How Can a Veteran Apply for AWHO Housing?

The Army Welfare Housing Organisation (AWHO) offers affordable housing to serving and retired army personnel, including ex-servicemen and their families. If a veteran is looking to secure a home through AWHO, they must follow a specific application process and meet certain eligibility criteria. Here’s how veterans can apply for housing under the AWHO scheme.

Step-by-Step Process for Applying for AWHO Housing:

Check Eligibility Criteria:

• Serving Army Personnel: Active army personnel who are serving in the Indian Army are eligible to apply.
• Ex-Servicemen: Retired army personnel, including ex-servicemen, are eligible to apply for AWHO housing. Preference is often given to veterans.
• Widows of Army Personnel: The widows of deceased soldiers are also eligible for certain housing schemes under AWHO.
• Family Members: In some cases, family members of soldiers (if the soldier is deceased or disabled) can apply for housing.

Keep Required Documents Ready:

Veterans need to ensure they have the necessary documents to prove their eligibility. The key documents include:

• Identity Proof: Army-issued ID card or Discharge Certificate for ex-servicemen.
• Pension Details: Proof of pension for retired army personnel.
• Marriage Certificate (if applicable): For family members applying.
• Proof of Service: Service discharge certificate for ex-servicemen.
• Domicile Certificate (if required for specific state schemes): Required by some state-specific schemes.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant.

Monitor AWHO Notifications:

AWHO frequently releases notifications and advertisements about upcoming housing projects on its official website, in newspapers, and through notifications sent to various army cantonments.

Keep an eye on these announcements to know when new housing schemes are open for applications. These notifications will contain details on the location, availability of homes, and project timelines.

Fill Out the Application Form:

Once a housing scheme is announced, veterans can fill out the application form for the specific housing project. The form will be available on the AWHO official website or can be obtained from the regional AWHO offices.

• Online Application: Some projects may allow you to apply online by filling out the form on the AWHO website. Ensure you provide accurate information, including your service details and preferred location for housing.
• Offline Application: Alternatively, veterans can obtain physical copies of the form and submit them at the nearest AWHO office.

Submit the Application Along with Documents:

Submit the completed application form along with all the necessary documents. This will include proof of eligibility (such as service records or pension details), identity proof, photographs, and any other required documents.

In case of offline applications, ensure to send the documents via post or submit them at the designated AWHO office.

Draw of Lots (If Applicable):

In most cases, once the applications are received, AWHO conducts a draw of lots to fairly allocate the housing units. The draw ensures that all eligible veterans have an equal chance of being allotted a house.

Priority is generally given to serving personnel, but ex-servicemen also get a chance to apply and be selected based on their seniority and the draw process.

Wait for Allotment:

After the draw of lots, successful applicants will be notified about the allotment of homes. The allotment will specify details such as the location, type of property (flat/house), and payment schedule.

Payment and Documentation for Allotted Housing:

Once the allotment is confirmed, the veteran must follow the payment procedure provided by AWHO. Payments are typically made in installments, and a subsidized home loan can also be availed through AWHO or a partner bank.

You will also need to submit additional documents like address proof and bank account details for completing the transaction and securing the property.

Completion of the Housing Procedure:

After the payment process is completed, the veteran will be provided with the ownership or possession of the property. They will also receive the title deed and related documents.

AWHO ensures that the houses are of good quality and adhere to necessary standards.

Example:

A retired army officer residing in Bangalore sees an advertisement for an AWHO project in the city. They download the application form from the AWHO website, fill it out, and submit the required documents (including pension details and service records). After the draw of lots, they are allotted a 2BHK flat in the housing complex, with the option of paying via a home loan at a subsidized rate.

Important Points to Remember:

• Eligibility Requirements: Always check the specific eligibility requirements for the project you are applying for. Some projects may be available only to retired personnel, while others might be open to serving personnel as well.
• Timely Submission: Ensure the application form and documents are submitted on time to avoid disqualification.
• Location and Project Availability: Not all projects may be available in all regions, so veterans must keep track of housing schemes being offered in their preferred location.
• Interest Subsidy: Veterans can apply for subsidized home loans for purchasing homes under AWHO’s scheme. Home loan facilities are available to make the housing process more affordable.

Conclusion:

Applying for housing through AWHO is a straightforward process, but it requires timely application, proper documentation, and adherence to the allotment procedures. Veterans can benefit from affordable homes, easy financing options, and priority status in the housing allotment process, helping them secure a home after their military service.