Goa Dayanand Social Security Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

The Goa Dayanand Social Security Scheme (Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS)) is a major social security scheme of the Government of Goa that provides regular financial assistance to vulnerable residents who may need additional support for their day-to-day living. The scheme covers groups such as senior citizens, widows, single women, persons with disabilities and HIV/AIDS patients. It is implemented by the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa, with assistance credited directly to beneficiaries through an Aadhaar-linked payment system.

The scheme was launched on October 2, 2001, and became effective from January 1, 2002. Since then, Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) has undergone several amendments to expand or modify beneficiary categories, eligibility conditions and financial assistance. The latest framework is particularly important for applicants because the eligibility rules have changed over time, including the income ceiling and provisions relating to widows.

Under the current provisions, eligible applicants generally need to be bonafide residents of Goa by birth or have a 15-year domicile, and the applicable annual family-income ceiling is ₹1.50 lakh. The scheme provides different levels of monthly assistance depending on the beneficiary category and applicable conditions. Special provisions also apply to widows, children with disabilities and persons with severe disabilities.

Dayanand Social Security Scheme is not limited to monthly financial assistance. Eligible persons with disabilities can also receive assistance for aids and appliances, subject to the applicable conditions. The scheme also provides specific provisions for maintaining benefits, including submission of required certificates and compliance with the scheme's eligibility conditions.

The Government has also strengthened the payment process. Aadhaar-linked bank accounts are used for the Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS), helping facilitate direct transfer of assistance to beneficiaries. In March 2026, the Government announced that Dayanand Social Security Scheme assistance would be credited by the 10th of every month. Beneficiaries were also asked to submit their life certificate and income certificate between April 1 and May 30 every year to continue receiving regular assistance.

Beneficiaries looking for other forms of social assistance in Goa may also explore the Goa Government Schemes available for different groups and needs. In particular, women who are looking for household financial assistance may also find the Griha Aadhar Scheme relevant, although Dayanand Social Security Scheme, Laadli Laxmi Scheme and Griha Aadhar have specific eligibility and benefit-interaction rules that should be checked before applying.

Scheme Benefits

The Goa Dayanand Social Security Scheme provides regular financial support to eligible vulnerable residents, with the assistance amount depending on the beneficiary category. The main benefits include:

• Eligible beneficiaries receive monthly financial assistance under Dayanand Social Security Scheme. The amount varies according to the beneficiary category and applicable provisions.
• Eligible senior citizens, single women, persons with disabilities and HIV/AIDS patients can receive monthly assistance of up to ₹2,000, subject to the applicable category conditions.
• Eligible widows whose youngest child is below 21 years can receive ₹4,000 per month, while widows covered under other specified categories can receive ₹2,500 per month.
• Eligible persons with disabilities can receive up to ₹1 lakh for aids and appliances, subject to the applicable conditions, to help purchase necessary assistive devices.

Financial Assistance Under DSSS

The monthly assistance under the Dayanand Social Security Scheme is not the same for every beneficiary. The amount is decided according to the beneficiary category and the conditions applicable to that category.

Note: In addition to the monthly assistance, eligible senior citizens on continuous medication may receive an additional ₹500 per month, subject to the prescribed conditions. Persons with disabilities may also receive up to ₹1 lakh as a one-time grant for aids and appliances, subject to the applicable rules.

Post-Death Benefits

The scheme also provides specific provisions for certain family members after the death of a DSSS beneficiary. The benefit is subject to the eligibility conditions and documents prescribed under the scheme.

• The surviving spouse of a deceased beneficiary may become eligible for the applicable monthly assistance if the prescribed conditions are fulfilled.
• Eligible dependent children may also receive assistance under the applicable provisions.
• The concerned family member should approach the Social Welfare Department with documents such as the beneficiary's death certificate and proof of their relationship and eligibility.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the prescribed conditions to receive financial assistance under the Goa Dayanand Social Security Scheme. The eligibility mainly depends on the applicant's category, Goa residency and family income.

