A Guide to Senior Citizen ID Card

The Indian Government has implemented various facilities and benefits for the citizens. The senior citizens of India have been given special privileges and attention, which has resulted in the central government along with all the other states offering Senior Citizen Identity Card to support the senior citizens while availing of the welfare schemes and benefits specific to them.

Eligibility criteria

The applicant for a senior citizen id card should fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

1. The individual who has applied for a senior citizen id card should be above the age of 60
2. The individual should have a Government proof stating that they are a permanent resident of the state in possession.
3. The individual who has fulfilled the above-mentioned criteria are eligible for the online application for a senior citizen id card

Documents required

The applicant who is eligible for obtaining a senior citizen card should have the following documents in possession:

1. A proof of residence that is issued by the respective state officials to the applicant
2. The applicant must submit government-issued documentation stating their date of birth that serves as proof of age
3. The applicant should have the necessary medical information as well like blood report and reports about allergies and medication
4. The applicant has to also submit three stamp size photographs

Benefits of Senior Citizen ID card

There are numerous benefits offered to people that have a senior citizen id card. These benefits are monetary, assistance, health, travel, finance, etc. Some of these includes:

1. A 30% railway concession for people who are 60 years of age or above
2. A 50% Maharashtra State Transport discount for people who are 65 years of age or above
3. Government hospitals provide free treatment for people who are 60 years of age or above
4. Banks provide an additional interest of 0.5% to people that are 60 years of age
5. The High court provides priority hearings for people that are above the age of 65 years
6. Maharashtra professional tax-exempts senior citizens that are 65 years of age and above from paying any tax
7. MTNL also provides a 25% discount on monthly rentals to people who are 65 years of age
8. Railways have a separate queue for senior citizens for their convenience
9. Senior citizens are provided with income tax relief
10. Old age homes admissions are free or at a nominal cost

Application procedure

The applicant has to go through the following steps in order to apply for a senior citizen id card online:

1. Click on the login or create a new user account
2. Once your account has been created, log in using your username and password
3. Look for the Revenue department and click on it
4. Go the senior citizen certificate
5. Fill in the relevant information asked like name of husband, district name, etc. on the application form presented
6. Click on the submit button
7. You will be directed to another window where you will be asked to upload a passport size photograph and a few additional documents
8. Select and upload the necessary documents
9. Then, you have the option of making the payment. Select your desired payment option and submit the details
10. Lastly, you can download a soft copy of your senior citizen certificate anytime from a week to twenty days.