete and signed. Submit the application to the concerned Social Welfare office. Obtain the acknowledgement receipt after submission. The department verifies the application and supporting documents. Upon approval, monthly assistance is sanctioned and credited directly to the beneficiary's bank account. Life Certificate and Verification Requirements Beneficiaries must submit a Life Certificate annually. Income verification may be required every year. Life and income certificates are generally submitted between April and May as notified by the department. Failure to complete verification may result in suspension of benefits. Beneficiaries should keep Aadhaar and bank details updated. Important Rules and Conditions Only one category benefit can be availed under the scheme at a time. False information or forged documents may lead to cancellation of assistance. Changes in income, marital status, or eligibility conditions must be reported. Annual verification is mandatory for continuation of benefits. Benefits may be discontinued if eligibility conditions are no longer fulfilled. Assistance is released only through approved banking channels. Important Links and Contact Directorate of Social Welfare Official Website Directorate of Social Welfare18th June Road, Panaji, Goa Phone: 0832-2232257 / 0832-2223784 Welfare Helpline: 8882988000 Email: dir-soci.goa@nic.in FAQs Q1. What is the Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS)?It is a welfare scheme that provides monthly financial assistance to senior citizens, widows, single women, persons with disabilities, HIV/AIDS patients, and other eligible vulnerable individuals. Q2. How much financial assistance is available under DSSS?Depending on the beneficiary category, monthly assistance ranges from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000. Q3. Who can apply for the scheme?Senior citizens, widows, divorced women, deserted women, persons with disabilities, HIV/AIDS patients, and other eligible residents meeting the prescribed criteria can apply. Q4. What is the income limit for eligibility?The applicant's annual family income should not exceed ₹1.50 lakh. Q5. Is there any additional benefit for persons with disabilities?Yes, eligible persons with disabilities may receive up to ₹1 lakh as assistance for aids and assistive appliances, subject to applicable conditions. Q6. How are payments made under the scheme?Financial assistance is transferred directly to the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account through DBT. Q7. Is annual verification mandatory?Yes, beneficiaries must submit the required Life Certificate and verification documents every year to continue receiving assistance. Q8. Can a beneficiary receive assistance under multiple DSSS categories?No. A beneficiary can receive assistance under only one eligible category at a time.