As senior citizens in India face the challenges that come with aging, they actively seek free services and support to help them deal with financial struggles, inadequate access to healthcare, and feelings of social isolation. These issues are becoming increasingly urgent. Especially with the increase of senior population in our country, decline of traditional family structures, and lack of robust social safety nets.
The 2011 Indian Census reported there were 10.38 crore senior citizens (aged 60 and above). This figure is expected to jump to 17.32 crore by 2026. To effectively address the challenges faced by silver foxes, NGOs, senior citizen groups, government agencies, and individuals have launched a variety of initiatives including free services and welfare programs for senior citizens. In this blog, we have decided to talk about them. We feel that these are vital for improving the quality of life for India’s elderly.
Let’s start.
11 Free Services and Schemes for Senior Citizens
Here are some free services and schemes launched by our government and NGOs for senior citizens in India:
Ayushman Vay Vandana Card
Launched on October 29, 2024, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), this scheme offers ₹5 lakh in free health coverage annually to all seniors above 70, regardless of financial background. Eligibility criteria include:
- Age: 70 or older (verified by Aadhaar card).
- No Income Barriers: Open to all income levels.
- Existing Scheme Holders: Individuals under schemes like CGHS or ECHS must choose between them and AB PM-JAY. Those with private insurance or ESIC can use this card alongside existing plans.
- Family Coverage: Multiple seniors in a household can share the ₹5 lakh coverage or get individual cards under the same family limit.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
This Central Sector Scheme is fully funded by the Central Government. It provides physical aids and assisted-living devices to Below Poverty Line (BPL) senior citizens suffering from age-related disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth, and locomotor disability.
Implemented by the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), the scheme aimed to benefit 5,20,000 senior citizens across the country up to the 2019-20 fiscal year.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
One of the best free sub-schemes for senior citizens in India. An initiative by National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), IGNOAPS provides a monthly pension to destitute citizens aged 60 years or above. Yes, even for those living Below Poverty Line (BPL). The monthly pension is ₹200 up to 79 years and ₹500 thereafter.
NSAP, administered by the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to provide basic financial aid to vulnerable households across rural and urban areas.
Senior Citizens’ Savings Scheme (SCSS)
This scheme allows individuals aged 60 years or above, or those between 55 and 60 years who have retired under Superannuation, VRS, or Special VRS, to open an account. Defence personnel (excluding civilian defence employees) can open an account at 50 years.
- Minimum deposit: ₹1,000 (in multiples thereof).
- Maximum deposit: ₹30 lakh.
- Accounts can be opened individually or jointly with a spouse.
- Interest is payable quarterly.
- The account can be closed after 5 years, with an option to extend for another 3 years.
- Deposits qualify for deduction under Section 80-C of the Income Tax Act.
Free and Concession Travel
- Air Travel: The Ministry of Civil Aviation mandates automated buggies free of charge for senior citizens at airports with high aircraft movements. Airport operators must also provide small trolleys after security checks.
Aviation companies like Air India even offer a 50% discount on the basic fare of highest economy class for senior citizens aged 60 years and above.
- Rail Travel: When it comes to free services, Indian Railways is also known to offer concessions in fares for senior citizens. Male senior citizens aged 60 years and above receive a 40% concession. Lady senior citizens aged 58 years and above, on the other hand, receive a 50% concession on fares in all classes of Mail/Express/Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi/Duronto trains.
Lower berths are automatically allotted to senior citizens and female passengers aged 45 and above, subject to availability. A combined quota of six lower berths per coach in Sleeper class and three lower berths per coach in AC 3 tier and AC 2 tier classes is reserved for senior citizens.
Home for Widows (Krishna Kutir)
Another popular free service for female senior citizens. The Ministry of Women and Child Development established Krishna Kutir. Located in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, it serves as a shelter home for widows and can accommodate over 1,000 residents.
Inaugurated on August 31, 2018, and operational since September 1, 2018, this Central Government-funded home provides a safe and secure place to stay. Senior ladies will get all health assistance, nutritious food, and legal and counseling services. The home itself is designed to be age-friendly with ramps, lifts, and adequate facilities.
DSSI Project for Digital Inclusion
The DSSI project aims to promote the rights of older people (especially low-skilled, living in remote areas, with mobility difficulties, or migrants) to access information and lifelong learning through digitally active aging. This is facilitated by leveraging library networks as hubs for digital information and services.
The project focuses on inclusion and diversity, addressing digital transformation, and developing forward-looking learning centers.
The National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)
Launched in 2010-11, the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to support the health and well-being of its growing elderly population. The program has played a key role in expanding geriatric care infrastructure and improving healthcare accessibility for the elderly across the country.
As of reports from 2019-2020, the program facilitated:
- 19 Regional Geriatric Centres (RGCs) and two National Centres of Ageing (NCAs) (one in AIIMS, Delhi, and another in Madras Medical College, Chennai), which are key for tertiary care, specialized training, and research.
- Sanctioning of 718 District Hospitals (DHs), with a substantial number of operational OPDs, indoor wards, physiotherapy services, and laboratory services.
- Sanctioning of 4,869 Community Health Centres (CHCs) and 18,407 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), aiming to provide services at grassroots levels.
The free program has facilitated a large volume of geriatric care services for senior citizens. Between 2019 to 2020 alone, approximately 26 million outpatient care services were provided across RGCs, DHs, CHCs, PHCs, and Sub-Centres.
- Over 0.96 million indoor admissions were recorded, with significant numbers in DHs and CHCs.
- 1.5 million physiotherapy care units were utilized.
- 9.07 million laboratory tests were conducted for the elderly.
- 0.24 million older adults received home care services, and 0.047 million were provided with supportive devices.
Council for the Cause & Care of Elderly
This council works to protect lonely senior citizens from abuse and humiliation. In urgent cases, it extends medical help to lonely seniors. The council has also created a network of over 1850 active senior citizens who participate in daily social, spiritual, and cultural activities, yoga, health talks, and discussions in Delhi, fostering a sense of community and dignity for those who are poor, destitute, or neglected.
Elderline (Toll-Free Number 14567)
Dedicated to the Nation on October 1, 2021, Elderline is a toll-free number (14567) implemented by all States/UTs, operating seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM. Its vision is to connect with and serve senior citizens compassionately, redressing grievances, providing information, and offering field intervention through a collective effort of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and volunteers.
Free Legal Aid from NALSA
Senior citizens in India can access free legal services primarily through the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and its state/district branches. The agency provides free legal advice, assistance, and representation in civil and criminal matters, covering expenses like court fees and advocate charges.
Eligibility often depends on an income ceiling, which for senior citizens can be higher than for general categories (e.g., up to ₹4 lakh annual income in Delhi).
Free Services for Senior Citizens In India: Final Words
We have shared key details about free schemes and programs available for senior citizens in india. As you can see, there are several efforts in place to uplift and protect our elderly. Still, we pray that they live with dignity, comfort, and joy. After all, they are the ones who shaped the world we live in today.
Let’s continue to spread awareness. Ensure they receive the benefits they deserve. Do your part in honoring their journey. Found this guide helpful? Don’t forget to share it with someone who may actually need it!
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Sakshi Singh
I’m Sakshi Singh, a management student with a background in Prosthetics and Orthotics. I’m deeply passionate about writing on social issues, development, and miseries of life. Through my words, I aim to spark thought, inspire change, and contribute meaningfully to conversations that matter in our day to day lives.
