Table of Contents
Government schemes for senior citizens in India (2026)
Quick answer: Indian seniors (60+) have 30+ central schemes. Pension (NSAP-IGNOAPS, Vayoshreshtha), healthcare (Ayushman 70+ universal Sept 2024), banking (Senior Citizen FD 8.2% — 7.5% age bonus), travel (50% rail concession), tax (basic exemption + interest deduction §80TTB), housing (PMAY senior citizen quota), helpline (Elderline 14567). Most schemes automatic on age proof; some need application.
Who is eligible
Indian citizens 60+ years. Pension schemes also need BPL / SECC criteria.
Top 12 schemes
1. Ayushman Bharat 70+ (Sept 2024)
Rs 5L/year health cover for ALL citizens 70+ regardless of income. Apply at beneficiary.nha.gov.in. Auto-eligible.
- Where to apply: beneficiary.nha.gov.in
- Official portal: https://beneficiary.nha.gov.in
2. NSAP-IGNOAPS
Rs 200/month (60-79) / Rs 500/month (80+). BPL only. State adds top-up. Apply at Block Office.
- Where to apply: NSAP portal
- Official portal: https://nsap.nic.in
3. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
8.2% interest (FY 25-26). Quarterly interest. Min Rs 1,000, max Rs 30L. Tenure 5+3 years. Open at PO/banks.
- Where to apply: India Post / banks
- Official portal: https://www.indiapost.gov.in/Financial/Pages/Content/SCSS.aspx
4. PM Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)
Pension scheme for 60+ via LIC. 7.4% return. Closed for new from March 2023. Existing continue.
- Where to apply: LIC India
- Official portal: https://licindia.in
5. Vayoshreshtha Sammana
National award + monetary recognition for senior citizens excelling in service. Apply via state DM.
- Where to apply: Min of Social Justice
- Official portal: https://socialjustice.gov.in
6. Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
Free aids + assistive devices for BPL elderly. Walking sticks, hearing aids, dentures, spectacles. Camp-based.
- Where to apply: ALIMCO / Block office
- Official portal: https://alimco.in/rashtriya-vayoshri
7. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension (IGNWPS)
Rs 300/month (40-79) / Rs 500 (80+). For widows. BPL. Block Office.
- Where to apply: NSAP portal
- Official portal: https://nsap.nic.in
8. Senior Citizen Rail Concession
40% (men) / 50% (women) on rail fare. AC + non-AC. ID proof at booking. (Suspended 2020-2024; restoration debated 2025.)
- Where to apply: IRCTC
- Official portal: https://www.irctc.co.in
9. Income Tax §80TTB
Rs 50,000/year deduction on interest from FD/savings/PO. Only for 60+. Auto-claim in ITR.
- Where to apply: Income Tax e-filing
- Official portal: https://www.incometax.gov.in
10. Elderline 14567
24×7 helpline for elderly — counselling, scheme info, abuse prevention, grievance. Free.
- Where to apply: Toll-free 14567
- Official portal: https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes
11. PMAY Senior Citizen Quota
Reserved units in PMAY-U projects for senior citizens. State govt notifies.
- Where to apply: pmay-urban.gov.in
- Official portal: https://pmay-urban.gov.in
12. Maintenance + Welfare of Parents Act 2007
Children legally bound to maintain parents. Tribunal at SDM. Pension orders enforceable.
- Where to apply: SDM / Maintenance Tribunal
- Official portal: https://socialjustice.gov.in
How to apply (general process)
Each scheme has own portal. Common docs: Aadhaar (with age proof), bank account, pension order (if pensioner), Ayushman SECC verification. Block / Tehsildar offices most common.
Helplines
- Elderline 14567 — 24×7 toll-free
- State Department of Social Justice — varies
- HelpAge India — non-govt but well-networked: 1800-180-1253
Common issues + how to handle
- Aadhaar age different from school cert — pick most authoritative for pension; affidavit if needed.
- NSAP pension delayed — file RTI to BDO; common 2-6 month backlogs.
- Ayushman 70+ rejected by state — Sept 2024 norm rolled out gradually; appeal to State Health Agency.
- SCSS limit Rs 30L exhausted — split between spouses (Rs 30L each).
If a scheme is delayed or rejected — file an RTI
Most “delays” or “rejections” clear within 7-15 days of an RTI being filed. Use this 5-question template:
1. Status of my application no. _____ dated _____ as on date. 2. Name + designation of dealing officer assigned to my file. 3. Reasons for delay beyond the statutory timeline. 4. Copy of any noting / movement of my file in the past 30 days. 5. Likely date of disbursement / decision.
Auto-fill the PIO + your case: Open the RTI Drafter →
Frequently asked questions
Ayushman 70+ — really income-free?
Yes from Sept 2024. Rs 5L/year health cover for any citizen 70+ regardless of income. SECC criteria don't apply.
PMVVY closed — alternative?
SCSS (8.2%) + Senior Citizen FD at banks (7.5%). LIC Jeevan Akshay (annuity).
My pension is Rs 200/month — top-up?
State govt adds top-up (Rs 300-1,500 in different states). Plus widow / disability adds another Rs 200-500.
Children won't maintain me — legal route?
File application at SDM under Maintenance & Welfare of Parents Act. Up to Rs 10,000/month order; enforceable as decree.
Pension delayed > 6 months. Fix?
File RTI to BDO + Block Programme Officer. Use pension RTI generator.
Summary + what to do next
Bottom line: 12 central + state schemes available. Aadhaar + bank account in own name + community/income certificate (if applicable) is the gateway. If a scheme is delayed beyond timeline, file an RTI.
- Browse all 10 audience hubs: All audience hubs
- How to apply step-by-step: 25 application guides
- Track applications: 25 status-check guides
- If stuck — RTI Drafter: File RTI in 5 minutes
- Talk to other citizens: AwaazRTI community
Related reading
Sources
- Each scheme's official portal (linked above).
- Ministry budget documents + scheme operational guidelines.
- Citizen feedback via AwaazRTI (composite, identifying details removed).
Last reviewed: 25 April 2026.