Back to Schemes
Social welfare & Empowerment

Hearing Aid Grant (Sainik Welfare)

"Hearing Aid Grant" scheme by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund of the Dept of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry, provides ₹8,000/- for the purchase of Hearing Aid to the ESM/Widows of ESM registered with the Dept. The members of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) are not eligible.

Authority

State/ UT

Region

Puducherry

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- Financial Assistance of ₹8,000/-, for the purchase of Hearing Aid. | - The amount is credited to the beneficiary’s Bank Account through RTGS/ NEFT.

Who can apply

The applicant should be an [Ex-serviceman](https://sainik.py.gov.in/definition-ex-servicemen)/Widow of an Ex-serviceman.- The applicant should be [registered ](https://sainik.py.gov.in/registration-procedure)with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.; The applicant should not be a member of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

Are there any specific provisions for persons with disabilities under this scheme?

Persons with disabilities can apply to this scheme. However, there are no specific provisions for PwDs mentioned in the guidelines of this scheme.

Is there an application deadline for this scheme?

Applications for this scheme are accepted throughout the year. There are no opening dates or closing dates for applying to this scheme.

Do I need to pay a fee to apply to this scheme?

No, applicants can rest assured that the entire application process is entirely free of cost. There are no fees associated with applying for this scheme.

How can an applicant track the status of their application after submission?

Applicants can request a receipt or acknowledgement containing essential details such as the date and time of submission and a unique identification number. Additionally, periodic status updates may be available through the official website or by contacting the concerned authority.

What entities are included in the definition of "Armed Forces of the Union"?

The term "Armed Forces of the Union" encompasses the Army, Navy, and Air Force of the Indian Union, including Armed Forces of the former Indian States, but excludes certain entities such as the Defence Security Corps and Para Military Forces (PMF).

How are recruits distinguished from ex-Servicemen?

Recruits are not considered ex-Servicemen, as the term applies to individuals who have completed a certain period of service in the Armed Forces.

Are there any additional categories covered within the definition of ex-Servicemen?

Yes, individuals from the Territorial Army (TA) meeting certain criteria, such as pension holders for continuous embodied service, disability attributable to military service, and gallantry award winners, are also considered ex-Servicemen.

How are individuals released on or after July 1, 1987, defined as ex-Servicemen?

Individuals released on or after July 1, 1987, qualify as ex-Servicemen if they have served in any rank in the Armed Forces and were either retired with a pension from the Defence Budget or released on completion of specific terms of engagement with gratuity.

What conditions apply to individuals released between July 1, 1979, and July 1, 1987, to be classified as ex-Servicemen?

Those released between July 1, 1979, and July 1, 1987, must have served for a continuous period of at least six months after attestation if discharged for reasons other than at their own request, or must have completed at least five years of service if discharged at their own request.

What is the eligibility criterion for individuals released from the Armed Forces before July 1, 1968?

Individuals released before July 1, 1968, qualify as ex-Servicemen if they have served in any rank in the Armed Forces and were not dismissed or discharged due to misconduct or inefficiency.

Whether the personnel of Defence Forces who joined SSC and were subsequently released for extended periods at their own request entitled to ex-servicemen status?

Yes, if such personnel were given a gratuity and discharged on reasons other than misconduct or inefficiency.

Are Short Service/Emergency commissioned Officers eligible to the status of ex-servicemen?

Yes, if released on completion of the specific period of engagement and were given gratuity at the time of release.