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Govt Schemes

ADIP scheme: free hearing aids and assistive devices for persons with disabilities

The ADIP scheme gives aids and appliances to eligible persons with disabilities, with subsidy based on income. Here is who qualifies, what is covered, and how to apply.

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Representative photo: Mandakini Hostel IIT Madras 3. Photo: Tester051005 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.

At a glance
SchemeAssistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/Fitting of Aids and Appliances (ADIP)
DepartmentDepartment of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India
BenefitAids and appliances at 100% or 50% subsidy, based on monthly income
Who can applyPersons with disabilities with at least 40% disability and a UDID card
How it is givenThrough ALIMCO and approved centres, on a first-come-first-serve basis
Apply atYour district disability rehabilitation centre, district hospital or the official portal
Cost to applyFree

Key points

  • Only persons with at least 40% disability can apply.
  • A UDID card and valid disability certificate are needed.
  • Full subsidy for monthly income up to Rs 22,500.
  • Half subsidy for monthly income from Rs 22,501 to Rs 30,000.

So what exactly do you get under ADIP?

ADIP helps you buy or get fitted with assistive aids and appliances.

Hearing aids and assistive devices costing up to Rs 15,000 per unit are covered, subject to approved specifications.

ADIP at a glance: key numbers
Rs 15,000Max cost per hearing aid or device unit
Rs 7 lakhCochlear implant help for children aged 1-5
Rs 22,500Monthly income for 100% subsidy
40%Minimum disability needed

Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report

For children, financial help is available for cochlear implant surgery. It is up to Rs 7 lakh for children aged 1 to 5 years with pre-lingual hearing loss. It is up to Rs 6 lakh for children aged 5 to 18 years with acquired hearing loss.

Devices carry certification and a minimum one-year warranty. These amounts can change, so please confirm the current figures on the official site.

Who can apply, and who cannot?

You must have a disability certificate showing at least 40% disability.

You must also have a Unique Disability ID (UDID) card.

Subsidy depends on monthly income. Up to Rs 22,500 a month gets 100% subsidy. Rs 22,501 to Rs 30,000 a month gets 50% subsidy.

Income above Rs 30,000 a month is not covered under this subsidy.

What is the background of this scheme?

ADIP is run by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Its aim is to help persons with disabilities live with dignity, mobility and independence.

Devices are supplied through ALIMCO, which ensures quality and local repair support.

What documents should you keep ready?

Keep a recent passport size photograph and your Aadhaar card.

Keep your UDID card and disability certificate with at least 40% disability.

Keep proof of income, such as a ration card or income certificate, showing monthly income within the limit.

For a hearing aid, keep your ear-related medical reports ready. Keep your caste certificate too, if you belong to a category that asks for it.

How do you apply online or at a centre?

Some states now allow online applications. Check your state disability department or district hospital for the link.

In Punjab, for example, you submit details through the district hospital's ENT specialist or the special educator at the DISC centre on working days.

Ask your district hospital or disability rehabilitation centre about the process in your area.

How do you check status, and what if something is stuck?

Ask the centre where you applied for your application number and status.

If you face a barrier or a delay, you can raise a grievance on the Sugamya Bharat App or the CPGRAMS portal.

You can also contact ALIMCO's helpline or the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra near you.

Important tips to avoid trouble

Never pay any agent or person who promises a device for money. Apply only through official channels.

Devices are given on a first-come-first-serve basis, so apply early once you are eligible.

Frequently asked questions

Is ADIP free?

It is free to apply. Subsidy depends on your income, and some eligible persons get the device at no cost.

Can children get help under ADIP?

Yes. Children can get financial help for cochlear implant surgery, and aids and appliances are covered too.

Is there a last date to apply?

The scheme works on a first-come-first-serve basis, depending on eligibility and funds. Check with your centre for current timelines.

What if my income is above Rs 30,000 a month?

The subsidy under ADIP is not available at that income. Ask your local disability office about other support.

Which devices are covered?

Hearing aids and assistive devices up to Rs 15,000 per unit are covered, subject to approved specifications.

Do I need a UDID card?

Yes. A UDID card along with a valid disability certificate of at least 40% is required.