Disability Pension, Tax Benefits & Schemes Available with UDID Card
Complete guide to benefits with UDID card ā disability pension, Section 80U/80DD tax deductions, railway concessions, ADIP scheme, scholarships, and job reservation.
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Why the UDID Card Matters
The UDID (Unique Disability ID) card is more than a disability certificate ā it is your single key to unlock a wide range of government benefits, pensions, tax savings, and concessions across India. Once you have a valid UDID card with 40% or more benchmark disability, you become eligible for dozens of central and state schemes.
If you don't have your UDID card yet, apply first ā see our complete guide to applying for UDID card.
This guide covers every major benefit you can claim with your UDID card.
Disability Pension Schemes
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
This is the primary central government pension for persons with disabilities. It is part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Age 18ā79 years, 80%+ disability, BPL household |
| Pension Amount | ā¹300/month (central share); states add ā¹200āā¹1,000+ |
| How to Apply | Through your local Gram Panchayat, Block Office, or District Social Welfare Office |
| Documents | UDID card, Aadhaar, BPL ration card, bank passbook, passport photo |
State top-up: Most states add their own contribution. For example, Delhi provides ā¹2,500/month total, Rajasthan provides ā¹750āā¹1,500/month, and Tamil Nadu provides ā¹1,500/month. Check your state's social welfare department for exact amounts.
After age 80, beneficiaries automatically shift to the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme at ā¹500/month (central share). Learn more in our old age pension guide.
State-Level Disability Pension Schemes
Many states run independent disability pension schemes with higher amounts and relaxed eligibility (some accept 40%+ disability). Examples:
- Delhi ā Disability pension of ā¹2,500/month (40%+ disability, any income)
- Uttar Pradesh ā Viklang Pension ā¹1,000/month (40%+ disability)
- Madhya Pradesh ā Nishakt Pension ā¹600āā¹800/month
- Rajasthan ā Disability pension ā¹750āā¹1,500/month based on disability percentage
- Maharashtra ā Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Pension ā¹1,000/month
Apply through your District Social Welfare Office or your state's online pension portal. The UDID card is mandatory documentation in most states.
Income Tax Benefits (Section 80U & 80DD)
Your UDID card unlocks significant income tax deductions under the Income Tax Act.
Section 80U ā Deduction for Self (Disabled Taxpayer)
If you are a person with disability and earn taxable income:
| Disability Level | Deduction Amount |
|---|---|
| 40%ā79% disability | ā¹75,000 per year |
| 80%+ (severe disability) | ā¹1,25,000 per year |
- This is a flat deduction ā no bills or receipts needed
- Simply declare your disability and keep your UDID card as proof
- Claim it while filing your income tax return
Section 80DD ā Deduction for Dependent with Disability
If you are a caregiver (parent, spouse, sibling, or any family member) of a person with disability:
| Disability Level | Deduction Amount |
|---|---|
| 40%ā79% disability | ā¹75,000 per year |
| 80%+ (severe disability) | ā¹1,25,000 per year |
- Covers medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation expenses
- You must have actually incurred expenses for the dependent's care
- The dependent's UDID card or disability certificate (Form 10-IA) is required
- The dependent should not have claimed 80U themselves for the same assessment year
Note: You cannot claim both 80U and 80DD for the same person. If the disabled person files their own return and claims 80U, the caregiver cannot claim 80DD.
Railway Travel Concessions
Indian Railways offers substantial fare concessions to persons with disabilities holding a valid UDID card.
| Category | Concession (Mail/Express) | Concession (Sleeper/AC) |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopaedically disabled | 75% | 75% |
| Visually impaired (blind) | 75% | 75% |
| Hearing impaired (deaf) | 50% | 50% |
| Intellectually disabled | 75% | 75% |
| Escort/attendant | Same concession as the disabled person | Same as above |
How to avail:
- Carry your UDID card (or disability certificate) when booking/travelling
- Book at the railway counter ā mention disability concession
- Online booking on IRCTC also supports concession for certain categories
- One escort/attendant also gets the same concession percentage
Reservation in Government Jobs & Education
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 mandates reservation for persons with benchmark disabilities (40%+):
Employment Reservation
- 4% reservation in all government jobs (central and state)
- Divided across disability categories: 1% each for (a) blindness/low vision, (b) hearing impairment, (c) locomotor disability/cerebral palsy, (d) autism/intellectual disability/mental illness
- Upper age limit relaxation of 10 years for central government posts
- The UDID card is mandatory proof for claiming reservation
Education Reservation
- 5% reservation in all government and government-aided higher education institutions
- Applicable to undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses
- Relaxation in minimum qualifying marks (usually 5% concession)
- Many institutions provide fee waivers or reductions
ADIP Scheme ā Free Assistive Devices
The Assistance to Disabled Persons (ADIP) Scheme provides assistive aids and appliances free of cost or at subsidised rates.
