[PARTNER] Senior Citizen Privileges in the Philippines
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10 Senior Citizen Privileges You Probably Didn't Know About
Aside from the usual 20% discount, did you know that senior citizens are also entitled to have discounts in electricty and water bills, free dental and medical services, and possibly scholarship if they pursue any type of education? Yes, senior citizens are entitled to have big discounts and lots of freebies that we may not have known until today.
So without further ado, here are 10 senior citizen privileges you probably didn't know about:
I. Free Dental, Medical Services, and Vaccination
All senior citizens are also entitled to have free medical and dental services including X-rays, blood test, computerized tomography scans, vaccination, but not limited to in government facilities. This includes hospitals, clinics, medical facilities and even home health care services as long as its owned by the government. Along with the services availed, the professional fee of the doctor must be 100% waived when availed by a senior citizen.
II. Free Parking in Quezon City Malls and Exemption from Number Coding Scheme in Makati
When in Quezon City, you don't need to pay parking fee in your first three hours in the mall. The process to qualify is different for each mall so make sure to present your ID before entering just to make sure. The only time you will be charged is when you stay more than three hours.
Now if you live in Makati, you are exempted from all number coding schemes in the city. When an MMDA or city government officer hails your vehicle, just present your senior citizen card and you're good to go.
III. Educational Scholarship
Now if the senior citizen decides to pursue education such as secondary, vocational, post tertiary and technical, they are entitled to have educational assistance. This could be given forms of grant, subsidies, financial aids and possibly even scholarship.
Other expenses likes, books, uniform, and any learning materials are also included in the discount. All the senior citizen needs to do is to meet all the admission requirements of their chosen institution.
Moreover, should they acquire any training for socio-economic programs conducted by government and private institution, the are entitled to be exempted from the training fee.
IV. 5% Off Water and Electricity Bill
Senior citizens are entitled to a 5% discount from monthly utility bills including water and electricity services. Provided that the account is registered under the name of the senior citizen and does not exceed a 100kWh of electricity or 30 cubic meters of water.
If the account is not named after the senior citizen, it's never too late to have an account transfer. However, you would have to wait for one year after the name transfer before you can apply for the discount.
V. Exempted from Paying Tax
Yes, senior citizens are all exempted from paying income tax. This is in accordance with RA No. 9504 where all minimum wage earners are no longer required to pay tax. However, this exemption is not deducted automatically so you will need to visit the BIR how its done.
VI. Big Discounts for Air Sea Transportation Fees
Yes, this includes airplane companies like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and other Philippine transportation companies by air or by sea just as long as its within the country. All senior citizens are subject not just for the 20% discount but also VAT exemption. This means that a 1,000 peso ticket will only cost 714.29 pesos for a senior citizen.
VII. Mandatory Government Assistance Including Death Benefit Assistance, Social Pension and PhilHealth Coverage
As soon as a person is an official senior citizen, they are automatically entitled to receive PhilHealth coverage, death benefit assistance and financial help when needed. This includes a minimum of 2,000 pesos of death benefit assistance, 500 pesos monthly stipend for indigent senior citizens and receive financial, food and medical assistance.
Furthermore, senior citizens will continue enjoying the benefits and privileges of GSIS, SSS and PAG-IBIG.
VIII. Free Movies on Mondays
If you ever decide to visit the mall on Monday morning, you'll probably notice long lines in the cinema. That's because senior citizens have free admission to most cinemas in the country every Monday! So when you're going to watch with the family, why not schedule it on Mondays so you save the price of one ticket.
To qualify for this privilege, you need to be from the same city where the mail is located. For instance, senior citizens residing in Quezon City can watch movies for free in malls in Quezon City like Trinoma.
IX. Express Lanes
As we all probably know, senior citizens also have their own express lanes where they get their own lane so they don't have to line up. This is particularly helpful in fast food restaurants, movie house, and even the bathroom. All they need to do is ask assistance from an employee and they will instantly be pushed in front of the line or be led to the exclusive lane.
X. Hotel and Recreational Center Discounts
Although the discounts given are not the same, senior citizen still get a big discount from hotels and recreational centers. For instance, high-end hotel rooms cost somewhere between 3,000 to 9,000 pesos in Manila so a senior citizen can get as much 600 to 1,800 peso discount, not including the VAT exemption.
Bonus Privilege:
Almost 50% Discount in Buffet Restaurants
Although this discount is not mandated by the law, many buffet restaurants offer it today. From what I've heard, Manila Hotel, Vikings, and Buffet 101 offer the promo but with certain limitations. For more information, its best to contact the restaurant and ask if the offer still stand and their requirements.