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Subsistence Allowance (Sainik Welfare)

SA-AFFDF-SW

Published: Oct 2026

5 min read

Reviewed by Navin, Editor · First published: 11 Oct 2026

Subsistence Allowance (Sainik Welfare)
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Written by Navin · Editor, tsmpb.inUpdated: 17 Oct 2026 · How we verify scheme facts

About this social welfare scheme

"Subsistence Allowance" is a Welfare Scheme by the Dept of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the Veterans of the Second World War, Non-pensioners ESM above 60 years under "Below the Poverty Line (BPL)", and their widows.

The scheme "Subsistence Allowance" is a Welfare Scheme by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. The objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to the Veterans of the Second World War (WWII), Non-pensioners ESM above 60 years under "Below the Poverty Line (BPL)", and their widows. This scheme applies only to the Ex-servicemen/Widows of Ex-servicemen registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. The applications are accepted offline.

Benefits at a glance

Scheme nameSubsistence Allowance (Sainik Welfare) (SA-AFFDF-SW)
Launched bySainik Welfare Department, Puducherry
Benefit typeCash (money paid to your bank account)
CategorySocial welfare
Level / StateState ยท Puducherry
Official portalsainik.py.gov.in (link at the end of this page)

Key facts

Implementing agencyRajya Sainik Board, Puducherry
Scheme forIndividual
Application modeOffline
Last dateOngoing (no last date notified)
DBT (direct bank transfer)No

Who can apply (quick check)

  • ๐Ÿ‘คAll genders
  • ๐ŸŽ‚Age 21 to 80 years
  • ๐Ÿ’ผEx Servicemen
  • ๐Ÿ“Offline

Quick check from official data. Full conditions are in the Eligibility section.

What you receive

  • Rs. 10,000 per month for Second World War (WWII) Veterans, irrespective of financial status.
  • Rs. 9,000 per month for Non-pensioners ESM above 60 years under "Below Poverty Line (BPL)".
  • Rs. 9,000 per month for widows of the above two categories.

*The amount is credited to the beneficiaryโ€™s Bank Account through RTGS/ NEFT.

Who qualifies

  • The applicant should be an Ex-Serviceman or the Widow of an Ex-Serviceman.
  • The applicant should be registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.

Who is not eligible

The scope of this financial assistance will not apply to those ESM / living spouse/widows who are re-employed as regular / deemed to be regular in Government/PSU/Private Organizations and self-employed IT assesses.

Papers to keep ready

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*A 'Life Certificate' must be submitted by January every year to the respective bank for the continuation of the allowance.

Registration walkthrough

Offline

Step 1: The interested applicant should take print of the prescribed format of the application form for the concerned scheme from the Official Website of the Department of Sainik Welfare.

OR

The interested applicant should visit (Monday - Friday, 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM) the Rajya Sainik Board, Jawan Bhawan, Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Puducherry, 261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry Road, Lawspet, Puducherry - 605013, India, and request a hard copy of the prescribed format of the application form from the concerned authority.

Step 2: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across, if required), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest, if required).

Step 3: The interested applicant should submit the duly filled and signed application form and the documents to the concerned authority at the Rajya Sainik Board.

Step 4: On receipt of the application, necessary entries will be made in the application receipt register by the concerned authority, and a unique number is assigned to the applicant which shall be used for all further references and also as acknowledgement for the receipt of the application.

Queries/Complaints/Suggestions/Grievances

Address: 261, Lawspet Main Road, Pakkamudianpet, Puducherry Road, Lawspet, Puducherry - 605013, India

Phone Number: (+91)(0413) 2253107

Email: dirdsw.pon@nic.in

Hours: Monday - Friday, 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Frequently asked questions

Which Department of the UT of Puducherry administers this scheme?

The scheme is administered by the Department of Sainik Welfare, Union Territory of Puducherry.

Where can I find the URL of the Official Website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry?

The URL of the Official Website of the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry is: https://sainik.py.gov.in/.

Is self-attestation required for attaching documents with the application?

Yes, applicants need to self-attest the copies of mandatory documents while submitting the application.

Where can I find the contact details of the Public Information Officer and the Appellate Authority?

Public Information Officer: Shri. Sandirakumaran.S, Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, 261, Pakkamudiyanpet, Lawspet, Puducherry - 605 008, +91-413-2250575 / +91-413-2253107, dirdsw.pon@nic.in, sainik.pon@nic.in

Appellate Authority: Shri. S.D. Sundaresan, I.A.S., Secretary to Govt. (Sainik Welfare), Chief Secretariat, Puducherry - 605001, 0413-2349712, jshome.pon@nic.in

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.

Is this scheme also applicable to the Widows of Ex-servicemen?

Yes, all Schemes are applicable only to the Ex-servicemen/Widows of Ex-servicemen registered with the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry.

What is the procedure for seeking information through "Right To Information (RTI)"?

The required information may be asked through an application along with IPO/DD for a sum of Rs. 10/- in favour of the Director, Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry. For more details, visit: https://sainik.py.gov.in/right-to-information.

What is the definition of "Ex-Servicemen" for the purpose of this scheme?

The definition of "Ex-Servicemen" can be accessed through the following URL: https://sainik.py.gov.in/definition-ex-servicemen

How can an applicant request a receipt or acknowledgement for the submitted application?

The applicant should request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority to whom the application form has been submitted. The receipt should contain essential details such as the date, time, and a unique identification number if applicable.

Can applicants track the status of their application for the scheme?

No, but the applicants can request a receipt or acknowledgement from the concerned authority as a form of confirmation upon submission.

Where can I find detailed guidelines for the welfare schemes provided by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund of the Department of Sainik Welfare?

For detailed guidelines, you can refer to the official document available at the following URL: https://sainik.py.gov.in/assistance-affd-fund.

Is There Any Compensation For The Delay In The Disbursal Of The Scheme Benefits?

The guidelines do not mention any provision for compensation in the event of delayed disbursement of scheme benefits. Applicants should note that compensation for delays is not part of the scheme's framework.

How can I contact the Department of Sainik Welfare, Government of Puducherry for grievance redressal/ general queries?

You contact the Department of Sainik Welfare, Puducherry at (+91)(0413) 2253107, dirdsw.pon@nic.in, Monday to Friday, between 02:30 PM to 05:00 PM.

Can individuals with disabilities apply for this scheme?

The scheme does not explicitly mention any restrictions, so individuals with disabilities can apply if they meet the general eligibility criteria specified.

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