Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt of India |
| Benefit | Free assistive devices and aids for senior citizens with physical or age-related limitations |
| Who can apply | Senior citizens from BPL or low-income groups |
| How it is given | Aids and devices distributed through camps and implementing agencies |
| Apply at | alimco.in, the implementing agency, or through district and state social welfare offices |
| Cost to apply | Free |
Key points
- Free aids like walking sticks, crutches, hearing aids and wheelchairs.
- Meant for senior citizens from BPL or low-income families.
- Around 7.92 lakh eligible seniors have already received devices.
- Call Elderline on 14567 for help with any issue faced by the elderly.
So what exactly does a senior citizen get?
The scheme gives assistive devices and aids free of cost to eligible senior citizens.
These can include walking sticks, crutches, walkers, hearing aids, spectacles and wheelchairs. The exact list can vary, so check the official site.
The aim is to help elderly people move around and live independently.
Amounts and item lists can change, so readers should confirm the current details on the official site.
Who can apply, and who cannot?
The scheme is meant for senior citizens from BPL or low-income groups.
The person must be elderly, usually aged 60 years or above, and must have a physical or age-related limitation that a device can help with.
Those who already get the same aid from another source may not get it again.
Check the exact age and income rules on the official site before applying.
A short background on the scheme
The Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana is run by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
It works together with the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, which supports senior citizen homes, mobile medicare units and physiotherapy units.
A recent third-party evaluation found the scheme well aligned with the needs of elderly people from low-income groups. It has been reviewed for continuation in the 2026-31 financial cycle.
What documents should you keep ready?
Keep your Aadhaar card with you, as it is the main identity proof.
Keep proof of age, such as a birth certificate or any official age document.
Keep an income or BPL card, if you have one.
Keep a recent passport size photograph and a mobile number for updates.
How do you apply online, step by step?
Go to alimco.in, the implementing agency's official website.
Look for the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana section and register or fill in the application form.
Enter your details, upload your documents, and submit the form.
Note down your application number for future checks.
- 1Visit alimco.inGo to alimco.in, the implementing agency's official website.
- 2Find the scheme sectionLook for the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana section and register or fill in the application form.
- 3Submit your detailsEnter your details, upload your documents, and submit the form.
- 4Save your application numberNote down your application number for future checks.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
How can you apply offline?
You can visit your district or block social welfare office and ask for the application form.
Camps are sometimes organised where devices are assessed and given directly.
Ask at your local senior citizen home or the nearest government office for camp dates.
What if you do not get the aid, or the process is stuck?
Check your application status on the official site using your application number.
If it is stuck, contact the local social welfare office with your papers.
For any problem faced by an elderly person, call Elderline on the toll free number 14567.
Important tips and warnings
The scheme is free. Never pay any agent or middleman for an application or device.
Be wary of anyone who asks for an OTP or bank details over phone calls claiming to help with the scheme.
Use only the official website or government offices to apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a fee to apply?
No. The scheme is free, and you should never pay any agent for an application or device.
Can a family member apply on behalf of a senior citizen?
Usually yes, with the senior citizen's documents and consent. Check with the local office for the exact process.
Which devices can I get?
Common devices include walking sticks, crutches, walkers, hearing aids and wheelchairs. Check the official site for the current list.
Who can I call for help?
Call Elderline on the toll free number 14567 for any issue faced by an elderly person.
Is there a last date to apply?
The scheme runs on an ongoing basis. Confirm any deadline or camp dates on the official site or with your local office.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
