The Aswesuma Welfare Benefit Scheme is the primary social safety net program launched by the Government of Sri Lanka to support low-income families and economically vulnerable households across the country.
This comprehensive guide outlines the eligibility categories, monthly payment amounts, and step-by-step instructions on how to verify your application status online using your National Identity Card (NIC) number.
Aswesuma Primary Categories and Monthly Allowances
Under the Aswesuma scheme, beneficiary families are classified into four main financial categories based on their socio-economic evaluation. Financial aid is directly transferred to their registered bank accounts:
| Beneficiary Category | Monthly Allowance (LKR) | Duration |
| Severely Poor | LKR 15,000 | 3 Years |
| Poor | LKR 8,500 | 3 Years |
| Vulnerable | LKR 5,000 | Specified Period |
| Transitional | LKR 2,500 | Specified Period |
Additional Monthly Allowances for Special Needs Groups
In addition to household assistance, the government provides specific financial support for individuals requiring special care:
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Elderly Allowance: Senior citizens aged 70 and above receive LKR 3,000 to 5,000 per month.
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Persons with Disabilities: Differently-abled individuals receive LKR 5,000 to 7,500 per month.
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Kidney Patients: Individuals undergoing medical treatment for kidney diseases receive LKR 5,000 to 7,500 per month.
How to Check Aswesuma Status Online Using NIC
Follow these simple steps to verify if your household is included in the official Aswesuma selection list:
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Visit the official Welfare Benefits Board portal: wbb.gov.lk
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Click on the Selection List or Check Status section on the homepage.
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Enter your National Identity Card (NIC) number without spaces.
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Your application status, assigned category, and payment details will be displayed on the screen.
Bank Account and Payment Distribution Process
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Aswesuma cash benefits are deposited directly into the beneficiary’s personal account at state or authorized commercial banks (such as Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, or NSB) without intermediaries.
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Beneficiaries must ensure their active bank details are properly registered with the Welfare Section of their respective Divisional Secretariat.
Appeals and Objections Process
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Appeals: Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria but were omitted from the list, or assigned to an incorrect category, can submit an appeal through their local Divisional Secretariat or the official portal.
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Objections: The public can also lodge formal objections if ineligible individuals or families have been included in the beneficiary lists.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this guide is compiled for public awareness based on official notices released by the Welfare Benefits Board of Sri Lanka. For new applications, updates, or personal inquiries, please contact your Divisional Secretariat or Grama Niladhari officer.