Some people do not look forward to growing old because of the disadvantages that come with it. When you reach the so-called “golden years,” your body will be weaker. Your eyesight and hearing will be poorer. You cannot be as physically active as when you were much, much younger.
There are, however, certain privileges only available for an elderly citizen.
Recognizing the importance of senior citizens, the Philippine government has made it possible to provide services and benefits for older persons.
As recently shared by Rappler on their website, here is the updated list of available benefits for senior citizens in the country. If you are a senior citizen or your parent is a senior citizen, read up so you can be properly informed.
20% Discount
Senior citizens are entitled to 20% discount on the following:
- Medicine and drug purchases
- Medical supplies, accessories, and equipment
- Medical and dental services
- Professional fees of attending physician
- Professional fees of licensed health workers providing home health care services
- Transportation via air, sea, and land (LRT, MRT, PNR, buses, jeepneys, taxi and shuttle services)
- Hotels, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, leisure, and amusement
- Fees, charges, and rental for sports facilities and equipment
- Funeral and burial expenses include casket or urn, embalming, cremation cost, and other services.
5% Utility Discount
In addition to the above-mentioned discounts, senior citizens are also allowed to enjoy at least 5% discount on their monthly use of water and electricity.
This is, of course, provided that the meter is registered under their name and consumption does not exceed 100 kWh and 30 m³.
Tax and Training Fee Exemptions
Senior citizens are also exempted from paying individual income tax if they are minimum wage earners. On top of that, they may also be exempted from paying training fees for socio-economic programs conducted by private and government agencies such as DTI, DOLE, DA, TESDA and DOST-TRC.
READ : Requirements and Limitations of Medicines Discount for Senior Citizen
Government Assistance
A social pension is also available for indigent senior citizens. They can receive a monthly stipend of Php 500.00. Additionally, the government assures that all senior citizens are automatically covered by PhilHealth’s national health insurance program.
Meanwhile, social safety assistance is available for senior citizens who may be affected by economic and disaster concerns. The assistance should include food, medicines, financial aid, and house repair, among others.
Other Benefits
Of course, senior citizens may also take advantage of express lanes in all private, banking, commercial and government establishments.
Elderly individuals who want to pursue education can also avail of scholarships, grants, financial aids, subsidies and other similar incentives.
They will likewise be entitled to the same benefits and privileges from GSIS, SSS and PAG-IBIG as enjoyed by those in active service.