Synopsis: This article lists government schemes that provide monthly income and long-term security for Senior Citizens to help make the most of the support that is made available for them.
These government launched schemes are launched for the elderly or retired citizens of the age of 60 years or above. The main objective of the government regulated schemes is to minimize the cost of the facilities which will result in a comfortable life for the senior citizens.
An overview of the program:
- Healthcare scheme: subsidies for medical services.
- Pension program: pension after retirement to maintain financial stability.
- Senior citizen employment: flexible job roles after retirement.
- Housing support: old-age homes and assistance in housing plan for a safer environment.
- Assistive devices scheme: provides free physical aids and assisted-living devices to senior citizens
1. Healthcare Scheme
The Indian government has taken an initiative for senior citizens to ensure affordable medical treatment and easy access to medical services. The government has introduced programs like the Ayushman Bharat that provides cashless hospitality. Other state schemes offer free medical check-ups.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
Eligibility
- Senior citizens of the age of 70 years or above.
- socio-economic caste census criteria: SC and ST’s, OBC’s and unorganized workers.
Benefits:
- Cashless treatment: the senior citizens can avail a cash treatment by the hospital. This strikes out the concern of paying heavy medical bills for medical treatments and services.
- Access to care: this government scheme accesses the scheme through various illnesses like cardiac or oncological illness which are common among elderly people and accommodation benefits.
- Financial protection: the government has introduced many insurances that cover the medical bills of the patients that protect the families from a financial burden.
- Up to 5 lakhs annual health coverage: this scheme is benefitted by an annual amount of up to Rs 5 lakhs that can be covered by all the members of the family.
National Program for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)
Eligibility
- Senior citizens of the age of 60 years or above.
Benefits:
- Free access: offers free medical services like check-ups and consultations and minor investigation at certain facilities.
- Curative care: look after the services for chronic diseases and all the hospitals.
- Health promotion: encourages healthy lifestyle and balanced diet offered by trained professionals.
- Rehabilitation: offers free rehabilitative services like physiotherapy and other services.
2. Pension programs
The Indian government offers pension programs to support the senior citizens financially. Schemes like the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme support the old age with monthly pensions every month.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Applicants should be below the poverty line.
- Applicants must be above the age of 60 years.
Benefits:
- Monthly pension: the applicant shall receive a monthly pension of Rs 200 up to 79 years and Rs 500 thereafter.
Atal Pension Yojana
Eligibility
- Minimum age of joining is from 18-40 years.
- The start of pension should be at the age of 60 years.
- Applicants are required to contribute certain amounts from the age of joining APY till the age of 60 years.
Benefits:
- Upon the age of 60 years:
- Guaranteed minimum pension: each applicant shall receive a pension of Rs 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000 or 5,000 a month after 60 years till his death.
- Guaranteed minimum Pension to the spouse: the spouse will be entitled to the pension amount after the applicant’s demise.
- Nominee of the applicant: after the demise of the applicant and the spouse, the applicant’s nominee will be entitled to the pension.
- Voluntary exit before 60 years: the applicant will only receive the contributions made by themselves in the scheme after their voluntary exit from the scheme.
- Death before 60 years: the pension amount shall go to the applicant’s spouse or the nominee of the applicant.
3. Senior Citizen Employment Scheme
India offers a scheme for the old age in terms of re-employment. The ministry benefits senior citizens with a chance of working again to keep them financially stable or to use their skill of expertise in the required field.
SACRED (Senior Able Citizens for Re-employment in Dignity)
Eligibility
- Senior citizens of the age of 60 years or above.
- Basic literacy and knowledge in the required sector.
Benefits:
- Dignified re-employment: senior citizens can still find meaningful employment opportunities with a need for financial assistance and stability.
- Skill utilization: can utilize their skills in the required field and aid.
- High value addition: senior citizens can add high value to their workplace by showcasing the skills possessed with them.
4. Housing Support Scheme
India offers several housing support initiatives on behalf of the government to support the senior citizens and look after the health and their livelihood. Services like rental homes, old age homes and assisted living facilities are provided.
AVYAY (Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana)
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a senior citizen above the age of 60 years.
Benefits:
- Basic needs support: the applicant is provided with a continuous monitoring service along with home shelter and meals.
- Medical support: constant surveillance on the applicants in case of medical emergencies.
- Social activities: the old age homes promote social engagement with fun activities to keep the senior citizens active and on-going.
5. Assistive Devices Scheme
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a senior citizen above 60 years of age.
- Seniors belonging to the BPL category.
- A monthly income not more that Rs 15,000
- Documents verifying the identity.
Benefits:
- Free accessories: the senior citizens are provided with free accessories like hearing aids, spectacles, walkers and wheelchairs.
- Support for multiple disabilities: this scheme works for old age with multiple disabilities.
These initiatives by the Indian governments mark up as a securing concern over the welfare of our senior citizens. By leveraging each scheme of benefits, senior citizens can look forward to a healthy life with reduced costs.
These schemes introduced by the government can be seen as an enhancement of commitment to the old age secured well-being across India.
Written by Atin Kevin
