Among the many benefits that the government provides to the senior citizens of India is the senior citizen certificate. Any Indian citizen aged 60 years and above is eligible to apply for it. The senior citizen certificate provides several benefits to the cardholder. It gives them access to several government benefits and welfare schemes that are meant exclusively for senior citizens.

This card also serves as identification for the senior citizens, establishing their status as senior citizens for official and legal work at various government departments or other establishments, including financial organisations.

Eligibility

In India, senior citizen is defined as a person aged 60 years or above.

To be eligible for a senior citizen certificate one has to be aged above 60 years. Second, one has to be the resident of the state where he/she is applying for the senior citizen certificate. The applicant must also possess a valid identity card establishing his/her age as above 60 years.

One can register for the certificate or card online on the government website upon meeting the age and other requirements.

Requirements For Applying

To apply for a senior citizen certificate, the following have to be provided for in the application form.

1] Name

2] Father’s Name

3] Date of Birth

4] Gender (male/female)

5] Category (General, SC, ST, OBC, Minority)

6] Address with city, district, and state and pin code

7] Occupation

8] Qualification

9] Proof Of Age

10] Proof Address

How To Apply Online?

To apply for a senior citizen certificate, go to the official website, services.india.gov.in and look for your respective state. You will be redirected to the website of the respective state government where you will have to proceed with the registration process. You will have to fill in the application form with the requisite details.

You will also need to upload a passport-sized photograph and other documents as requested and complete the application process.

Benefits

The senior citizen card offers a multitude of benefits to the senior citizens. These include reduced rates on train and flight tickets, higher deposit rates at banks, and access to exclusive social security schemes.