How to Get a Senior Citizen ID (OSCA ID) in the Philippines
To get a senior citizen ID, or OSCA ID, in the Philippines, you must be a Filipino citizen aged 60 or older and a resident of the country. Visit your local Office of the Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) with a valid ID, birth certificate, and a recent photo to apply. This ID provides access to numerous benefits including healthcare discounts, transportation savings, and VAT exemptions.
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The senior citizen ID is one of the most important government-issued IDs for retirees in the Philippines. It ensures access to essential services and significant financial savings. In this guide, we’ll explain the benefits of the ID, how to apply, and what insurance options expats and retirees should consider.
Key Benefits of the Senior Citizen ID in the Philippines
The senior citizen ID comes with a number of benefits from senior discounts to benefits such as free dental and free vaccinations. Additionally, the senior citizen ID does not expire and can act as a passport.
Senior citizen ID discounts and benefits include:
1. Healthcare-Related Privileges
In the Philippines, having a senior citizen ID gives you about a 20% discount and Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption on medicines. And when Executive Order No. 1044 came into effect, senior citizens were entitled to get an additional 50% for medicine for chronic diseases.
Moreover, senior citizens can get free services in all service wards in government hospitals and facilities, outpatient and home health care clinics. Also note that the Republic Act 9994 ensures that all senior citizens in the Philippines, regardless of status, are covered by PhilHealth’s insurance.
2. Transportation Benefits
Senior citizens are also entitled to a 20% discount and VAT exemption on all local air and sea travel. In addition, they can also avail 20% discount on food, drinks, medicines, services and entertainment center inside the ship.
Senior citizens also get a dedicated lane for priority check-ins. This applies to public railways such as MRT, LRT and PNR and public utility vehicles as well.
3. Travel And Recreation Privileges
Senior citizens in the Philippines enjoy a 20% discount and VAT exemption on room accommodations in resorts, hotels or other similar establishments. They can also get the same discount on restaurants, and if the order is made for delivery.
Discounts can be offered given that the senior citizen card number is provided while placing the order.
4. Utility Discounts
Senior citizens can get a minimum discount of 5% on their monthly electricity and water bills.
In order to benefit from the discounts, the water and electricity meters must be registered in the name of the senior citizen, and the consumption should be within hundred kilowatts per hour of electricity or thirty cubic meters of water each month.
Those living in the senior citizen center or group home that’s accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) can get a 50% discount on electricity, water, and telephone bills.
5. Taxation
As noted above, senior citizens do not have to pay VAT on any purchases or services. In addition, they are also exempt from paying individual tax on their minimum wage income.
What the OSCA ID Is and Why It’s Important
In order to avail of the senior citizen privileges, seniors must present their senior citizen ID, which is issued by the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA). However, if you do not have a senior citizen ID, you can present one of the following government-issued IDs that show your age.
- Passport
- UMID card or SSS ID
- Driver’s license
- Voter’s ID
- Postal ID
- PRC ID
Note that businesses have to accept all valid government-issued IDs to verify age and cannot honor only the OSCA ID.
Eligibility Criteria for the OSCA ID
In addition to the age requirement of 60 years old or above, there are several other requirements that one must fulfill in order to be eligible for the OSCA ID.
OSCA ID Eligibility Requirements:
- Filipino citizen and also a resident of the Philippines
- 60 years and above
- Seniors with dual citizenship can also apply for Senior Citizen’s ID Card with proof of Filipino citizenship and at least 6 months of residency in the Philippines
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Senior Citizen ID
Step 1
Visit the Mucipal’s Office of the Senior Citizens Affair in your area along with the required documents:
- Birth certificate
- 1X1 ID picture
- Valid government-issued ID
Note that the person in charge may ask you for more documents upon review, so have a photocopy of your address proof and any other government-issued IDs handy.
Step 2
Walk up to a person in charge and request an application and fill out the details. You will have to fill out the following details:
- District
- Barangay
- Complete name
- Age
- Sex
- Civil status
- Date of Birth
- Details of your family
- Signature
Step 3
Submit the application form along with the other required documents and wait for your card to be issued.
Applying for an OSCA ID Online
You can also apply for the OSCA ID online, depending on your area of location or municipality. Visit the registration page on the OSCA portal or navigate to the Senior Citizen ID application page of your locality to apply.
Conclusion
Getting an OSCA ID will bring you various benefits in the Philippines as a senior citizen. Moreover, the process of applying for it and receding it is quite straightforward. If you are eligible to apply for it, we highly recommend that you apply for your ID as soon as possible.
In fact, if you are an expat and are planning to move places within the Philippines, we’ve got a comprehensive guide on some of the best places in the Philippines for expats that could help you decide.
Lastly, we want to remind you of health insurance and how crucial it is to have one in the Philippines, especially as an expat. If you are unsure about where to find a comprehensive health insurance plan, Pacific Prime can help you.
As a global insurance broker with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Pacific Prime’s insurance expert advisors can filter through all the different insurance plans to find one that suits you.
Get in touch with our expert advisors for a free quote and plan comparison today..
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get an OSCA ID?
You will be pleased to learn that the OSCA ID is free for all senior citizens online and offline. All you have to do is to fill out an application form and submit relevant documents to receive your ID.
How long does it typically take to receive an OSCA ID after applying?
A new ID may be readily available upon registration with OSCA, or you will be able to get your ID within 5 working days from the time of application. Note that the duration depends on your locality or municipality.
Do senior citizens avail discounts in hotels in the Philippines?
In order to avail of the 20% senior citizen hotel discount, you will have to request the discount and submit your senior ID at the time of booking. However, if your partner is not a senior citizen, the hotel may only offer a 10% discount.
Born and raised in the cultural melting pot that is Hong Kong, and having studied at an international school, Vista has developed a multicultural perspective that he uses in his writing and strives to connect to people of different backgrounds.
In his free time, Vista enjoys immersing himself in different worlds, from video games to light novels and movies. His hobbies help him expand his writing style by putting himself in the point-of-view of different people and characters.
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Comments
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How do international insurance policies integrate with the benefits provided by the OSCA ID, particularly for medical services where the ID offers discounts?
The OSCA ID provides seniors in the Philippines with various benefits, such as discounts on medical services and medications. International insurance policies can complement these OSCA discounts by covering additional healthcare costs not included in government benefits, as well as providing access to private healthcare facilities and international medical services. With a customized health insurance plan, you can enjoy a comprehensive safety net alongside the OSCA benefits.
If you’d like to explore options for expat health insurance that can work alongside your OSCA ID benefits, feel free to reach out to our advisors for a free quote and plan comparison through our contact page.
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