As age increases, many challenges also come up in life. Especially after 60 years, when a person retires or his income decreases, economic and health needs increase.
Government of India and State Governments have brought many special schemes and facilities for senior citizens i.e. 60 years or older. The objective of these schemes is to give economic security, health benefits and social respect to the elderly.
If you or there is no 60+ in your family, then this article is very important for you. Here we will tell you which people above 60 years get 5 big benefits, how you can take advantage of them, and what is the last date for application.
Also, we will tell you which documents will be needed and what is the application process. Read this article completely, so that you or you can take advantage of all these benefits in time.
Senior Citizen Benefits in India – Overview Table
| Name of Plan/Benefit | Main details |
| Indira gandhi national old age pension (ignoaps) | ₹ 3,000 per month (₹ 36,000 annually) pension, 60+ BPL for citizens |
| Golden Card for Elders | Free government treatment, medicines, transport discounts, priority services |
| Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) | More interest on FD, secure investment option |
| Senior Citizen Health Insurance | Special health insurance schemes, less premium, more coverage |
| Public transport concession | Bus, train rented discounts up to 40-50% |
| Senior Citizenship Card | Priority in government schemes, court, banking |
| Door-step banking | Banking facilities, cash pickup, draft delivery at home |
| Tax Benefits | More tax exemption, additional deduction on medical expenses |
Senior Citizen Scheme – The most important benefits for 60+
Government of India and State Governments provide many schemes and facilities for citizens of 60 years or older. Their purpose is to provide economic, health and social security to the elderly. Know the 5 most important benefits, which can benefit every senior citizen:
1. Old Age Pension Scheme
- What is: BPL (below the poverty line) of 60 years or older, citizens are given pension up to ₹ 3,000 every month.
- Benefits: This amount directly comes to the bank account through DBT, which gives regular income to the elderly.
- Eligibility: 60+ age, BPL families, do not take advantage of any other government pension.
- Application Process: Fill the form online or in the nearest government office and submit the necessary documents.
2. Golden Card for Elders – Free Treatment and Priority Services
- What is: The government has launched the Golden Card Scheme, which gives priority to the elderly free government treatment, cheap medicines, transport discounts, and many government services.
- Benefit:
- Free annual health checkup
- Free treatment in government hospitals
- Discounts on medicines
- Priority and seating in bus, train, metro
- Separate counter in bank, post office
- Exemption in electricity-water bill (in some states)
- Eligibility: 60+ all citizens of age
- Application: Apply at the state website or nearest service center
3. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) – More interest and safe investment
- What is: SCSS is a government savings scheme, in which 60+ people can make fixed deposits and get more interest than normal FD.
- Benefit:
- More than FD interest rate (above 7.5%)
- 5 year lock-in period
- Income tax discount (80C)
- Eligibility: 60+ all citizens of age
- Application: Fill the form by going to bank or post office
4. Senior Citizen Health Insurance – Special Health Insurance
- What is: Special health insurance policy is available for senior citizens, in which more coverage is available on low premiums.
- Benefit:
- Hospitalized expenses, medicines, operation cover
- Coverage also on pre-accessing disease
- Cashless treatment facility
- Application: Can buy policy from any government or private insurance company
5. Public Transport Concession – Travel discount
- What is: 60+ people get up to 40-50% discount on tickets in bus, train, metro.
- Benefit:
- Long distance train trip discounts up to 40% (female) and 50% (male)
- Rent on rent in state transport buses
- Metro and other transport also exempted in some states
- Eligibility: 60+ age, identity card is necessary
Other important benefits for 60+
- Senior Citizenship Card: On getting this card, preference is available in court, bank, government offices.
- Door-Step Banking: 70+ age people get banking facilities at home-cash pickup, check delivery etc.
- Tax Benefits: Senior citizens get more tax exemption, such as income tax free of up to ₹ 3 lakh, deduction at medical expenses.
- Property Tax Examption: In some states, the property tax exemption or exemption limit is increased.
Application Process
Online application:
- Go to the website of the state or central government
- Choose related Plan/Scheme (eg ignoaps, golden card, scss)
- Upload the required documents
- Fill the form and submit
- Keep the registration number safe
Offline application:
- Go to the nearest panchayat, block, bank or government office
- Take and fill the form
- Attach the required documents (Aadhaar, Income Certificate, Age Proof, Bank Detail, Photo)
- Submit the form and take the receipt
Required documents
- Aadhar card or any other identity card
- Age Certificate (Birth Certificate, School Certificate etc.)
- Income Certificate (BPL Card, Pension Book etc.)
- Passport Size Photo
- Bank account statement
- Address proof
Last date to apply
- Applications for many schemes remain open throughout the year, but the last date for some schemes (eg pilgrimage scheme, pension update) is fixed.
- Example: The last date for Rajasthan Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme was 19 September 2024.
- It is necessary to see government notifications from time to time for new schemes.
- Advice: Apply as soon as possible, so that the last date is not missed.
5 biggest benefits for 60+ – brief bullet list
- Old age pension up to ₹ 3,000 every month
- Free treatment, medicines, and health checkups (Golden Card/Health Insurance)
- More interest and tax exemption in bank FD, SCSS
- 40-50% discount on traveling in bus, train, metro
- Priority and door-step banking in government offices, banks, courts
Who will get the benefit? (Eligibility)
- Age should be 60 years or more
- It is necessary to be an Indian citizen
- BPL or Income Limit required in some schemes
- Necessary documents should be
Important Points
- While applying, submit all documents correct and complete
- Confirm your eligibility from time to time
- Contact the nearest government office or helpline for any problem
- See the official website for information about all the schemes
Conclusion
If you or someone in your family is above 60 years, then take advantage of these government schemes. Facilities like pension, free treatment, more interest, tax exemption and travel exemption are very important for the elderly. The application process is easy, just submit the necessary documents and apply in time.
The aim of these schemes of the government is to give respect, security and self -reliance to the elderly. Therefore, take advantage of them and make your life better.
Disclaimer
This article is written only for the purpose of giving information. All schemes are run by the Central and State Governments from time to time. Before applying, please confirm complete information and eligibility from the official website of the concerned scheme or the nearest government office. Sometimes the terms of the schemes, the profit amount or the last date may change. Apply only from government portal or authorized centers to avoid any fraud.
