OFWs Approaching 60: Senior Citizens Benefits in the Philippines

Overseas Filipino Workers who are approaching 60 years old will be given benefits under Republic Act No. 9994 and Republic Act No. 10645. This new bill covers the benefits and privileges of senior citizens, OFWs included. In order to avail of these benefits, the senior citizen or his or her authorized representative would need to present the valid and original copy of their Senior Citizens’ Identification Card.

The Senior Citizens’ Identification Card is issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affair in the city or municipality where the senior citizen resides. Although documentary requirements vary per municipality, the basic requirements according to RA 9994 are as follows:

• Must be a Filipino citizen and a resident of the Philippines.
• Must be 60 years old or above.
• May apply to senior citizens holding dual citizenship provided that they provide their Filipino citizenship and have at least six months residency in the Philippines

What Are the Discount Coverage and Vat Exemptions?

Having a Senior Citizens’ Identification Card provides twenty percent discount and vat exemption for the following:

1. Medical-related privileges
2. Domestic transportation privileges
3. Hotels, restaurants, recreational centers, places of leisure and funeral services
4. Recreations centers
5. Admission fees privilege
6. Funeral and burial services
7. Income tax exemption
8. Training fees exemption
9. Free medical and dental services from government facilities
10. Free vaccinations for indigent senior citizens
11. Educational privileges
12. Benefits and privileges for retirees
13. Special discounts on special programs
14. Express lane privileges

Utility Discounts

DSWD-accredited senior citizen centers and residential care institutions or group homes which are run by the government or organized and operated by non-stock or non-profit domestic corporation, primarily for the purpose of promoting the well-being of neglected, abandoned, unattached or homeless senior citizens are granted 50% discount on electricity, water, and telephone consumption.

These citizen centers and residential care or home groups must be in operation for at least six months and have a separate meter for the utilities or services.

Households with senior citizens have a minimum of five percent discount relative to the monthly utilization of water and electricity, provided that the individual meters for the foregoing utilities are registered under the name of the senior citizen residing in the house. The monthly consumption should not exceed one hundred kilowatt hours for electricity and thirty cubic feet of water.

How to Avail This Discount?

To avail of this discount, the senior citizen should:

1. Apply for the discount personally or through a representative. There shall be an annual renewal of application to the utility provider.
2. Submit the following requirements:

• Proof of age and citizenship
• Proof of billing (meter registration should be in the name of the senior citizen for a period of one year)
• Proof of residence

On top of the benefits and privileges, the government also provide assistance for the social pension, mandatory PhilHealth coverage, social safety nets, and death benefit assistance.