Senior Citizen Card How To Apply For A Senior Citizen Card

Senior Citizen Card - How to Apply for a Senior Citizen Card?

Older citizens in India are eligible for several exclusive incentives. To receive special benefits, a senior citizen card is a must. 

Written by : Rishabh Jain

Reviewed by : Jasmeet Bedi

Jasmeet Bedi

2022-04-22

550 Views

8 minutes read

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As per Indian law, any person above the age of 60 years is classified as a Senior Citizen. As senior citizens, you become eligible for a host of waivers and benefits in services offered by the government and in financial institutions. Senior citizens currently make up about 10% of the overall population and this percentage is steadily growing due to a fall in the birth rates and increase in the average life spans.

Most governmental, non-governmental and private sector organizations mandate retirement at the age of 60. Albeit lately, a few government departments have extended this to 65, the vast majority still retire at 60. This majority finds it hard to secure any gainful employment because of the stigma, amongst employers, that older people might be medically unfit.

Post-retirement life can be a roller-coaster ride unless one plans finances early on in life. As per a report titled, The Future of Retirement, the Cost of Ageing, by HSBC, 56% of the working population lives paycheque to paycheque, putting themselves at grave risk for the future.

Saving schemes by the Government of India, are offered to enhance savings and reduce the tax burden. Higher interest rates on bank deposits, tax-free withdrawals of money from pension schemes such as NPS, deductions from taxable income for investments and discounts on travel via road, rail or air are some of the key initiatives of the government. Affordable pension schemes such as the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) encourage small deposits to reap benefits post-retirement.

So, how does a senior citizen avail of these benefits?

Table Of Content:

What is a Senior Citizen Card?

A senior citizen card, issued by the Government of India, makes it convenient for citizens to enrol in social security schemes and avail benefits that are listed for them.

Benefits of Senior Citizen Card 

You will earn money and save a lot more, too. Higher interest rates, special savings options such as the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, and concessions when you travel will add to your savings. The senior citizen card benefits are as follows:

1. Investments 

  • Special savings schemes with higher interest rates are offered by Banks and Post Offices

  • Additional 0.5% interest on regular bank deposits

2. Tax 

  • Higher exemption slab implying lower tax outgo

  • Tax-free withdrawals from pension schemes

3. Travel 

  • 40%-50% concession on tickets to travel by Indian Railways

  • Dedicated counters are available at the railway station

  • 50% discount on air travel offered by select airlines

4. Healthcare

  • Free health facilities and consultation at government-owned healthcare centres

  • Discounts offered in select private hospitals

 

Did You Know?

There are guidelines regarding the availability of wheelchairs at stations. This service is offered, appropriately guided by coolies

Claim Settlement Ratio

Senior Citizen Card Application Form 

If you are wondering how to apply for a senior citizen card, there are two options that you can choose from. If you prefer the offline method, you can apply for a senior citizen card by going to the General Tehsildar's office. If you opt for an online method you must go to the official National Government Services Portal. You can obtain the senior citizen card application form by following a few simple steps. They are as follows: 

Step 1: Go to the National Portal of India's official website.

Step 2: Enter "senior citizen identity card" into the search bar.

Step 3: After being redirected, select the "Application Form for Issue of Identity Card to Senior Citizen" link, which is the first one that appears.

Step 4: When you click the link, the "Application Form Page" will open.

Step 5: The application for a senior citizen ID card will be available for download after you select "Application Form for Issue of Identity Card to Senior Citizen."

How to Apply for a Senior Citizen Card? 

Senior Citizen Card Online Application: 

Here's an easy-to-follow guide on applying online for a senior citizen card.

  1. Go to the National Government Services Portal on the official website. 
  2. Visit the website of the state government in your area to begin the registration procedure. You'll see an application form appear on your screen. 
  3. Complete the application by providing all necessary information.
  4. Upload a passport-sized photo and all the necessary documentation. 
  5. Pay the registration fee as required. 
  6. Select the tab titled "Submit." 

Senior Citizen Card Offline Application 

You must carefully follow the steps in this process in order to apply for a senior citizen card offline. 

  1. Go to the General Tehsildar's office or the closest local government party office in your area. 
  2. Speak with a party representative to get the application for a senior citizen card. 
  3. Complete the form with the necessary information, then attach the necessary files.

Documents Required for Senior Citizen Card 

You may either apply online on the national government services portal or file an offline physical application. Guidelines to do either of them are listed below for your perusal:

Please visit the national government services portal or the government website of the state that you belong to. Keep the following documents handy before you log in and begin your application:

1. Proof of Identity 

The following documents are acceptable:

  • Voter ID card

  • Aadhaar Card

  • Driving Licence

  • Passport

  • Arms Licence with Photo Graph

  • Central Government Health Scheme Card or

  • Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme photo card

  • Ration card with Photograph

  • Photo identity card issued by the Central Government or a State Government or a Public Sector Undertaking

  • Pensioner Card having a photograph of the applicants

  • Certificate of identity in original signed by Member of Parliament or Member of Legislative Assembly or a Gazetted Officer containing a duly attested photograph

  • Bank certificate from the branch

2. Proof of Residence 

The following documents are listed as acceptable as proof of the place you reside in

  • Passport

  • Telephone (BSNL landline or postpaid mobile bill) on the Name of Applicant

  • Voter Photo ID card

  • Ration card

  • Aadhaar Card

  • Registered Rental Agreement (for a period of more than one year)

  • Photo Passbook of Bank Account (Scheduled Public Sector and Regional Rural Banks only)

  • House Allotment Letter

  • Revenue Record

  • Registered Sale Deed

  • Certified Voter List

3. Proof of Age 

A document as evidence to support your claim to be a senior citizen is needed.

  • Birth certificate

  • School leaving certificate

  • Passport

  • Pan Card

Wrapping Up 

In conclusion, the senior citizen card in India is a vital tool that offers a multitude of financial incentives to ease the financial burden of senior citizens. These benefits, encompassing health and tax benefits, are designed to provide a comfortable and secure life for the elderly. By providing exclusive discounts and concessions, the government aims to promote the welfare of senior citizens and ensure their well-being.

 

Glossary:

Deductions from taxable income: These are the investments or costs that taxpayers can deduct in order to lower their income. The Income Tax Act is divided into several sections, such as Sections 80C, 80D, and 80 G. It promotes investing and saving while reducing tax obligations.

NPS: It is a market-linked contribution plan that aids with retirement savings. The programme is straightforward, optional, adaptable, and versatile. It is one of the most effective strategies for reducing taxes and increasing retirement income. With systematic savings done in a planned manner, it enables you to plan for a financially comfortable retirement.

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FAQs Related to Senior Citizen Card

Along with registration information, you must sign up and turn in the sr citizen card application form, two photos, a proof of identity that shows your current residence, and a document proving your age. You can then proceed with the registration process.

You can apply for a senior citizen card on the National Government Services Portal if you are applying for it online. If you are applying via the offline method, visit the General Tehsildar's office in your community or the closest local government party office. 

The senior citizens cards are issued by the Government of India.

A senior citizen card offers a number of benefits including old-age home privileges, which seniors can use if they are unable to support themselves financially. The card is good for travelling anywhere in the nation. Cases in court can be heard early. You can get discounts at government hospitals

Yes, the senior citizen cards are valid and applicable across the country.

Yes, as long as you have the required paperwork and authorization, you are able to apply for the card on behalf of a senior family member.

No, only the residing Indian senior citizens can apply and are eligible for senior citizen card. 

In order to apply for a senior citizen card, you need to fill out the form completely, include all necessary supporting papers, and pay the registration fee before submitting it.