The government is providing a special facility called ‘Senior Citizen Card’ to senior citizens above 60 years of age to lead a comfortable and dignified life. This is not just considered as an age document, but can be called a ‘VIP treatment’ card for senior citizens.
Here are the many benefits of having this card and the complete information on how to apply.
Top 10 benefits of this card:
Discount on travel: 25% discount on ticket fare when traveling in KSRTC buses.
Railway facilities: Separate counters for ticket booking at railway stations and priority for lower berths during travel.
Air travel: Special discounts are available on basic fares in companies like Air India.
Higher interest rate: Fixed deposits (FDs) made in banks get 0.5% more interest than the general public.
Health services: There are separate queues for treatment in government hospitals. You can get 10% to 30% discount on treatment costs in private hospitals and labs.
Tax exemption: Income tax payers have a higher tax exemption limit than the general public.
Pension facility: This is an important document for BPL card holders to get Sandhya Suraksha or old age pension.
Priority in court: Cases of senior citizens are heard quickly in courts.
Priority in government offices: No need to wait long for any government jobs, first priority is given.
National recognition: This card obtained in Karnataka can be used as age proof across the country.
Documents required for application:
Before applying, prepare the following documents:
- Aadhaar card and PAN card.
- Age proof: SSLC marks card or birth certificate.
- Address proof: Ration card or voter ID.
- Two recent passport size photographs.
How to apply?
You can apply in both online and offline modes:
Offline mode: You can visit your nearest Karnataka One, Bangalore One, or Grama One centers and apply. Or you can go to the office of the District Women and Child Welfare Department and get information.
Online Method: Visit the official Seva Sindhu portal of the Government of Karnataka. There, you can easily apply by selecting the option ‘Department of Empowerment of the Disabled and Senior Citizens’ and uploading the necessary documents.
Note: This facility is available only to permanent residents of Karnataka and the card will reach you within 15 to 30 days of submitting the application.