How to Get Marriage Benefits from the Government in India (Complete 2025 Guide)
Marriage is a significant milestone in Indian families, yet it often involves heavy financial commitment. To support economically weaker families, promote social equality, and improve women’s empowerment, both central and state governments in India provide various marriage assistance benefits, financial subsidies, and welfare schemes. The most prominent beneficiaries include the girl child’s family, inter-caste couples, minority communities, economically weaker sections (EWS), and parents who cannot afford marriage-related expenses.
This 3,000-word guide explains complete details about Indian Government Marriage Benefits, including eligibility criteria, state-wise schemes, application process, documents required, financial support amount, frequently asked questions, online and offline application procedures, and official resources. All information is current as of 2025.
Overview of Marriage Assistance Schemes in India
The Government of India focuses on:
- Reducing financial pressure on low-income families
- Encouraging legal and safe marriages
- Empowering women through ownership and financial benefits
- Encouraging inter-caste harmony
- Supporting girl child protection initiatives
Approximately 26 different state-level marriage assistance schemes are active in India, with benefits ranging between ₹10,000 to ₹3,00,000 depending on income, caste category, and type of marriage.
The government does not fund wedding celebrations, but provides financial assistance to help families meet essential expenditure, especially for housing, gold support (in some states), and establishing household stability.
central Government Schemes Related to Marriage Benefits
Although no direct central “marriage assistance cash scheme” exists, the following national-level programmes support families indirectly:
2.1 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Encourages education and security of the girl child. Beneficiaries in some states receive support before and after marriage if the girl continues her education.
2.2 Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Parents of girl children receive interest benefits on deposits. Withdrawals are permitted after the girl turns 18 for education or marriage purposes.
2.3 National Scheme for Incentive for the Girl Child
Several states like Bihar or Madhya Pradesh incentivise families who do not marry off their daughters before 18.
2.4 Support for Inter-caste Marriage (via MoSJ&E)
Financial assistance of ₹2.5 lakh provided for marriages between an SC/ST individual and a non-SC/ST individual, subject to verification.
State-wise Major Marriage Benefit Schemes in India
| State | Scheme Name | Financial Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Telangana | Kalyana Lakshmi / Shaadi Mubarak | ₹1 lakh |
| Andhra Pradesh | YSR Chandranna Pelli Kanuka | ₹20,000 to ₹1 lakh |
| Karnataka | Arivu Scheme / Shaadi Bhagya | ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh |
| Tamil Nadu | Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar | ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Shadi Anudan Yojana | ₹35,000 to ₹55,000 |
| Rajasthan | Kanyadan Yojana | ₹31,000 |
| West Bengal | Rupashree Prakalpa | ₹25,000 |
| Gujarat | Kundevi or Kuvarbai Nu Mameru | ₹12,000 to ₹25,000 |
| Punjab | Ashirwad Scheme | ₹21,000 to ₹51,000 |
| Maharashtra | Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Scheme | ₹10,000 to ₹35,000 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah | ₹51,000 |
| Bihar | Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha | ₹10,000 to ₹20,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for Marriage Benefits
Below are widely accepted criteria:
- Applicant must be a resident of that state
- Family income must be below INR 1–2.5 lakh annually
- Bride must be at least 18 years, groom must be 21 years
- Marriage must be legally registered (Marriage Registration Certificate required)
- The family must not have a pucca house or already received government marriage support
- Only for first marriage
- For minority or SC/ST assistance, valid caste certificate is mandatory
Government Support for Inter-Caste Marriages
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment provides ₹2.5 lakh for genuine inter-caste marriages (where one partner belongs to SC/ST). Conditions include:
- Marriage must be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act
- Both partners must be legally adults
- Assistance is credited to joint bank account
Several states also offer local incentives along with central assistance.
Assistance for Minority Communities and SC/ST Groups
Many schemes are reserved for:
- Muslims (Shaadi Mubarak, Telangana)
- Scheduled Caste and Tribes (Dalit Vivah Yojana)
- Economically backward castes
- Orphans, widows, and destitute women
Eligibility often includes income cap, caste certificate, and joint family verification.
Marriage Aid for Orphans, Widows, and Differently Abled
Many states have additional provisions:
- ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh for orphaned girl child marriage
- Widow remarriage incentive in states like Rajasthan or Gujarat
- Disabled bride or groom may receive enhanced aid
Documents Required for Marriage Assistance
| Required Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity |
| Address Proof | State domicile |
| Age Proof (Birth certificate/10th certificate) | Minimum age |
| Income Certificate | Financial eligibility |
| Caste Certificate | If applicable |
| Bank Account Passbook | Payment |
| Marriage Invitation & Registration Certificate | Proof of marriage |
| Joint Photograph | Verification |
| Affidavit declaring first marriage | Compulsory |
| Disability/Widow/Orphan certificate | If applicable |
Step-by-Step Application Process
9.1 Online Method
- Visit respective State Social Welfare or Minority Welfare portal
- Select Marriage Assistance Scheme
- Create a login with Aadhaar
- Fill the application form
- Upload all documents (PDF/JPEG)
- Submit and receive application ID
- Keep tracking using your ID on portal
9.2 Offline Method
- Visit Taluk Office / Gram Panchayat / Social Welfare Office
- Collect application form
- Attach photocopies of documents
- Submit via official staff
- Receive acknowledgment
Applications are verified within 30 to 90 days.
