As the age increases, our needs and challenges also start increasing. For people above 50 years of age in India, the government has introduced many such schemes and facilities, by taking advantage of which they can make their lives easier.
Especially people are given many government benefits to people aged 60 years or older, but it is necessary for 50+ people to make some preparations and cards, so that they do not have any problem in taking advantage of any government scheme or facility later.
Today we will tell you about two such essential cards, which every person aged 50+ must make it. These cards not only give you direct benefit of government schemes, but also make evidence of your identity and age. Through these cards, you can easily take advantage of many facilities like medical, travel, banking, pension and tax exemption. Let us know which are these two important cards, how to make and what are the benefits.
Senior Citizen Card and Ayushman Bharat Golden Card: Overview
The Senior Citizen Card and Ayushman Bharat Golden Card are two cards which are extremely important for people aged 50+ or 60+. The Senior Citizen Card gives you a discount on government schemes, banking, tax, travel and health services, while Ayushman Bharat Golden Card can avail free treatment and health insurance from Ayushman Bharat Golden Card.
| card name | Main advantage |
| Senior citizen card | Evidence of identity and age, priority in government schemes, exemption in travel and banking, relief in tax |
| Ayushman Bharat Golden Card | Free treatment up to ₹ 5 lakh, cashless facility in hospital, valid in all government and listed private hospitals |
| Minimum age | Senior Citizen Card: 60 years, Golden Card: 60/70 years (new facility) |
| Application process | Online/offline, Aadhaar and age certificate required |
| Expenditure | Senior Citizen Card: ₹ 10 (Free in some states), Golden Card: Free |
| Recognition | Valid all over India |
| Other important documents | Aadhar card, proof of address, passport size photo |
| Chief beneficiary | 60+ citizens, BPL Family, Senior Citizen |
What is Senior Citizen Card and why is it necessary?
The Senior Citizen Card is a government identity card that is issued to citizens aged 60 years or older. This card is a proof of your age and identity, which gives you discounts and priority in many government and non-government facilities. Through this card, you can easily take advantage of banking, travel, tax, health, and other government schemes.
The main advantages of Senior Citizen Card:
- Railway and bus travel discount
- Priority and exemption in government hospitals
- Higher interest rate in bank FD and savings accounts
- More income tax exemption and tax benefit
- Direct entry in government schemes
- Early hearing of case in court
- Government accommodation and care services for old age people
Eligibility and application process for Senior Citizen Card
Eligibility:
- The age of the applicant should be at least 60 years
- It is necessary to be an Indian citizen
Necessary documents:
- Aadhar card or voter ID
- Birth certificate or age proof
- Address proof
- Passport Size Photo
how to apply?
- You can apply by visiting the website of the state government or the nearest service center (Sewa Kendra)
- In some states the application fee is ₹ 10, while in states like Punjab this card is available free.
- The card is sent to your address after application
Benefits from Senior Citizen Card
- Travel discount: 30-50% discount on railway and bus tickets
- Benefits in banking: 0.5% to 1% interest on FD
- Health Services: Free or relaxed investigation and treatment in government hospitals
- Tax relief: 60+ age people up to ₹ 3 lakhs and 80+ people up to ₹ 5 lakh income tax exemption
- Priority in government schemes: Direct entry in pension, ration, housing and other schemes
Other benefits of Senior Citizen Card
- Early hearing of case in court
- Priority in government housing schemes
- Free legal aid
- Facility in government care centers for older people
What is Ayushman Bharat Golden Card?
Ayushman Bharat Golden Card is part of the largest health insurance scheme of the Government of India, which is run under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Through this card, citizens aged 60 years or older get free treatment of up to ₹ 5 lakh annually. In 2024, the government has decided to issue a separate golden card for all 70+ ages, which will provide them this facility without any income limit.
The main advantages of Ayushman Bharat Golden Card:
- Free treatment up to ₹ 5 lakh annually (cashless)
- Valged in all government and listed private hospitals
- Treatment of major diseases like cardiac, cancer, dialysis, cataract
- Cover of pre-extraction diseases also
- Hospitalized, operation, medicines, investigation all include
- 70+ age-up top-up cover
Eligibility and application process for Ayushman Bharat Golden Card
Eligibility:
- Citizen of 60 years or older
- 70+ age covers without any income limit
- BPL family, weaker section, or who do not have other health insurance
Necessary documents:
- Aadhar card
- Age proof (birth certificate/pension card)
- Address proof
- Passport Size Photo
how to apply?
- Go to the nearest Ayushman Bharat Kendra or CSC center
- Submit the necessary documents
- Facility started immediately after making cards
Benefits from Ayushman Bharat Golden Card
| Facility | Covered amount | Type of hospital |
| Cardiac surgery | 500,000 | Both government/private |
| Cataract operation | ₹ 25,000 | Government hospital |
| Dialysis | 1.5 million | Both government/private |
| Cancer treatment | 300,000 | Selected private hospital |
| Medicines and investigation | ₹ 50,000 | All listed hospitals |
Other benefits of Ayushman Bharat Golden Card
- There is no hassle in hospitalization and discharge
- Treatment facility in any state
- Cover for other family members (if eligible)
- No need for money for treatment, treatment by showing cards
Essential preparations for 50+ age
If your age is 50+, then keep the documents required for both these cards ready from now on. As soon as you are 60 years old, apply immediately. With this, you will not have any problem in taking advantage of any government scheme or facility later.
50+ Senior Citizen Card and Ayushman Bharat Golden Card Benefits (Bullet Points)
- Direct entry and priority in government schemes
- Health, travel, banking and tax exemption
- Free or low cost treatment facility
- Economic security and respect in old age
- Benefits for other family members
Other important government schemes (other important schemes for Senior Citizens)
- Pradhan Mantri Vayoshree Yojana: Free Accessories (Stick, Walker, Glasses etc.)
- National Pension Scheme for Senior Citizens: Monthly Pension Facility
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme: BPL Monthly Pension to Family Elders
- Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): 8.2% interest rate
Frequently asked questions related to 50+ Senior Citizen Card and Golden Card (FAQ)
Q1: When should the Senior Citizen Card be built?
A: As soon as your age is completed 60 years, apply immediately. Keep the necessary documents ready at 50+ age.
Q2: Who gets Golden Card?
A: Citizens of 60+ age, especially 70+ people get without any income limit. Priority to BPL families.
Q3: Are these cards valid all over India?
A: Yes, both cards are valid all over India and are used in all government schemes.
Q4: Can you apply online too?
A: Yes, both cards can be applied in both online and offline manner.
Q5: What discounts are available from Senior Citizen Card?
A: Travel, banking, tax, health, court, priority in government schemes etc.
conclusion
If you are 50+, then Senior Citizen Card and Ayushman Bharat Golden Card are very important for you. These cards not only become proof of your identity and age, but also give you a direct benefit in government schemes, health, banking, travel and tax. Keep the documents necessary for making these cards from now on and apply immediately as soon as the eligibility is complete. This will make your old age safe, respectable and convenient.
Disclaimer:
This article has been written only for the purpose of information. The Senior Citizen Card and Ayushman Bharat Golden Card are both recognized and real plans recognized by the Government of India. To take advantage of them, you should contact the government portal or your nearest service center. Do not fall into the deception of any fake website or agent. The application process is completely transparent and simple. Always prepare your documents yourself and get cards made from the government center itself.
