All senior citizens will get these three big benefits, apply immediately. Senior Citizen 3 big benefits

Many types of schemes and benefits are provided by the government for senior citizens. The main objective of these schemes is to provide economic and social security to the elderly. Recently, the government has announced three new important benefits for senior citizens, aimed at improving their quality of life.

In this article, we will give detailed information about these three big benefits. Also, we will tell you how to apply for these benefits and what documents are required. This information will be very useful for all senior citizens and their families.

Three big benefits for senior citizens

A brief description of the three major benefits announced by the government is given in the following table:

Now we will give detailed information about these benefits.

Pension increase: increased financial support

The government has announced a 20% increase in the monthly pension amount of senior citizens. This increase will be applicable for all those senior citizens who are currently availing the benefits of any government pension scheme.

Key points of pension increase:

• This increase will be applicable from the next financial year.
• About 3 crore senior citizens will benefit from this.
• The minimum pension amount has been fixed at Rs 3,000 per month.
• This increase has been made keeping in mind inflation and rising cost of living.

Application process for pension increase:

1. Visit your nearest pension office or e-seva center.
2. Fill the pension increase application form.
3. Submit the required documents (Aadhar Card, Pension Passbook, Bank Details).
4. Receive acknowledgment of application.
5. The increased pension amount will start being received after the application is scrutinized and approved by the authorities.

Health Insurance: Better Health Protection

The government has announced free health insurance coverage up to Rs 5 lakh for all senior citizens. This scheme will be known as “Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme”.

Features of Health Insurance Plan:

• This insurance coverage will be available to all citizens above 60 years of age.
• It also includes coverage for OPD (outpatient department) expenses.
• Cashless treatment facility will be available in select hospitals across the country.
• Coverage will also be provided for pre-existing diseases.
• Expenses for medicines and diagnostic tests are also covered.

Application Process for Health Insurance:

1. Go to your nearest health center or government hospital.
2. Obtain and fill out a health insurance application form.
3. Submit the required documents (Aadhar Card, Age Certificate, Photo).
4. Receive a temporary insurance card after submitting the application.
5. The Permanent Insurance Card will be sent to your home by post.

Travel Discounts: Affordable Travel

The government has announced up to 50% discount in public transport for senior citizens. This discount will be applicable in buses, trains and metro.

Key points of travel discount:

• This relaxation will be available to all citizens above 65 years of age.
• 50% discount on state transport buses.
• Senior citizen discount in Railways has been increased to 50%.
• 30% discount during off-peak hours in Metro.
• Special concessions have also been made in air travel.

Procedure to avail travel discount:

1. Visit your nearest transport office.
2. Apply for Senior Citizen Travel Card.
3. Submit the required documents (Aadhar Card, Age Certificate, Photo).
4. Get a travel card.
5. By showing this card you can avail discounts in public transport.

Tax Exemption: Additional Income Tax Benefits

The government has announced additional income tax exemption for senior citizens. This relaxation has been given to encourage their savings and investment.

Major provisions of tax exemption:

• The taxable income limit for the age group of 60-80 years has been increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 3.5 lakh.
• For those above 80 years of age, this limit has been increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 5.5 lakh.
• Under Section 80TTB, the exemption limit on interest received on bank deposits has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000.
• The deduction limit on medical insurance premium has been increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.

To avail tax exemption:

1. Mention these new exemptions in your income tax return.
2. Attach necessary documents and proof.
3. Take help of a tax advisor if necessary.

Free Health Checkup: Regular Health Monitoring

The government has announced to provide the facility of annual free health checkup for all senior citizens. This facility will be known as “Senior Citizen Annual Health Check-up Program”.

Features of Health Checkup Programme:

• Complete health checkup will be done free of cost once every year.
• This will include blood tests, diabetes screening, heart health checkup, and other necessary tests.
• This facility will be available in government hospitals and selected private hospitals.
• A detailed health report and advice will be given after the test.

Application Process for Health Checkup:

1. Go to your nearest government hospital or health center.
2. Register for health checkup.
3. Submit the required documents (Aadhar Card, Age Certificate).
4. Get appointment date and time.
5. Arrive for testing on the scheduled date.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Although we have tried to provide accurate information, government policies and schemes may change from time to time. Please obtain the latest and accurate information from the relevant government department or authorized sources before applying for any benefit or scheme. The author or publisher will not be responsible for any action taken based on the information given in this article.