What this scheme offers
RVY provides free physical aids and assisted-living devices to help senior citizens overcome common age-related impairments: low vision, hearing loss, tooth loss, and locomotor disability. Devices include walking sticks, elbow crutches, walkers, tripods/quadpods, wheelchairs, hearing aids, artificial dentures, and spectacles. If someone has more than one qualifying impairment, they receive a device for each. Devices meet Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) quality norms, and ALIMCO (the sole implementing agency, a PSU under the Ministry) provides one year of free maintenance. Distribution happens in "camp mode" — organised camps held in at least two districts per state each year, rather than individual dispatch. Senior citizens aged 80 and above have devices delivered to their doorstep rather than needing to attend a camp.
Who is eligible
- Senior citizen aged 60 or above.
- Belongs to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) household, or has a monthly income not exceeding ₹15,000.
- Suffering from one or more age-related impairments: low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth, or locomotor disability requiring a mobility aid.
- A certificate from any government medical officer confirming the impairment is generally sufficient — no separate disability board certification is required.
Documents required
- Age proof
- BPL card, or income proof showing monthly income under ₹15,000
- Certificate from a government medical officer confirming the relevant impairment
- Aadhaar card
How to apply
- Contact your District Social Welfare Office, or visit your nearest Common Service Centre for free registration assistance.
- Beneficiaries in each district are identified by a Committee chaired by the District Collector/Deputy Commissioner — your name can also come from existing NSAP old-age pension beneficiary data if you already receive that.
- Attend the medical assessment camp when notified, where a government medical officer confirms your impairment(s).
- Devices are distributed free of cost at the district-level camp — 80+ year olds get doorstep delivery instead.
- ALIMCO provides one year of free maintenance on the devices issued.