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Based on the 2010 census, about 7 million – aged 60 years old and over –comprise our population. They are provided with benefits and privileges through the following legislation:
Republic Act No. 7432, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003
RA 9994, an amendment to RA 7432 to include additional services
RA 10645, an amendment to RA 9994 to provide mandatory PhilHealth coverage for all senior citizens.
Through years of upgrading and expanding services, here’s a list of benefits and privileges our elderly are entitled to:
DISCOUNTS*
20% discount on:
Medical-related privileges
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
Air and Sea
Land: LRT, MRT, PNR, buses, jeepneys, taxi and shuttle services
Hotels, restaurants, recreational facilities, places of leisure
Hotels, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, leisure and amusement
Recreation centers
Fees, charges and rental for sports facilities and equipment
Funeral services
Funeral and burial expenses include casket or urn, embalming, cremation cost, and other services.
Utility discount
Grant of a minimum of 5% discount relative to the monthly use of water and electricity, provided that the meter is registered under the name of the senior citizen residing therein and does not exceed 100 kWh and 30 m³.
EXEMPTIONS
Tax exemption
Exemption from payment of individual income tax of those who are considered to be minimum wage earners
Training fee exemption
Training fees for socio-economic programs conducted by private and government agencies subject to the guidelines issued by DTI, DOLE, DA, TESDA and DOST-TRC.
FREEBIES
Free medical and dental services
Free vaccinations
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE
Social Pension
Indigent senior citizens shall be entitled to a monthly stipend amounting to P500 to augment daily subsistence and other medical needs.
Mandatory PhilHealth coverage
All senior citizens are covered by the national health insurance program of PhilHealth.
Social safety nets
The social safety assistance shall include, but not be limited to, food, medicines, and financial assistance for house repair to cushion effects of economic, disaster and calamity shocks.
Death benefit assistance
Assistance of a minimum of P2,000 shall be given to the nearest surviving relative who took care of the deceased senior citizen.
OTHERS
Express lanes
Express lanes shall be provided in all private, banking, commercial and government establishments; priority shall be given in their absence.
Educational privileges
Assistance shall be granted to senior citizens to pursue education through provision of scholarships, grants, financial aids, subsidies and other incentives.
Benefits and privileges for retirees
Continuance of the same benefits and privileges by GSIS, SSS and PAG-IBIG as enjoyed by those in active service.
Privileges on special discounts in special programs
In order to avail of these benefits, the senior citizen or his/her authorized representative shall present a valid and original Senior Citizens’ Identification Card. Details for ID application may be foundhere.
*Here are some things to take note on purchases:
Credit Card Payments
20% discount and VAT exemption shall also apply to purchase of goods and services paying through credit cards.
No double discounts
In cases where the senior citizen is also a person with disability (PWD), the senior citizen can only use either his/her senior citizen ID or PWD ID to avail of a 20% discount.
Tax deduction
Establishments may claim the discounts as tax deductions based on the cost of goods sold or services rendered. — Rappler.com.
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