There are numerous reasons to celebrate your 60th birthday. More time to spend with family and friends, your long-awaited retirement from work with cash lump sums, a guaranteed monthly pension, and a slew of other benefits once you reach your sixties.
People are considered senior citizens if they are 65 years old or older. To be considered a “senior citizen age” in the Philippines, you must be 60 years old or older and a resident of the country. This also applies to senior citizens with dual citizenship, as long as they can show proof of their Filipino citizenship and have lived in the country for at least 6 months.
The government provides many benefits to senior citizens due to limited employment opportunities, in addition to their contributions to the country and society. Now that their activities are more limited, it is up to society to look after them.
In the Philippines, there are numerous programs for senior citizens. The following information will help you take advantage of the benefits available to senior citizens in the Philippines:
The Expanded Senior Citizen Act of 2010
Even if you are still a few years away from reaching your sixties, it is worthwhile to learn about the numerous benefits available to senior citizens in the Philippines. You can use it as a foundation for long-term goals or when caring for your parents or grandparents.
The Republic Act 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, defines the rights and privileges of all senior citizens in the Philippines. According to the law, Filipino senior citizens must be provided with benefits and privileges in order to support their well-being and improve their welfare in their later years of life.
In the Philippines, senior citizens receive a 20% discount on all purchases and are exempt from paying value-added tax (VAT) on specific items and services that they will only use.
A comprehensive health care and rehabilitation system that is covered by PhilHealth will be made available to seniors as well, benefiting those with disabilities and health issues in particular. According to RA 10645, all pensioners must also be covered by the national health insurance program offered by Philhealth.
Senior citizens are entitled to certain medical benefits, such as free vaccinations, medications, medical supplies, and dental care in both public and private healthcare facilities.
Additionally, senior citizens will be given discounts on transportation costs, lodging costs, dining establishments, leisure pursuits, and funeral services. Even utility bills for things like electricity and water can be discounted for them!
Senior citizens in the Philippines are also entitled to priority lanes in public and private establishments, financial aid for education, exemptions from income tax and training fees, and retirement benefits. Depending on their budget, some local government entities even provide pensioners with a monthly allowance.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution in January 2022 that will award senior citizens Php 25,000 when they turn 80, Php 100,000 when they turn 100, and Php 1,000,000 when they turn 101.
What is a Senior Citizen or OSCA ID?
You have now received a brief introduction to the advantages given to senior citizens in the Philippines. But how can you or a loved one apply for the senior citizen ID, the one document that will serve as proof of your senior status?
You or a loved one must be 60 years of age or older, a Philippine citizen, and a resident of the city or municipality where you are applying for at least six months in order to be eligible for a senior citizen ID here in the Philippines. A 1×1 photo and an ID are also required.
You must first gather the necessary documentation and visit your local Office of Senior Citizen Affairs to apply for a senior citizen ID (OSCA). After completing the application, submit it, and wait for your senior citizen card to arrive,
Congratulations once you have your senior citizen card! You can now use this senior citizen ID to get discounts and freebies from businesses!
Keep in mind that if you can’t show your ID, some businesses may refuse to give you a senior discount, so always keep it on you! To receive your discount, you may use any legitimate ID, even if you forgot your senior citizen ID at home.
A passport, SSS UMID card, GSIS ID, driver’s license, voter’s license, or postal ID are all acceptable forms of identification that establishments will accept.
Double discounts are also not permitted. This means that if something is on sale, you can only use your senior citizen discount or the current promotion.
Additionally, if you are unable to go shopping for your necessities, a designated agent may claim the 20% discount on your behalf! Your senior citizen ID, any government ID, the OSCA Purchase Booklet, and your representative’s ID must be presented by your representative along with the signed authorization letter from you.
How to compute the Senior Citizen discount?
You must subtract the value-added tax (VAT) from the cost of the good or service in order to calculate the senior citizen discount. The VAT-exempt amount should then be reduced by 20%. The billable amount can then be calculated following that.
Do you wish to learn more about the discounts and benefits senior citizens can enjoy? Click the button provided below for further information.
Source: Philippine Go