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Filipino citizens gain access to various benefits and privileges designed to support their well-being and quality of life as they age. The Republic Act (RA) 9994 ensures that senior citizens in the Philippines are given the respect, care, and benefits they deserve. That’s why seniors and their families need to be aware of them so you can assert your rights and take advantage of their full benefits. To keep you informed, we’ll explore the rights and privileges that RA 9994 grants to our elderly citizens below.

What is RA 9994?

RA 9994, or the Expanded Citizens Act of 2010, is a social welfare legislation that aims to provide senior citizens in the Philippines with additional benefits and privileges. It updated the rights and privileges given by RA 9257, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003, which also modified RA 7432, the original Senior Citizens Act of 1993.

All Filipino citizens aged 60 years old and above are entitled to these benefits, including dual citizens who can prove Filipino citizenship and have resided in the Philippines for at least six months.

Key Rights and Privileges of Senior Citizens in the Philippines

Here are the rights and privileges Filipino senior citizens can enjoy while looking forward to claiming the centenarian benefits:

20% Discounts

Seniors can enjoy a 20% discount when purchasing the following goods or services: 

• Medicines, essential medical supplies, accessories, and equipment
• Medical and dental services
• Professional fees of attending physician
• Professional fees of licensed healthcare workers providing home healthcare services
• Transportation fare (land, air, and sea)
• Utilization of the services in hotels, restaurants, theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, carnivals, and other leisure facilities
• Funeral and burial services for the death of senior citizens

5% Discounts

According to RA 7581 or Price Act, senior citizens have a special 5% discount when purchasing prime commodities such as:

• Basic necessities (ex., rice, corn, bread, fresh fish, fresh meat, poultry, etc.)
• Prime commodities (ex., fresh fruits, flour, processed and canned pork, etc.)
• All drugs not classified as essential drugs by the Department of Health (DOH)

Utility Discounts

• 50% discount on electric, water, and telephone bills at senior citizen centers and residential/group homes
• 5% discount on electric bills not exceeding 100 kWh and water bills not exceeding 30 cubic meters for households with senior citizens

Exemptions

• Exemption of paying income tax for minimum wage earners
• Training fees for socio-economic programs conducted by private and government agencies

Freebies

• Medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory tests requested by the physician in all government hospitals, medical facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health care services
• Pneumococcal and influenza vaccine for indigent senior citizens

Government Assistance

• Social pension for indigent senior citizens
• Mandatory PhilHealth coverage
• Provision of food, medical aid, and financial support for home repairs to cushion the impact of economic crises, disasters, and calamities

Others

• Express lanes in all private banking, commercial, and government establishments
• Educational assistance  through scholarships, grants, and financial aids

How do I avail senior citizen benefits?

You can avail of the senior citizen benefits in the Philippines by presenting your original and valid senior citizen ID issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) whenever you’re purchasing goods or availing of services. Note that you’ll also need to include the necessary booklet when buying medicine or basic necessities/ prime commodities.

Is there free financial assistance for senior citizens in the Philippines?

Yes, there is a free financial assistance program for senior citizens in the Philippines. It’s called the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens (SPISC), spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

What is the DSWD senior citizen cash assistance?

Mandated under RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens aims to help indigent seniors in the Philippines improve their living conditions, meet daily subsistence and medical requirements, reduce hunger, and prevent neglect, abuse, or deprivation.

Senior citizens in the Philippines can take advantage of the program’s benefits by applying. To do this, submit the following documents to the nearest OSCA office or the Office of Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWDO):

• Senior citizen ID or any valid ID stating the applicant’s date of birth
• Birth certificate
• Filled up social pension application form

How much is the monthly allowance for senior citizens in the Philippines?

Qualified indigent senior citizens were originally entitled to a monthly stipend of ₱500. But beginning in January 2024, the allowance was increased to ₱1,000, which will be given on a semestral basis.

Who is qualified for a senior citizen pension?

To qualify for the SPISC, applicants should meet the following criteria:

• 60 years old or above
• Frail, sick, or with disability
• Without a pension from the SSS, GSIS, PVAO, or any government or private agency
• Has no permanent source of income, compensation, or financial assistance from relatives

Final Thoughts

Being a senior citizen in the Philippines isn’t so bad since you can enjoy a range of rights and benefits. These privileges are designed to enhance your quality of life and ensure your well-being, so it’s important to be familiar with them. Although there are certain limitations, the overall framework of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act in the Philippines provides a meaningful impact since it helps you lead a dignified, active, and independent life.

Benefits of Senior Citizens in the Philippines: FAQs

For additional information on senior citizen privilege in the Philippines, here are answers to frequently asked questions:

Is OSCA ID the same as senior citizen ID?

Yes, the OSCA ID is the same as a senior citizen ID. The OSCA is the official government agency that issues this document.

Is gas included in the senior citizen discount?

Yes, gas is included in the senior citizen discount, as well as kerosene and liquified petroleum gas (LPG).

What is not included in the senior citizen discount?

Although senior citizens in the Philippines can enjoy discounts when purchasing various products and services, not all items are eligible for these benefits. This includes non-essential goods and services, non-prescription medicines, groceries, and consumables in bulk.

Sources: (1), (2), (3)

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