The number of elderly in India is continuously increasing. Keeping this in mind, the government has started the Senior Citizen Card. This card is given to people aged 60 years or older. Its purpose is to provide various government schemes to the elderly.
Senior Citizen Card is a kind of identity card for the elderly. This gives them many benefits. Such as travel discounts, cheap treatment in hospitals, more interest in bank and relief in tax. This card also gives the elderly a special status in the society.
In this article we will know how the senior citizen card can be made. Also, we will also explain in detail about its benefits. So let’s start.
Senior Citizen Card: Overview and Benefits
Before knowing about the senior citizen card, 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 this offline |
| Required documents | Age proof, identity card, address evidence |
| Main advantage | Travel exemption, benefits in bank, health facilities |
| Processing time | About 15-30 days |
Eligibility for Senior Citizen Card
Some conditions have to be fulfilled to get a senior citizen card. These are:
- Your age should be at least 60 years
- You should be citizens of India
- You should have proof of your age
- You must have proof of address
- You should be a resident of the state where you are applying for the card
Documents required for making senior citizen card
To make the card, you have to submit some documents. These are:
- Age proof: Birth certificate, passport, Aadhaar card, voter ID card, driving license or pension card
- Evidence of Identity: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID Card or Passport
- Evidence of address: Aadhaar card, electricity bill, telephone bill or bank statement
- Two photos of passport size
- Living certificate (issued by local government official)
- Blood group report (optional)
How to make senior citizen card
Senior citizen cards can be made in two ways – online and offline. Let us know about both methods:
Online application process
- Go to your state government website
- Select the option of registration for senior citizen card
- Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number and email id
- Do OTP Verification
- Fill your personal details
- Upload the required documents
- Submit the form
- Application fee (if any) pay
- Note the application id
Offline application process
- Go to your nearest government office or municipal corporation office
- Take senior citizen card form
- Fill the form completely
- Attach the necessary documents
- Submit the form and take the receipt
- Application fee (if any) submit
Benefits of Senior Citizen Card
The senior citizen card gives many benefits to the elderly. Let us know in detail about these benefits:
Travel discount
- Railways: 40% for men above 60 years and women discount up to 50%
- Bus: Elderly exemption in bus fares in many states
- Air travel: Many airlines discount the elderly in tickets
Health facilities
- Free or cheap treatment in government hospitals
- Discounts on medicines
- Priority in health checkup
Banking benefits
- More interest on fixed deposits (typically from 0.5% to 1%)
- Guaranteed returns up to 8.2% in Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
- Priority services in bank
Relief in tax
- Income tax exemption: No tax on income up to Rs 3 lakh for people of 60-80 years
- No tax on income up to Rs 5 lakh for people above 80 years
- Additional tax exemption on medical insurance premium
other benefits
- Telephone bill discount
- Priority services in government offices
- Early hearing in legal matters
- Many hotels and restaurants discount
State-specific schemes for senior citizen card
Many states have launched special schemes for their elders. A look at the plans of some major states:
Delhi
- Free Senior Citizen Card from Delhi Government
- Free travel in dtc buses
- Free treatment in government hospitals
Maharashtra
- Shiv Seva Card: For people above 65 years
- 50% fare discount in best buses
- Free medicines in government hospitals
Karnataka
- Older Sanjeevani Yojana: For people above 60 years
- 25% fare discount in government buses
- Free health insurance
Tamil Nadu
- Currency Cuppadu Tettam: Pension Scheme for poor elderly above 60 years
- Free travel in government buses
- Free glasses and hearing instruments
Tips for using senior citizen card
Some tips to use senior citizen card correctly:
- Always keep the card with you
- Show the card while booking tickets during the journey
- Use cards for treatment in hospital
- Show cards while opening new accounts in bank
- Use cards to get priority in government offices
- Show cards to get discounts in hotel or restaurant
- Report immediately if the card is lost and make a new card
Often asked questions related to Senior Citizen Card (FAQs)
- Is the senior citizen card the same in every state?
No, every state has its own separate card. But the benefits are almost the same. - Does any fees have to be paid for the card?
In most states this card is given free of cost. Some states can be charged minor fees. - How long does it take to make a card?
The card is usually made within 15-30 days. - Does the validity of the card ever end?
No, this card remains valid for a lifetime. - Can foreign nationals also apply for this card?
No, this card is only for Indian citizens.
Disclaimer: This article has been written only for the purpose of information. Although we have tried our best to give accurate information, even government rules and schemes can change from time to time. Therefore, before any action, get the latest information from your local government office or official website. We will not be responsible for any work done on the basis of the information given in this article.
