Given the concern rate at which the number of senior citizens in the Philippines is increasing, they must be aware of the benefits that they can get from both their government and commercial organizations.
Senior citizens are a valuable part of our society and should be treated with respect. They have sacrificed a lot throughout their lives for the benefit of others, and it is important that they receive assistance to help them in their old age.
The Philippine government offers various benefits and privileges to senior citizens. These include discounts on medicines, medical services, transportation fares, housing, electricity bills, entertainment centers entrance fees and taxes. There are also programs offering free or discounted meals for seniors as well as special offers on books, magazines, clothing and other goods.
Commercial organizations offer special discounts for senior citizens too. Examples of these are hotel stays and restaurant meals with discounts of up to 20% off the regular price.
People in the Philippines who have reached 60 years old can get a wide range of senior citizen benefits. Keep reading the article to find out more about the benefits of being a senior citizen in the Philippines.
List of Senior Citizen Benefits in the Philippines
The public and private sectors of the Philippine economy provide senior citizens with a wide range of privileges, discounts, and benefits. These include access to discounted transportation fees, tax exemptions, housing subsidies, lower prices for prescription drugs and medical services, and a wide range of other benefits.
The following is the list of some of the benefits that are offered to senior citizens in the Philippines:
Domestic Transportation
Senior citizens are entitled to discounted rates on all regular bus, taxi, jeepney, train, and domestic flight tickets. Additionally, you may save up to 50% when you take taxis in Metro Manila, and you can save up to 30% when you take a taxi in other significant cities across the country.
To use the privileges, simply provide the conductor or driver with your Senior ID as identification.
Express Lanes
Senior citizen express lanes should be available at all government and commercial facilities. These lanes will be used first by senior citizens.
The express lane’s purpose is to help seniors to move more quickly so they may complete their transactions more quickly than the general public.
Free medical and dental services
Seniors are entitled to free medical and dental care in government-run public health institutions and clinics. The Department of Health (DOH), which made this opportunity possible, has enabled senior citizens to access medications, vaccinations, and other treatments in public health facilities at cheaper prices. Public health clinics also offer free dental care to their patients. This is one of the reasons why quite a few Filipinos choose to leave their careers early.
Free Vacations
When booking a stay at a resort, hotel, or other similar facility, senior citizens in the Philippines receive a 20% discount and are exempted from paying VAT. Additionally, if the senior citizen card number is provided while placing the order, they can receive the same discount at restaurants and, if the order is for delivery, they can receive a discount.
Funeral / Death
Senior citizens’ families are eligible for a 20% discount on burial and funeral expenses. The hospital morgues, caskets or urns, embalming, and cremation services are covered by this death benefit.
If a senior citizen who passed away had paid at least 36 months’ worth of contributions before the semester of their death, the family may be eligible to receive an SSS death benefit.
Grocery
Senior citizens are entitled to a discount of 10% off the price of any food item at supermarkets and grocery stores. No matter how old they are, all senior citizens receive some sort of senior discount from a lot of establishments, though the amount of the discount varies from store to store.
Discounts can also be gained by utilizing credit card points or buying things in stores.
Income Tax Exemption
Seniors are exempt from paying VAT on any goods or services. You should be aware that the Philippine government offers specific tax deductions to senior citizens if they are at least 60 years old and employed. Only those with jobs are eligible for these exemptions. You are not required to pay any income taxes if the total of your hourly pay and your monthly gross income does not surpass the nationally authorized minimum wage.
All of your dependents are covered by this benefit, whether or not they work and regardless of whether they earn money from stocks or bonds, or other types of assets.
Medicines and medical services
A senior citizen ID in the Philippines entitles you to a 20% discount and an exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) on medications. Additionally, senior citizens are eligible for an additional 50% off prescription drugs for chronic illnesses as of the effective date of Executive Order No. 1044.
Senior citizens can also receive free services in all service wards in public hospitals, as well as in clinics for outpatient and home health care. Also take note that Republic Act 9994 guarantees insurance coverage for PhilHealth to all senior citizens in the Philippines, regardless of their status.