How to Check Payment/Approval Status
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Online | Use Application ID on official website |
| Mobile SMS | Some states send notification alerts |
| Local Officials | Contact Village Officer / Block Development Office |
| Bank Enquiry | Check DBT credits |
Reasons Applications Get Rejected
- Submission after marriage exceeds scheme timeline (many states allow only within 1 year)
- Age below legal limit
- Incorrect income declaration
- Not registering marriage
- Duplicate applications
- Bank and Aadhaar not linked (NPCI mapping failed)
Financial Planning Tips Before Applying
- Open a zero-balance bank account in bride’s name for DBT
- Complete Aadhaar-bank linking at least 3 months before marriage
- Schedule marriage only after confirmation of eligibility
- Gather documents early (income & caste certificates take time)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply before marriage?
No, most states accept applications after marriage. However, you must apply within 1 year.
Q2: Is it necessary to register the marriage?
Yes. Marriage registration is mandatory to receive benefits.
Q3: Can widows or disabled apply?
Yes, if state policy allows.
Q4: Can benefits be claimed for second marriage?
No. Only first marriage is eligible.
Q5: Can central and state benefits be combined?
Rarely. Most schemes restrict dual support for the same event.
Types of Government Marriage Benefits
| Benefit Type | Description | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Assistance Scheme | One-time financial support for daughter’s marriage | Low-income families |
| Inter-Caste Marriage Scheme | Assistance for intercaste marriages (SC/ST with other castes) | Eligible couples |
| Minority Marriage Aid | For economically weaker minorities | Minority families |
| Widow Remarriage Assistance | Support for widows to remarry | Widows |
| Special Marriage Grant for Disabled | Aid for disabled individuals | People with disabilities |
. Basic Eligibility Criteria
To get government marriage benefits in India, usually:
✔ The bride must be 18 years or older
✔ The groom must be 21 years or older
✔ Family income should be below the state’s limit (commonly ₹1 to ₹2.5 lakh/year)
✔ Marriage must be registered under government rules
✔ Applicant must be a resident of that state
Required Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card (both) | Identity proof |
| Caste & income certificate | For eligibility |
| Birth certificate | Age proof |
| Proof of residence | State domicile |
| Marriage registration certificate | Mandatory |
| Bank account details | For direct payment |
| Passport-sized photos | Application use |
How to Apply (General Process)
1️⃣ Visit the state’s social welfare department or online portal
2️⃣ Get the Marriage Assistance / Beneficiary Form
3️⃣ Fill in all required details
4️⃣ Attach scanned copies of documents
5️⃣ Submit the form online or at Taluk/Block Office / CSC Center
6️⃣ Verification will be done by officials (income, eligibility, etc.)
7️⃣ Benefits will be credited to the bride’s bank account
Major State-Wise Government Marriage Schemes
| State | Scheme Name |
|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu | Moovalur Ramamirtham Marriage Assistance |
| Karnataka | Shaadi Bhagya (for minorities), Arivu Scheme |
| Telangana | Kalyana Lakshmi / Shaadi Mubarak |
| Andhra Pradesh | Chandranna Pelli Kanuka |
| Maharashtra | Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana |
| Uttar Pradesh | Shadi Anudan Yojana |
| Rajasthan | Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana |
| Madhya Pradesh | Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana |
| Gujarat | Kuvarbai Nu Mameru Yojana |
| West Bengal | Rupashree Prakalpa |
| Punjab | Ashirwad Scheme |
| Bihar | Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana |
📝 Benefits range from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000 depending on the state.
Intercaste Marriage Benefits (Central Government Support)
- ₹2.5 lakh assistance for marriages between SC / ST and non-SC/ST
- Apply through State Social Welfare Department
- Marriage must be legally registered
- Usually processed within 90 days
Important Tips to Get Benefits
✔ Register your marriage legally
✔ Apply within 12 months of marriage
✔ Keep income certificate updated
✔ Must apply in bride’s native district
✔ Track application status online, if available
✔ Take help from Gram Panchayat / CSC Center
To get marriage benefits by the government in India, you must apply through your state’s social welfare department with all required documents, especially marriage registration and income proof. Benefits vary from state to state, so check your local government scheme name and portal.