The National Helpline for Senior Citizens, or Elder Line, is a government toll-free number, 14567, for senior citizens to help resolve their various queries. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MOSJE) regulates the helpline in coordination with different state agencies.

Although the toll-free number is the same across the country, each state has a different call-receiving office to address the queries generated from that particular state.

The helpline offers numerous services for senior citizens, from information about pension and welfare schemes to emergency help for their safety. The helpline works seven days a week between 8 am and 8 pm. Senior citizens can resolve all their queries through this helpline.

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The national helpline number provides a single platform for senior citizens to help resolve their complaints and receive information from various government agencies, non-profit organisations, and other private-sector organisations working for senior citizens’ welfare.

Here are some services the Elder Line provides to the senior citizens:

Information

The helpline offers information on various topics, such as health insurance and government schemes like Ayushman Bharat. It also connects the homeless with old-age homes for food, clothes and shelter. It also helps them connect with day-care centres, caregivers, etc., for assistance and provides wheelchairs, walking sticks and other products for older people.

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Guidance

Seniors facing legal troubles can seek affordable legal help from professionals. It can also guide them on various government schemes, provide pension-related information, etc.

Emotional Support

The national helpline number can also provide emotional support to senior citizens suffering from mental illnesses, anxiety, depression, loneliness, etc., by talking to them. It can also help resolve family disputes and provide legal assistance.

Intervention

Studies show that one in every six senior citizens faces abuse globally. In India, 61.7 per cent of seniors are abused or abandoned by family, either by spouse, children or both. These victims can contact the national helpline number for rescue; they will be placed in senior homes away from the abusive family.