• The applicant must be a bonafide resident of Goa by birth or must have a 15-year domicile of the state.
• The annual family income of the applicant must not exceed ₹1.50 lakh.
• The applicant must belong to an eligible category covered under the scheme, such as senior citizens, widows, single women, persons with disabilities or HIV/AIDS patients.
• Senior citizens must be 60 years of age or above at the time of applying.
• Applicants with disabilities must have the required disability certificate issued by the competent authority.
• Applicants must provide the required documents and bank account details for receiving the assistance.
• Applicants must follow the applicable rules regarding receipt of financial assistance or pension from other government schemes.

Required Documents

Applicants need to submit supporting documents to confirm their identity, residence, income and eligibility for the selected Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) category. The documents may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances.

• Aadhaar Card
• 15-year Residence Certificate or other prescribed proof of Goa domicile
• Income Certificate or prescribed income self-declaration
• Bank passbook or bank account details
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Age proof, such as a Birth Certificate or other accepted document, for senior citizen applicants
• Death Certificate of the husband and other applicable documents for widow applicants
• Disability Certificate issued by the competent authority for applicants with disabilities
• Medical certificate from a recognised government medical institution for HIV/AIDS patients, wherever applicable
• Any other category-specific document or declaration required by the Directorate of Social Welfare

Steps to Apply

The Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) application is submitted through the prescribed form, so applicants should first arrange the form and documents before approaching the concerned Social Welfare office. A little care while filling the form can help avoid delays during verification.

1. Collect the prescribed Dayanand Social Security Scheme application form from the Directorate of Social Welfare, 18th June Road, Panaji, or the concerned Social Welfare office in South Goa.
2. Read the form carefully and fill in your personal details, address, income information and beneficiary category. Enter the details exactly as they appear in your official documents.
3. Prepare the documents required for your category and attach them to the application form. For example, a widow may need to provide her husband's death certificate, while a person with a disability must provide the applicable disability certificate.
4. Before submitting the form, check that the application has been signed wherever required and that all supporting documents are attached. This simple check can prevent the application from being returned for missing information.
5. Submit the completed application form and supporting documents to the concerned Directorate of Social Welfare office. Applicants should also pay the applicable registration fee at the time of submission.
6. Keep the acknowledgement or receipt provided by the office after submission. It serves as a useful reference if you need to follow up on your application later.
7. The department then examines the application and verifies the information and documents provided. Once the application is approved and the assistance is sanctioned, the benefit is transferred to the eligible bank account through the prescribed payment system.

Note: If you need help with the application or face a problem while submitting your documents, you can contact the Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa for guidance.

Life Certificate and Annual Verification

Dayanand Social Security Scheme assistance continues only when the beneficiary fulfils the required verification formalities. Beneficiaries should therefore complete the annual verification within the period prescribed by the department.

• The beneficiary must submit the required Life Certificate once every year.
• The certificate may be submitted through the prescribed authority, such as a bank manager or gazetted officer, as applicable.
• The beneficiary may also need to provide the required income certificate or other documents for annual verification.
• If the required certificates are not submitted, the monthly assistance may be suspended until the verification requirements are completed.

Important Rules and Conditions

Dayanand Social Security Scheme assistance is subject to certain conditions that beneficiaries must continue to meet after approval. The important rules include:

• A beneficiary can receive DSSS assistance under only one eligible category at a time.
• The beneficiary must provide correct information and genuine documents. Any false declaration or fraudulent document can lead to cancellation of the assistance.
• Any change that may affect eligibility, including income, employment or marital status, should be reported as required under the scheme.
• Beneficiaries must keep their bank and Aadhaar details updated wherever required to receive payments through the prescribed system.
• Assistance may be stopped if the beneficiary no longer meets the applicable eligibility conditions, fails to complete the required annual verification or is found to be receiving benefits that are not permitted under the DSSS rules.
• Professional begging, where established under the applicable provisions, can also result in cancellation of the benefit.

Relevant Links

• Official Website of Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa
• Official Notice for Aadhaar Linking for Dayanand Social Security Scheme (DSSS) Payment
• Dayanand Social Security Scheme Details

Contact Information

Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa

• Phone: 08322232257 / 0832223784
• Welfare Schemes Helpline Number: 8882988000
• Email: @email
• Address: 18th June Road, Panaji, Goa