What this scheme offers
Caring for a bedridden family member, someone with a severe mental illness, or a person with a serious disability is genuinely full-time work — it keeps a family member from earning, without any of the recognition or compensation that paid caregiving would carry. Aswasakiranam ('ray of hope') is Kerala's response: a monthly allowance for the family caregiver, aimed at families where this unpaid care work has become the household's actual daily reality rather than an occasional responsibility.
Who is eligible
- Family caring for a bedridden patient, a person with severe mental illness, or a person with severe disability, resident in Kerala.
- The patient/person cared for requires genuine full-time care at home.
- Family income within the limit prescribed by the Social Security Mission.
Documents required
- Aadhaar card
- Medical certificate confirming the condition requiring full-time care
- Income certificate
- Bank account details
How to apply
- Apply through your local Social Security Mission office or Gram Panchayat/Municipality.
- Submit medical certification confirming the patient's condition and care requirements.
- A local verification confirms the caregiving situation.
- Once approved, the monthly allowance is credited to the caregiver's or family's bank account.
- Renew or re-verify periodically as required by the Mission.