What Is Senior Citizen Card in India: Eligibility, Document Required & How to Apply 

In India, State Governments issue senior citizen cards to all Indian citizens aged 60 years and above. This card comes with access to a variety of government welfare schemes and benefits. If you are a senior citizen in India, it is a good idea to learn more about this card, apply for it and use it to enjoy the benefits it offers.

What Is a Senior Citizen Card?

A senior citizen card serves as an identity document, specifically for senior citizens and can be used alongside or as an alternative to the Aadhaar card for accessing age-related benefits. To apply, you can visit your state’s official website or the nearest 'Sewa Kendra'. Just fill out the required form and pay a nominal fee of ₹10 to get the card.

Eligibility Criteria for a Senior Citizen Card

Here are the eligibility criteria for a senior citizen card:

• An Indian citizen above 60 years.
• You need to possess the necessary documents to avail this card, especially an age proof.
• You need to provide valid proof of permanent residency in the respective state.

Benefits of Senior Citizen Card

You can reap the following benefits by applying for a senior citizen card:

• You can present this card to avail senior citizen interest rates on fixed and recurring deposits.
• You can present this card to avail income tax exemptions during a financial year.
• Senior citizens can avail medical discounts at private hospitals and state-governed hospitals.
• A senior citizen card helps you request a priority hearing date at High Courts in India.
• If you are installing a BSNL or MTNL connection, you can request a priority installation date with this card with minimal registration.
• You can use this card to avail old age services at low charges.
• You can avail discounts on tickets for state-government-owned bus services.

Documents Required for Senior Citizen Card

To get a senior citizen card, you need to present an identity proof, age proof and address proof. Here are the documents that you can present:

Identity Proof:

Here is the identity proof that you can present:

• Aadhaar card
• Passport
• Voter ID card
• Driving License
• Pension card
• Driving License
• Any photo identity card issued by the government 
• A bank certificate issued by a bank branch

Address Proof:

Here is the address proof that you can present:

• Passport
• Aadhaar card
• Voter ID card
• Ration card
• Rental agreement
• Registered sale deed
• Record of revenue
• Telephone bill
• Bank passbook with a photo
• Certified voter list

Age Proof:

You can provide the following age proof:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• PAN card
• School pass-out certificate

How to Download Application Form for Senior Citizen Card? 

Here is a step-by-step guide you need to follow in order to download the senior citizen card application form: 

Step 1: Navigate to the official website of the National Portal of India.

Step 2: Go to the ‘Senior Citizen Identity Card’ page.

Step 3: On the redirected page, select ‘Application Form for Issue of Identity Card to Senior Citizen’.

Step 4: Click on the available link to go to the 'Application Form Page'.

Step 5: Further, select ‘Application Form of Issue of Identity Card to Senior Citizen’.

Step 6: Download the application form and apply for a senior citizen card.

How to Apply for a Senior Citizen Card Online and Offline?

You can apply for a senior citizen card online in the following way:

Step 1: Navigate to the official National Government Services portal.

Step 2: Go to the necessary page of your state government.

Step 3: Fill in the application form with the necessary details.

Step 4: Upload the relevant documents, followed by a passport-sized photograph.

Step 5: Pay the registration fees.

Step 6: Click on the ‘Submit’ option to apply for the card online.

If you want to apply for the card offline, you need to follow the steps below:

Step 1: Visit the General Tehsildar’s office or the local government party office.

Step 2: Collect the senior citizen application form from a party representative.

Step 3: Enter the details to fill in the form and provide the relevant documents.

Step 4: Pay the applicable fees to complete the offline senior citizen card.

Final Word

A senior citizen card allows Indian citizens aged 60 and above to enjoy exclusive benefits such as discounts on healthcare and access to government welfare schemes. If you are eligible, applying for this card can make your everyday life more comfortable and financially secure. For this, you can also opt for checking out investment options provided by Stable Money. Here you earn returns of up to 9.10% per annum without any hassle. 

So download the app now and start your investment journey!