A senior citizen card in India is a government-approved proof of age for citizens above the age of 60. It is also known as a Senior Citizen ID Card or Senior Citizenship Card. The card contains necessary details like blood group, emergency contact numbers, allergies, and medication details printed on it. The card can be obtained by filling an online application form available on every state government’s website. The following documents (originals) have to be submitted for verification:
- Documents for proof of age: Passport, PAN Card, School Leaving Certificate, etc.
- Documents for proof of residence: 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 of having a senior citizen card can be divided into four broad categories:
- Travel Benefit: Senior citizens can enjoy 40-50% concession on railway tickets. Select airlines offer up to 50% discount on domestic flights in the economy class.
- Finance Benefit: 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.
- Health Benefit: Senior citizens can avail of discounts on medical expenses, including hospitalization, medicines, and diagnostic tests.
- Miscellaneous Benefit: Senior citizens can avail of discounts on various services like property tax, telephone bills, and electricity bills.
In addition, a senior citizen certificate can be obtained, which establishes the family member status of the citizen for all legal and official purposes.
