Money and planning
Senior citizen schemes and benefits in India
A plain-language summary of central schemes, savings schemes, insurance and tax provisions that families caring for an elderly parent may be able to use — each linked to its official source.
This page does not determine eligibility.
Every scheme below has its own conditions, documented by the department that runs it. We summarise; the official portal decides. Nothing here is a promise that you or your parent qualifies.
Last verified against official sources: 10 October 2026
Central government schemes
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
A monthly central pension for people aged 60 and above in households below the poverty line, with a higher rate for those aged 80+. Administered through the National Social Assistance Programme.
Who it is for: BPL households, 60+ (a higher rate applies from age 80).
Official source: National Social Assistance Programme (nsap.nic.in) →
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
Free assisted-living devices — walking sticks, walkers, hearing aids, spectacles, artificial dentures and wheelchairs — provided at camps to senior citizens who need them.
Who it is for: Senior citizens aged 60+ from BPL households, or as notified by the Ministry.
Official source: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (socialjustice.gov.in) →
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
A small-savings deposit scheme for seniors, open through post offices and banks, with quarterly interest and a maturity of five years extendable by three. Interest rates are revised quarterly by the Ministry of Finance.
Who it is for: Anyone aged 60 and above (certain conditions allow earlier entry for retirees).
Official source: National Savings Institute / India Post (nsiindia.gov.in) →
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Suraksha Bima Yojana
Low-cost life insurance and accident-cover schemes linked to a savings bank account, with automatic annual or quarterly renewal from the account.
Who it is for: Savings-bank account holders who are between the age limits notified for each scheme and who give consent to debit.
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
Cashless secondary and tertiary treatment at empanelled hospitals for eligible families, with an annual cover cap as notified by the government. Eligibility is determined through the beneficiary database, not by the family.
Who it is for: As per the SECC-derived beneficiary lists and state variations; check your status officially.
National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)
A government programme that builds elder-care capacity at district hospitals and community health centres, including home-based care and physiotherapy units. Availability differs state by state.
Who it is for: Public health services available to all; specific services vary by district.
ADIP scheme (aids and appliances)
Assistance for the distribution of aids and appliances to persons with disabilities through implementing agencies, which can include seniors with disabling conditions.
Who it is for: Persons with disabilities meeting the notified income and disability criteria.
Official source: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (socialjustice.gov.in) →
Tax provisions families use
Tax treatment changes from year to year. The notes below are general, not tax advice — confirm the current year's rules with a chartered accountant before filing.
Health insurance premium (Section 80D)
Premiums paid for a health policy covering a senior citizen parent may be eligible for deduction within the limits set by the Income-tax Act, with a higher limit for parents who are senior citizens. Limits and conditions change; confirm the current year before filing.
Dependent with disability (Section 80DD)
If a parent is a person with a disability, expenditure on medical treatment, training, rehabilitation or a deposit into a specified scheme may be eligible for deduction, subject to certification and limits.
Interest income (Section 80TTB)
Senior citizens may claim deduction on interest income from deposits with banks and co-operative societies within the limit provided by the Act, replacing the general limit available to others.
How to use this page without wasting a trip
- Open the official link first and read the eligibility clause yourself — it is usually one paragraph.
- Call the district social welfare office before visiting; document requirements differ between states.
- Ask which documents are needed now: Aadhaar, age proof, income or BPL proof, bank passbook, photographs and the disability certificate where relevant.
- Take photocopies, not originals, unless collection of originals is explicitly required.
- Get an acknowledgement receipt with a reference number for anything you submit.
- Check the scheme's own website for the current year's rates before you plan around a number you read elsewhere.
If you are funding care yourself, the cost guide shows what the schemes above will and will not cover — in most families they reduce the bill, they do not replace the salary of a caregiver.
FAQ
Questions families ask about schemes
Do any of these schemes pay for a full-time caregiver?
No central scheme covers the salary of a private home caregiver. Schemes reduce specific costs — devices, insurance, treatment, pension income — while the caregiver’s salary remains a household expense. Some states run their own home-care or day-care initiatives; check with your state social welfare department.
Are the amounts on official sites updated?
Yes, and they change. Pension amounts, deposit interest rates and insurance limits are revised periodically. Always take the figure from the official portal on the day you apply, not from an article.
What if my parent does not meet the income criteria?
Several schemes are not income-linked — savings schemes, insurance schemes and tax provisions are open on their own terms. Health schemes and pensions usually are income-linked; a district social welfare officer can tell you what applies in your state.
Who can help me fill the forms?
District social welfare offices, common service centres, and post offices for savings schemes. Ask a family member to sit with your parent while they sign — the documents usually involve bank details, and originals should not leave your sight unless formally required.