Expanded Senior Citizens Act benefits

"Senior citizen" or "elderly" refers to any Filipino resident aged sixty (60) years or older.
"Benefactor" refers to a person, whether related or not, who cares for a senior citizen as a dependent.
"Head of the family" is as defined in the National Internal Revenue Code.
"Geriatrics" is the medical science branch studying diseases and biological changes related to old age.

Qualified senior citizens may voluntarily render services like tutoring, consultancy, teaching hobbies, giving lectures, and transferring new skills.
The Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) may grant benefits or privileges in recognition of such contributions.

Entitled to a minimum 20% discount on services in hotels, restaurants, recreation centers, and medicine purchases.
20% discount on admission fees for theaters, cinemas, concerts, circuses, and similar venues.
Exemption from individual income tax if income is below the poverty level set by NEDA.
Exemption from training fees for socio-economic programs.
Free medical and dental services, including diagnostic and laboratory fees, at government facilities.
20% discount on medical fees and professional fees in private hospitals.
20% discount on domestic air, sea travel, and public transportation fares.
Educational assistance through scholarships and subsidies for post-secondary and vocational education.
Continuance and upgrading of GSIS, SSS, and PAG-IBIG benefits for retirees.
Possibility of special discounts on basic commodities subject to guidelines.
Provision of express lanes or priority service in commercial and government establishments.
Eligible senior citizens must present identification such as local government-issued ID or passport.
Establishments granting discounts may claim these as tax deductions.

Employment: Information and re-employment assistance; private employers can claim tax deductions for hiring qualified senior citizens.
Education: Programs ensuring access to formal and non-formal education, coordinated by DepEd, TESDA, and CHED.
Health: National health programs specializing in geriatric care established by DOH in coordination with LGUs and NGOs.
Social Services: DSWD, OSCA, and other agencies implement programs including social enhancement, after-care, neighborhood support, and substitute family care.
Discounts on utilities for non-profit senior citizen centers and residential care homes.
Housing: Inclusion of senior citizens’ housing needs in national sheltered programs.
Public Transport: DOTC to develop programs facilitating senior citizens' access to transport facilities.
Dependents: Senior citizens treated as dependents for tax purposes, providing certain privileges to caregivers.
Tax and infrastructure incentives for private institutions serving senior citizens.

Established in all cities and municipalities, headed by a senior citizen appointed by the mayor.
OSCA functions include planning programs, maintaining senior citizens’ registries, issuing IDs, providing information, monitoring law compliance, reporting violations, and assisting in filing complaints.
Coordination with city/municipal social welfare officers, NGOs, POs, and barangays.

Local government units must ensure establishments display information on senior citizens’ rights and privileges.
Responsibility to monitor and enforce the implementation of the Act.

Collaboration to explore livelihood opportunities and community organization development for senior citizens.

Encouragement for NGOs to partner with the government in welfare programs for the elderly.
Government recognition of NGOs’ role in service delivery and innovation.

Violations of the Act incur fines from P50,000 to P100,000 and imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years for the first offense.
Subsequent violations have higher penalties: fines from P100,000 to P200,000 and imprisonment from 2 to 6 years.
Abusing privileges results in fines from P5,000 to P50,000 and imprisonment of at least 6 months.
Corporate officials personally liable for corporate violations.
Foreign offenders shall be deported after serving their sentences.
Business permits and franchises of violating entities may be revoked after due process.

Chaired by the DSWD with assistance from DOJ, DOH, DILG, and accredited NGOs representing marginalized sectors.

The Secretary of Social Welfare and Development shall promulgate rules within 60 days of the Act’s approval.
Required consultations with relevant government agencies and accredited NGOs.