How to Apply For Senior Citizen ID in the Philippines

By: PayPilipinas

What are the requirements and steps when applying for a Senior Citizen ID in the Philippines?

How to apply for Senior Citizen ID in the Philippines
How to apply for Senior Citizen ID in the Philippines

A Senior Citizen ID is a valid government-issued ID in the Philippines that is provided to senior citizens by the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA). It is an identification card that serves as a document for senior citizens to avail of various discounts and benefits, such as healthcare-related privileges, transportation discounts, utility discounts, and other benefits. 

Moreover, the senior ID is granted to Filipino citizens who are 60 years old or older and who are residents of the Philippines. Seniors with dual citizenship may also apply for a Senior Citizen’s ID Card in the Philippines if they can show documentation of their Filipino citizenship and have lived there for at least 6 months. Lastly, the senior ID does not expire and acts as a permanent form of identity for seniors.

Steps to apply for a senior citizen ID?

To apply for a Senior Citizen ID , you need to visit the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) in your city or municipality. It is preferable that first-time applicants submit their applications in person at the OSCA to simplify verification. 

Here are the steps to apply for a Senior Citizen ID in person:

  1. Visit your local OSCA in the city or municipality where you reside.
  2. Bring the required documents.
  3. Fill out the application form provided by the OSCA officer.
  4. Submit your application form and required documents to the OSCA officer.
  5. Wait for the concerned authority to check your submitted application and document set. If everything is in order, your application will be accepted.

What are the documents needed to apply?

To apply for the senior ID in the Philippines, you need to submit the following required documents:

  • Filled-out application form the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA)
  • Birth certificate or any public document proving the applicant’s age and Filipino citizenship
  • Valid government-issued ID (e.g., Driver’s License, NBI Clearance, Old residence certificate, Police Clearance, Postal ID)
  • 1×1 ID picture

For first-time applicants, it is better to apply personally at the OSCA for verification purposes. In addition, seniors with dual citizenship may also apply for a senior card in the Philippines if they can show documentation of their Filipino citizenship and have lived there for at least 6 months.

Can I apply for the ID online?

As of the writing of this article, you cannot apply for a senior citizen ID online. Instead, all applicants must apply in person at the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) in their city or municipality. 

What are the benefits of the senior ID?

The senior ID offers various benefits and privileges to senior citizens. Here are some of the benefits that senior citizens can enjoy:

  • Discounts on medicines and medical services, including a 20% discount, plus an exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) on medications.
  • Discounts on transportation fares, including domestic transportation.
  • Discounts on housing, electricity bills, entertainment center entrance fees, and taxes.
  • Programs offering free or discounted meals for seniors.
  • Special offers on books, magazines, clothing, and other goods.

In addition to the above benefits, senior citizens in the Philippines also have income tax exemptions for minimum wage earners, express lane privileges, and free medical and dental services requested by a physician. 

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