- Provides emergency assistance to senior citizens belonging to BPL families in Kerala.
- The scheme covers medical care, ambulances, caregivers, assistive devices, and rehabilitation.
- Offers legal aid and protection during abuse, accidents, and disasters.
- Elderline (Senior Citizen Helpline): 14567
- Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala Helpline Number: 0471-2306040
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Summary of the Scheme
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|---|---|
| Name of Scheme | Keralam Vayoraksha Scheme |
| Benefits | Emergency Support for Needy Senior Citizens |
| Beneficiary | BPL Families’ Senior Citizens |
| Nodal Agency | Kerala Social Justice Department |
| Subscription | Subscribe here to get Update Regarding Scheme |
| Mode of Apply | Offline |
Keralam Vayoraksha Scheme: Emergency Help for Senior Citizens from BPL Families
When an elderly person from a poor family faces a sudden crisis, such as a medical emergency, an accident, abuse or a natural disaster, the cost and the confusion can be overwhelming. Kerala’s Vayoraksha Scheme steps in with need-based emergency support, handled at the district level.
What is the scheme?
The Keralam Vayoraksha Scheme, officially the Vayoraksha Scheme for Senior Citizens, is a crisis-support programme of the Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala. It is not a monthly pension. The department treats social security for senior citizens as a basic human right, not charity, and Vayoraksha funds urgent help when an elderly person from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family needs it.
The scheme aims to support needy elderly people in difficult times, provide emergency medical aid to destitute older persons, arrange caregivers for bedridden senior citizens, rehabilitate those who need care and protection, offer legal aid, and create a safe environment for their physical and mental well-being.
Scheme at a glance
| Benefit | Need-based emergency support (no fixed amount) |
| Who can benefit | Senior citizens from BPL families |
| Nodal agency | Social Justice Department, Kerala |
| Mode of application | Offline, at the District Social Justice Office |
| Deadline | None; apply whenever an emergency arises |
| Helplines | Elderline 14567; Social Justice Department 0471-2306040 |
What does it cover?
- Emergency medical aid: first aid, surgery, emergency treatment and COVID-19 treatment. First aid can be received at private hospitals, while specialised treatment should be sought at government hospitals.
- Ambulance service
- Caregiver support for bedridden senior citizens who have no one to look after them
- Assistive devices: help to buy essential equipment suited to the person’s needs
- Rehabilitation: medical examination, rehabilitation and shifting of destitute, wandering and bereaved elderly persons to safe care institutions
- Disaster relief: emergency medical aid and food for senior citizens affected by natural calamities
- Abuse and accident support: emergency medical aid for elderly victims of abuse, accidents or life-threatening burns
- Legal aid
- Protection: remedial action when a senior citizen’s life or property is at risk
How much money is given?
There is no standard amount per person. Assistance depends on the actual need in each case. The figures below only decide who approves the expense, not what a beneficiary receives.
| Expenditure | Approving authority |
|---|---|
| Up to ₹25,000 | District Social Justice Officer (DSJO) |
| Above ₹25,000 and up to ₹2 lakh | District Monitoring Committee, chaired by the District Collector |
| Above ₹2 lakh | State Government |
Who is eligible?
- The applicant must be a senior citizen.
- The senior citizen must belong to a BPL family.
- The person must need emergency help, such as medical treatment, caregiver support, rehabilitation, disaster relief, legal aid or protection from abuse.
Documents to keep ready
- Proof of age or identity of the senior citizen
- BPL ration card or other proof of BPL status
- Medical records, doctor’s prescription or treatment estimate (for medical assistance)
- Hospital admission or surgery documents, where applicable
- Any document explaining the emergency, such as a disaster, accident or abuse report, where applicable
How to apply
Applications are offline and handled at the district level. There is no fixed annual window.
- Visit or call the District Social Justice Office in your district. The senior citizen, a family member, a neighbour or a well-wisher can report the case.
- Describe the situation clearly: surgery, hospital treatment, ambulance need, caregiver need, abandonment, abuse, an accident or a natural disaster.
- Ask for the application format, if any, and the documents needed for your case.
- Hand over the application with BPL proof, medical records (if relevant) and other papers requested.
- The DSJO verifies the case and the need for assistance.
- The DSJO sanctions up to ₹25,000 directly. Larger amounts go to the District Monitoring Committee or the State Government.
- After approval, the office arranges the support, whether treatment, ambulance, caregiver, equipment or rehabilitation.
Need help?
- Elderline (Senior Citizen Helpline): 14567
- Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala: 0471-2306040
Related health schemes in Kerala
- Keralam Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme, offering comprehensive health coverage to eligible families
- Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi Scheme, for free treatment of critical illnesses for economically weaker sections
Frequently asked questions
Is Vayoraksha a monthly pension?
No. It is emergency, need-based support.
How much money does it give?
There is no fixed amount. It depends on the case, and the limits above only decide who approves the expense.
Does it cover surgery and hospital treatment?
Yes, including first aid, surgery and emergency treatment.
Can bedridden senior citizens get a caregiver?
Yes, if they have no one to look after them.
What is the last date to apply?
There is none. You can approach the District Social Justice Office whenever an emergency arises.
Who can report a case?
The senior citizen, a family member, a neighbour or a well-wisher.