Turning 60 is a big milestone! It means more time with family, retirement perks, and exclusive Senior Citizen Discounts and Benefits.
In the Philippines, hitting this age officially makes you a senior citizen, giving you access to government programs designed to support you, especially since job opportunities can be limited at this stage.
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These benefits are available to both residents and dual citizens who qualify. The government offers plenty of programs to make life easier and more enjoyable for seniors.
So, why not take advantage of them?
Let’s explore to learn more about it!
Senior Citizen Discounts and Benefits
Senior citizens in the Philippines are entitled to various benefits and privileges aimed at improving their quality of life.
These benefits include discounts, exemptions, free services, and government assistance programs.
20 Percent Discounts
Senior citizens enjoy a 20% discount on the following essential services:
Medical-Related Privileges:
- Medicine and drug purchases
- Medical supplies, accessories, and equipment
- Medical and dental services
- Professional fees of attending physicians
- Professional fees of licensed health workers providing home health care services
Transportation:
- Air and Sea Travel
- Land Transportation: LRT, MRT, PNR, buses, jeepneys, taxis, and shuttle services
Hotels, Restaurants, and Leisure:
- Hotels and restaurants
- Theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, and amusement parks
- Recreational centers
- Fees, charges, and rental for sports facilities and equipment
Funeral Services:
Senior citizens also receive discounts on funeral and burial expenses, which cover:
- Casket or urn
- Embalming
- Cremation costs
- Other funeral-related services
Utility Discount
Senior citizens are granted a minimum of 5% discount on their monthly water and electricity bills, provided:
- The consumption does not exceed 100 kWh for electricity and 30 m³ for water.
- The meter is registered under the senior citizen’s name.
Exemptions
Senior citizens are entitled to certain tax and training exemptions:
Tax Exemption:
- Exemption from payment of individual income tax for minimum wage earners.
Training Fee Exemption:
- Free training for socio-economic programs conducted by government and private agencies (subject to guidelines from DTI, DOLE, DA, TESDA, and DOST-TRC).
Freebies
Senior citizens are entitled to:
- Free medical and dental services
- Free vaccinations
Government Assistance
To further support senior citizens, the government provides various forms of assistance that help ease financial burdens and improve their quality of life.
Social Pension:
- Indigent senior citizens receive a monthly stipend of Php 500 to help with daily subsistence and medical needs.
Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage:
- All senior citizens are automatically covered by the national health insurance program.
Social Safety Nets:
- Assistance includes food, medicines, and financial aid for house repairs, especially during disasters and calamities.
Death Benefit Assistance:
- A minimum of Php 2,000.00 shall be given to the nearest surviving relative who took care of the deceased senior citizen.
Other Privileges
In addition to discounts and government assistance, senior citizens are entitled to various other benefits that enhance their daily lives.
Express Lanes:
- Private, banking, commercial, and government establishments must provide express lanes for senior citizens.
Educational Privileges:
- Senior citizens can pursue education with scholarships, grants, financial aid, and other subsidies.
Retirement Benefits:
- Senior citizens continue to enjoy GSIS, SSS, and PAG-IBIG benefits, similar to those in active service.
Special Discounts on Special Programs:
- Additional discounts on specific programs and services are available for senior citizens.
Important Notes on Purchases
To ensure clarity and proper utilization of benefits, here are some key points to remember when making purchases:
Credit Card Payments:
- The 20% discount and VAT exemption also apply to purchases made via credit card.
No Double Discounts:
- If a senior citizen is also a Person with Disability (PWD), they can use only one ID (either Senior Citizen ID or PWD ID) to avail of a 20% discount.
Tax Deduction for Establishments:
- Businesses providing senior citizen discounts may claim these as tax deductions based on the cost of goods sold or services rendered.
To avail of these benefits, senior citizens or their authorized representatives must present a valid and original Senior Citizen Identification Card. For details on ID applications, visit your local government office.
What is the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010?
The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, officially known as Republic Act No. 9994, is a Philippine law that grants additional benefits and privileges to senior citizens, further amending Republic Act No. 7432.
It aims to improve the quality of life for Filipinos aged 60 years and above by providing them with social, financial, and healthcare benefits.
FURTHER READING
Similar privileges are also extended to persons with disabilities (PWDs) under Republic Act No. 10754, which expands the benefits and rights of PWDs.
Conclusion
Turning 60 in the Philippines comes with many benefits to make life easier. Seniors get discounts on medicine, transportation, food, and even utility bills.
The government also provides free healthcare, financial aid, and other support. By using these benefits, senior citizens can enjoy a more comfortable and worry-free life.
If you or a loved one qualifies, don’t miss out and take advantage of these privileges today!
References
- Senior Citizen. (2024). Oscaportal.com. https://www.oscaportal.com/benefits.php
- Official Gazette. (2010, February 14). Republic Act No. 9994. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2010-02-15/republic-act-no-9994/
- DTI webteam. (2024, March 21). DTI, DA, and DOE increase senior_citizens and PWD special discounts on basic goods. Department of Trade and Industry Philippines. https://www.dti.gov.ph/news/dti-da-doe-increase-senior-citizens-pwd-special-discounts-basic-goods/
- Senior_citizens’ discounts: Study better, faster way to give it. (2024). Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/6/senior-citizens-discounts-study-better-faster-way-to-give-it
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