Recreation centers
Senior citizens could be entitled to free or discounted entrance to public places including parks, libraries, museums, and theaters. You will be needed to show your Senior card or any valid identification card at the counter when purchasing your tickets.
Restaurants
Many eateries, including fast food chains, bakeries, cafes, dessert shops, and food courts, offer discounts to senior residents. If you’re over 60, you can be qualified for discounts of up to 50% off the list price, and if you’re over 70, you might be qualified for even bigger discounts.
Retirement (Pension Programs)
Senior citizens in the Philippines are entitled to the Social Security System (SSS) pension, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) pension, the Pag-IBIG Fund Retirement Benefit, and private pension plans to assure financial security in retirement.
Training Fees Exemption
Seniors are actively encouraged to participate in social and economic activities that are aimed at enhancing their health, welfare, and well-being. Senior citizens can enroll in free training programs offered by the government if they’re interested in improving their fundamental computer skills or completing a few quick courses to enhance their soft skills.
Utility
Seniors are eligible for a 5% discount on their monthly water and electricity costs. The senior citizen’s name must be on the water and electricity meters, and the monthly use must not exceed 30 cubic meters of water or 100 kilowatts of energy.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) accredited senior citizen center or group home residents are entitled to a 50% reduction on their power, water, and phone expenses.
Video: ANO ANG ADDITIONAL BENEFITS PARA SA LAHAT NG FILIPINO SENIOR CITIZEN 2023 80,85,90,95 YEARS OLD
Senior citizens who are 60 years of age and older are eligible for a wide range of benefits. Watch the video below to know more about the additional benefits offered to senior citizens in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have, any further questions regarding the “Full List of Senior Citizen Benefits in the Philippines” see the list of frequently asked questions and answers below.
1. Can I still get the 20% discount if I do not have my senior citizen ID card?
Yes, you can. You may use any of the following forms of identification in its place if you don’t have a senior citizen card: passport, a government-issued ID that states your age or date of birth, such as a driver’s license, voter’s ID, SSS/GSIS ID, PRC Card, or Postal ID, or any other legal records proving you are a citizen of the Philippines and at least sixty (60) years old.
2. Can a non-senior citizen companion make a purchase or use a discount on the senior’s behalf?
You may apply for the senior citizen discount on your parents’ or grandparents’ behalf if they will be the ones using the discounted goods and services, such as if they are bedridden or too weak to buy their food and medication.
A duly authorized representative must show these documents while purchasing in order to receive the 20% discount on behalf of a senior citizen:
- OSCA Purchase Booklet
- Senior citizen ID or any government ID
- Signed authorization letter from the senior citizen
- The representative’s government ID
3. Can seniors receive a regular discount in addition to the 20% mandated by the government?
According to the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, seniors can only receive one of the two discounts, whichever is greater, when they make a purchase during a promotion. The same for senior PWDs. They can only receive one of the discounts—the senior citizen or the PWD—and not both.
4. How do senior citizens get a discount on utility bills?
Present the utility bill in your elder’s name, the senior citizen ID, and any other forms of address verification when paying your bills at the closest payment center.
5. How can I get a discount on a taxi ride?
Seniors must provide a valid government-issued ID with a birthday or a senior citizen ID (birthdate must be visible) in order to receive this senior citizen discount.
6. How do senior citizens get a discount on utility domestic flights?
Only standard domestic flight fares qualify for the discount. Promotional rates, baggage fees, and overseas flights are not included. Customers must submit their senior citizen ID number when purchasing a flight and show the ID at check-in at the airport to qualify for the discount.
7. How do senior citizens get a discount on restaurants?
Present your senior citizen ID when placing an order or paying your bill in-store to receive this discount. When ordering meals online, simply include the senior’s name and senior citizen number and then show the ID when the food is delivered.
Summary
It’s important to be aware of your rights as a senior citizen given the growing senior population in the Philippines. Seniors receive a discount and privileges as a token of respect and appreciation for the many years of service they have rendered to this country. This is one manner in which society can demonstrate its respect and care for them.