Senior Citizen Card: Application Form, How To Apply & Download Online, Benefits, Status Check

There are several financial incentives exclusively offered to senior citizens in India, as a part of social security and welfare programs. Starting from health to tax benefits, these incentives aim to ease the financial burden of such individuals and make their lives convenient. However, to avail these exclusive benefits, it is mandatory to possess a senior citizen card. 

What Is Senior Citizen Card? 

In India, the State Government authorities issue a crucial identification document to individuals upon turning 60 years old. Senior citizen card, serves as an alternative to Aadhaar Card for such individuals. To avail this card, one has to visit either the official website or the ‘Sewa Kendra’ of the state they belong to and submit an application form along with a deposit of Rs.10. 

Senior Citizen Card Eligibility Criteria

To avail the senior citizen card benefits, an individual must meet the following eligibility criteria. 

• The applicant must be at least 60 years old. 
• He/she must possess a valid identity card. 
• The individual has to submit official documents confirming state permanent residency. 

Documents Required for Senior Citizen Card

Here is a list of documents that an individual has to submit at the time of applying for a senior citizen card. 

• Proof of Identity (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Driving License, Ration Card, Pension Card, Government-issued Identity Card, Bank Certificate) 
• Address Proof (Passport, Utility Bills, Rental Agreement, Registered Sale Deed, Bank Passbook) 
• Proof of Age (Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate, PAN Card) 

Benefits of Senior Citizen Card

Given below are some of the benefits of possessing a senior citizen card. 

• Upon holding a senior citizen card, you can avail preferential interest rates at the time of opening a fixed or recurring deposit with a bank or any other financial institution. 
• By submitting the senior citizen card, an individual above 60 years of age can avail income tax exemption limit of up to Rs. 3 lakh in a financial year. 
• You can enjoy travel discounts while booking a ticket with a state government-owned bus transport services company or air travel company. 
• You can avail discounted medical benefits at private hospitals and free medical treatment at state-owned hospitals by showing a senior citizen card. 
• A senior citizen card enables individuals above 60 years of age to request priority hearing dates at the Indian High Court. 
• Priority installation and minimal registration charges are provided to senior citizens at the time of applying for MTNL and BSNL connections. 
• A nominal fee, relatively lower than regular charges, is applicable upon availing services from old age centres. 
• The card is considered valid everywhere, across the country. 

Senior Citizen Card Application Form

There are few steps you can follow to download the application form to apply for a senior citizen card. They are follows: 

Step 1: Visit the official National Portal of India website.
Step 2: In the search bar, type “senior citizen identity card” and press Enter.
Step 3: From the results, click on the first link titled “Application Form for Issue of Identity Card to Senior Citizen”.
Step 4: You’ll be redirected to the application form page.
Step 5: Click on “Application Form for Issue of Identity Card to Senior Citizen” to download the form.

How to Apply for a Senior Citizen Card? 

• Online 

The following is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a senior citizen card online. 

Step 1: Visit the official National Government Services Portal.
Step 2: Navigate to your respective state government page to proceed with the registration.
Step 3: An application form will appear on your screen.
Step 4: Fill in the application with all the required details.
Step 5: Upload all the necessary documents along with a passport-sized photograph.
Step 6: Make the required registration payment.
Step 7: Click on the ‘Submit’ tab to complete the process.

• Offline 

Here is a stepwise process that you need to follow with due diligence to successfully apply for a senior citizen card. 

Step 1: Visit your nearest local government party office or the General Tehsildar’s office in your area.
Step 2: Consult a party representative and ask for the Senior Citizen Card Application Form.
Step 3: Fill out the form with all the required details and attach the necessary supporting documents.