The senior citizen card is an identity card that is issued to citizens aged 60 or older. This card not only acts as an identity card, but through it, senior citizens get an opportunity to avail many government schemes and facilities. These facilities include travel discounts, health facilities, banking advantages, and tax relief.
The biggest advantage of senior citizen card is that it not only acts as an identity card, but it also gives senior citizens a special status in society. Apart from this, this card can also be helpful in health services like Ayushman Bharat Scheme, where senior citizens get free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. In this article, we will give detailed information about the benefits of senior citizen card, application process, and its benefits.
Senior Citizen Card: Overview
Before knowing about the senior citizen card, let’s take a look at its main information:
| Description | Acquaintance |
| card name | Senior Citizen Card |
| Issuer | state government |
| Eligibility age | 60 years or more |
| Application fee | Free or minor fee (separate according to the state) |
| Validity | Lifetime |
| Application process | Online. |
| Required documents | Age proof, identity card, address proof |
| Main advantage | Travel exemption, banking benefits, health facilities |
| Processing time | About 15-30 days |
Benefits of senior citizen card
Senior citizen cards have many advantages that make the life of the elderly easier and convenient. Following are some of these major advantages:
- Travel discounts: Women get up to 40% discount in railways and up to 50% discount. Apart from this, bus and air travel are also exempted in many states.
- Health facilities: Free or cheaper treatment is available in government hospitals. Medications are also discounted and health checkup is given priority.
- Banking Benefits: Fixed deposits get additional interest from 0.5% to 1%. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) provides guaranteed returns up to 8.2%.
- Tax relief: There is no tax on income up to Rs 3 lakh for people of 60-80 years, while there is no tax on income up to Rs 5 lakh for people above 80 years.
- Other advantages: discounts in telephone bills, priority services in government offices, early hearing in legal matters, and relaxation in many hotels and restaurants.
Application process for senior citizen card
It is very easy to apply for a senior citizen card. Here information about online and offline application process is given:
Online application process
- Go to the state government website: Go to the official website of your state and find options for senior citizen cards.
- Register a new user: If you do not have an account, then register a new user.
- Login and fill the form: Login and fill the online application form.
- Upload the document: Upload all the required documents.
- Submit the form and get acknowledgment: submit the form and get acknowledgment.
- Track the status of the application: Track the application status online.
Offline application process
- Go to the nearest Tehsil Office or Seva Kendra: Go to your nearest Tehsil Office or Seva Kendra.
- Get the application form: Get the application form for senior citizen card.
- Fill the form and attach the documents: Fill the form completely and attach photocopy of all necessary documents.
- Submit the form and get the receipt: Submit the filled form and get the receipt.
- Information will be available on the card prepared: Information will be available on the card is ready.
Required document
The following documents are required when applying for a senior citizen card:
- Age proof: Birth certificate, passport, PAN card, etc.
- Identification proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, etc.
- Address proof: Aadhaar card, electricity bill, ration card, etc.
- Photo: Recent passport size photo.
- Application Form: Complete application form.
State-specific schemes
Many states have launched special schemes for senior citizens:
Delhi
- Free Senior Citizen Card: Free Senior Citizen Card is issued by Delhi Government.
- Free travel in DTC buses: Free travel facility in Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses.
- Free treatment in government hospitals: Free treatment facility in government hospitals.
Maharashtra
- Shiv Seva Card: Shivseva card is issued for people above 65 years.
- 50% fare discount in best buses: 50% fare discount in best buses.
- Free medicines in government hospitals: Free medicines in government hospitals.
Karnataka
- Old Sanjeevani Yojana: Old Sanjeevani Yojana for people above 60 years.
- 25% fare exemption in government buses: 25% fare discount in government buses.
- Free Health Insurance: Free Health Insurance Facility.
Tamil Nadu
- Currency Cuppadu Tettam: Pension Scheme for poor elderly above 60 years.
- Free travel in government buses: Free travel facility in government buses.
- Free glasses and hearing devices: free glasses and hearing equipment facilities.
Disclaimer: This article is written for the purpose of general information. Specific schemes and rules of senior citizen cards are decided by the state governments, so get information on the official website of your state before the application. This scheme is real and its benefits may vary in different states.
