What is the senior citizen discount in the Philippines?

The Philippines is a country that highly values its senior citizens, providing a comprehensive set of benefits and privileges under Republic Act No. 9994, also known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. These benefits are designed to support the well-being and dignity of the elderly, ensuring they receive special consideration in various aspects of daily life.

Who Qualifies?

To avail of these benefits, an individual must be:

• A Filipino citizen.

• At least 60 years old.

• A resident of the Philippines.

• Hold a valid Senior Citizen's Identification Card (OSCA ID) issued by the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in their city or municipality. A Philippine passport or any government-issued ID showing date of birth and citizenship may also be accepted.

Key Discounts and Privileges:

The core of the senior citizen discount in the Philippines is the 20% discount and exemption from the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on a wide range of goods and services. This means that when a senior citizen makes a purchase, they receive the 20% discount on the VAT-exclusive price, and then no VAT is added on top of that.

Here's a breakdown of where senior citizens can enjoy these benefits:

• Healthcare:

  • Medicines: 20% discount and VAT exemption on all generic and branded medicines, including vaccines, vitamins, and mineral supplements, with a doctor's prescription.

  • Medical and Dental Services: This includes professional fees of attending physicians and licensed health workers, as well as medical and dental services, diagnostic, and laboratory tests in private hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare services.

  • Medical Supplies, Accessories, and Equipment: Discounts apply to items like eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, crutches, and dentures.

  • Free Medical Services: In all government hospitals and facilities, senior citizens are entitled to free medical and dental services, including diagnostic and laboratory tests. Indigent senior citizens may also receive free flu and pneumococcal vaccinations.

  • PhilHealth Coverage: All senior citizens are automatically covered by the National Health Insurance Program (PhilHealth).

• Transportation:

  • Domestic Air, Sea, and Land Travel: A 20% discount and VAT exemption on fares for public land transportation (jeepneys, buses, taxis, trains like LRT/MRT/PNR), domestic air travel, and sea shipping vessels. They also get priority lanes.

  • Exemption from Terminal Fees: Senior citizens are exempt from paying passenger terminal fees in airports and seaports.

• Food and Dining:

  • A 20% discount and VAT exemption on food, beverages, and desserts in restaurants and major fast food chains, whether for dine-in, take-out, or delivery (provided the senior citizen ID is presented upon ordering/delivery).

• Leisure and Recreation:

  • A 20% discount and VAT exemption on admission fees to cinemas, theaters, concert halls, and other recreational establishments.

  • Discounts on rental fees for recreation centers and sports facilities.

• Utilities:

  • A minimum of 5% discount on monthly electricity and water bills, provided the meter is registered in the senior citizen's name and consumption does not exceed 100 kWh for electricity and 30 cubic meters for water.

  • Senior citizen centers and DSWD-accredited residential care institutions for the elderly can avail of a 50% discount on electricity, water, and telephone bills.

• Funeral and Burial Services:

  • A 20% discount on funeral and burial services for deceased senior citizens, covering items like caskets/urns, embalming, and hospital morgue fees.

• Other Benefits:

  • Tax Exemption: Senior citizens who are minimum wage earners are exempt from individual income taxes.

  • Educational Assistance: Scholarships, grants, and financial aid for senior citizens pursuing post-secondary, tertiary, or vocational education.

  • Social Pension: Indigent senior citizens may be entitled to a monthly stipend.

  • Centenarian Benefits: Filipinos who reach 100 years old receive a P100,000 cash gift, and recently, those aged 80, 85, 90, and 95 also receive a P10,000 cash incentive.

  • Priority Lanes: All government offices and commercial establishments are mandated to provide priority lanes for senior citizens.

Important Considerations:

• No Double Discounts: If an item or service is already on a promotional discount, the senior citizen can only avail of either the senior citizen discount or the promotional discount, whichever is higher.

• Authorized Representatives: In cases where the senior citizen cannot personally avail of the discount, a duly authorized representative can do so by presenting the senior citizen's ID, their own valid government ID, and an authorization letter. For groceries and medicines, the OSCA Purchase Booklet may also be required.

• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Establishments that fail to comply with the mandated discounts and privileges can face penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

The senior citizen discount in the Philippines is a testament to the nation's commitment to honoring and supporting its elderly population, ensuring they can live comfortably and with dignity.