What You Can Get
- Wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, prosthetic limbs
- Hearing aids, cochlear implants
- Braille kits, magnifiers, smart canes for visually impaired
- Tricycles (motorised and manual)
- Artificial limbs and callipers
Eligibility for ADIP
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Disability | 40%+ (UDID card required) |
| Monthly income | ā¹20,000 or less |
| Age | All ages eligible |
| Not received same aid | In last 3 years from government |
How to Apply
- Contact your District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) or an authorised NGO
- Submit UDID card, Aadhaar, income certificate, and passport-size photos
- Attend an assessment camp organised by implementing agencies like ALIMCO
- Devices are distributed at the camp itself or shipped to your address
Apply online at adip.gov.in or through your nearest DDRC.
Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
Students with UDID cards can access multiple scholarship schemes through the National Scholarship Portal:
Pre-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- For students in Class 9ā10
- Covers maintenance allowance + book grant
- Family income limit: ā¹2.5 lakh/year
Post-Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
- For students in Class 11 and above (including professional courses)
- Covers tuition fees + maintenance allowance
- Family income limit: ā¹2.5 lakh/year
Top Class Education for Students with Disabilities
- For students admitted to top institutions (IITs, IIMs, NITs, AIIMS, NLUs, etc.)
- Covers full tuition fees + living expenses up to ā¹2 lakh/year
- Family income limit: ā¹6 lakh/year
National Fellowship for Persons with Disabilities
- For pursuing M.Phil and PhD research
- Fellowship amount: ā¹25,000āā¹28,000/month (as per UGC norms)
- Limited seats ā merit-based selection
Apply for all scholarships at scholarships.gov.in. You will need your UDID card number during the application.
Other Important Benefits
Free Bus Travel
Most state transport corporations offer free or concessional bus travel for persons with disabilities. Carry your UDID card as proof.
Entrepreneurship Support
The National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) provides loans at concessional interest rates (up to ā¹25 lakh) for self-employment and business ventures.
Caregiver Allowance
Central government employees with disabled dependents can claim special allowance for child care and transport allowance at double the normal rate.
Priority in Government Housing
Persons with disabilities get preference in allotment under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) ā 3% of houses are earmarked.
Documents to Keep Ready
For claiming any of the above benefits, keep these documents handy:
- ā UDID Card (or e-UDID downloaded from swavlambancard.gov.in)
- ā Aadhaar Card
- ā Bank account passbook (linked to Aadhaar for DBT)
- ā Income certificate or BPL card (for income-linked schemes)
- ā Passport-size photographs
- ā Address proof
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UDID card mandatory to claim disability benefits?
Yes, increasingly so. Most central and state government schemes now require the UDID card as the primary proof of disability. Some states still accept old disability certificates, but UDID is becoming the universal standard. Apply for yours at swavlambancard.gov.in.
Can I claim both disability pension and old age pension?
No, you cannot receive both simultaneously. Under NSAP guidelines, a beneficiary can receive only one pension. Once you turn 80, you shift from IGNDPS to the old age pension (IGNOAPS). However, some states may have separate schemes that allow both ā check with your district office.
What is the difference between Section 80U and Section 80DD?
Section 80U is a deduction that a disabled person claims for themselves while filing their own return. Section 80DD is a deduction claimed by a family member/caregiver who incurs expenses for a disabled dependent. The same person cannot be covered under both sections in the same year.
Do I need 80% disability for all benefits?
No. Most benefits require 40% or more (benchmark disability). The 80% threshold applies only to specific schemes like IGNDPS (central pension) and the higher tax deduction slab (ā¹1,25,000 under 80U/80DD). Railway concessions, job reservation, ADIP scheme, and scholarships all work with 40%+ disability.
Can I use the UDID card across different states?
Yes. The UDID card is a national document valid across all states and union territories. You do not need separate state-level disability certificates if you have a UDID card. This is one of the biggest advantages of the UDID system.
How do I apply for railway concession with UDID card?
Visit the railway booking counter with your UDID card and ask for the disability concession fare. The booking clerk will verify your card and issue the ticket at the concessional rate. Your escort/attendant also gets the concession on the same PNR.
Are private sector jobs also reserved for disabled persons?
The RPwD Act 2016 mandates reservation only in government and government-aided establishments. Private companies with 20+ employees are required to have an equal opportunity policy and must not discriminate, but there is no mandatory reservation quota in the private sector.