Maharashtra Financial Assistance for Disabled Self-Employment (40%+ Disability) — Frequently Asked Questions

There is no fixed sum. The amount varies and is worked out according to the nature of the self-employment project being proposed, so the grant is project-linked rather than a flat payout to every beneficiary.

Applicants must be Indian citizens who are permanent residents of Maharashtra, must be a person with disability certified at 40% or above, must be between 18 and 50 years of age, and must have an annual income below ₹1,00,000. All of these conditions apply together.

The scheme funds income-generating self-employment. That covers small businesses, agro-based projects and other micro-enterprise ventures, all aimed at creating a sustainable source of income for the person with disability running them.

No on both counts. This is a grant, so the assistance is non-repayable, and no ownership stake in the venture is taken from the beneficiary.

No. The scheme is restricted to permanent residents of Maharashtra, so applicants from other states are not eligible.

A certified disability of 40% or above is mandatory. The scheme lists categories such as visual handicap, low vision, hearing impairment and orthopaedic handicap among the disabilities it recognises.

Yes. Applicants need to be at least 18 years old and not older than 50, and their annual income must stay below ₹1,00,000.

The application is submitted along with supporting papers such as the disability certificate, age proof, residence proof, an income certificate, an Aadhaar card and a detailed proposal describing the self-employment venture you intend to start.

Applications are made offline. You collect the official form from the District Social Welfare Office or another designated office under the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, fill in the personal and project details, attach the required documents, and hand the complete set back to the same office. Local submission points can be checked with your district office or on the department's website at depwd.maharashtra.gov.in.

No. The scheme runs on a rolling basis and stays open, so there is no fixed last date. You can apply once your venture proposal and documents are ready, subject to your local office's instructions.

A committee from the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance first screens the papers for eligibility — disability percentage, age, residency and income — and then assesses whether the proposed venture is feasible and likely to improve the applicant's earnings. Support goes to the proposals judged most likely to succeed.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for Maharashtra Financial Assistance for Disabled Self-Employment (40%+ Disability), though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

Maharashtra Financial Assistance for Disabled Self-Employment (40%+ Disability) is offered by Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance, Government of Maharashtra, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.

Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.