Senior Citizen Card: How to Apply for a Senior Citizenship Card Online

According to a 2016 report by the Ministry for Statistics and Program Implementation, India’s senior citizen population stands at almost 104 million, which is about 8.5% of the population above 60 years of age. This considerable percentage calls for initiatives which ease the senior citizens’ financial burden, benefits which add to their convenience, and assist them in a considerate manner.One such initiative is the Senior Citizen ID Card which provides unique benefits to citizens above the age of 60.Apart from allowing senior citizens to avail various government and private schemes, it also has a person’s necessary details like blood group, emergency contact numbers, allergies, and their medication details printed.

A senior citizen ID card can be obtained by filling an online application form available on every state government’s website. Along with this, the following documents (originals) have to be submitted for verification:

• Documents For Proof of age Valid documents: Passport, PAN Card, School Leaving Certificate, etc.
• Documents For Proof of residence Valid documents: Ration Card, Passport, Election Card, Electricity/Phone Bill in their name of the person applying.
• Documents For Medical Information Blood Report and Reports about medication and allergies.
• Three stamp-sized photographs

The benefits for senior citizens can be divided into four broad categories:

• Railways: Senior citizens can enjoy 40-50% concession on railway tickets. Separate counters or queues are available for booking tickets.
• Airways: Select airlines offer upto 50% discount on domestic flights in the economy class.

• Income Tax: Depending on the income slabs, senior citizens can pay fewer taxes than the rest of the country.
• Banks offer an extra 0.5% interest rate on fixed deposits.
• Citizens above the age of 65 also get a 100% exemption from the state professional taxes.
• The post office also offers a 9% interest in the Post Office Investment Schemes.
• A lot of banks also offer priority services, higher returns on investments, and door to door verification of documents.

• Free treatment at government hospitals and discounted treatment at private hospitals.

• Priority hearing: Senior citizens get priority hearing dates at the high court combined with the faster response time.
• Reduced phone charges: Senior citizens applying for MTNL and BSNL connections get priority installation, and registration charges are waived off for them. They also receive a 25% discount on their MTNL monthly rental charges.
• Old age homes also offer services at a nominal fee.
• More straightforward passport application: The mandatory police verification for senior citizens, depending on their health condition and letter issued by children living or studying abroad, is done after the issuance of the passport instead of earlier.

• Travel Benefit
• Finance Benefit
• Health Benefit
• Other Benefits

The information contained herein is generic in nature and is meant for educational purposes only. Nothing here is to be construed as an investment or financial or taxation advice nor to be considered as an invitation or solicitation or advertisement for any financial product. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and should seek independent professional advice prior to making any investment decision in relation to any financial product. Aditya Birla Capital Group is not liable for any decision arising out of the use of this information.