Benefits and services for senior citizens
There is no single national 'senior citizen card'; several states and districts issue their own senior citizen ID cards. Key central benefits include free health cover for everyone aged 70+, old age pension for BPL seniors, safe savings schemes, assistive devices and a national elder helpline.
This service is run by state governments, so the portal and process depend on where you live. Find your state or ask below with your state name.
Steps
- 1
Health: enrol for the Ayushman Vay Vandana card (age 70+) on the beneficiary portal or Ayushman App
- 2
Pension: BPL seniors aged 60+ can apply for the old age pension (NSAP/IGNOAPS plus state top-up) through the gram panchayat/municipality or state portal
- 3
Savings: open a Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme account at a post office or bank
- 4
Assistive devices: BPL seniors can get aids such as walking sticks, hearing aids and spectacles through camps under the Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
- 5
Help: call the national Elder Line 14567 for information, guidance, emotional support and help with abuse cases
- 6
Life certificate: submit Jeevan Pramaan every year to keep your pension flowing
- 7
A state senior citizen ID card, where issued, is available from the district social welfare office or state portal
Official links
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment ↗socialjustice.gov.in
- Beneficiary portal (Ayushman 70+) ↗beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- NSAP ↗nsap.dord.gov.in
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