How to Calculate Senior Citizen Discounts and Where to Get Them in 2024?

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority reveals that there are 9.22 million senior citizens discounts in the country. This figure is significant as they make up almost 8.5% of the total household population in 2020, emphasizing the importance of policies for their protection and well-being.

Read also this filipino article about Paano mag-set ng Appointment para sa Pag-renew ng Lisensya sa PRC sa taong 2024?

In this article, I will share a comprehensive guide on discounts and benefits for senior citizens according to Philippine laws, how to avail these privileges, and provide tips and warnings. Some frequently asked questions will also be addressed.

DISCLAIMER: This article is for general information purposes only and is not legal advice or a substitute for legal advice. Consult with your lawyer for advice on any specific issues. The use of the information herein does not create an attorney-client relationship between the author and the user/reader.

Curious about the discounts and privileges available to senior citizens in the Philippines? You’re in the right place!

Download this PDF file to access a checklist of all discounts and benefits provided by law for senior citizens. It’s recommended if you have limited time or courage to read the full article. For a more detailed discussion, please read our complete guide below.

Who is Considered a Senior Citizen in the Philippines?

If you are a Filipino aged sixty (60) and above residing in the Philippines, you are considered a senior citizen.

If you have dual citizenship and reside in the Philippines for at least six (6) months, you are also classified as a senior citizen. You are entitled to all privileges provided under the law.

The Complete List of Discounts and Benefits for Senior Citizens According to Existing Philippine Laws

Laws safeguarding the welfare of the elderly have evolved. With the significant number of senior citizens in the country and the growing concerns of the aging population, the need for intricate laws and policies is imperative.

The Republic Act No. 9994 or the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010,” approved on February 15, 2010, and Republic Act No. 10645 or “An Act Providing for the Mandatory PhilHealth Coverage of Senior Citizens” are the latest laws enacted to support the needs of senior citizens.

Here is the complete list of benefits and privileges under the same laws:

1. Health or Medical Related Privileges

a. Twenty percent (20%) discount and exemption from VAT when purchasing the following:

Generic and branded medicines. Update: Executive Order No. 1044 mandates up to 58% price reduction on 87 high-cost drugs for major chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, asthma/COPD, and cancer since June 2020. Meaning, seniors not only get the standard 20% discount but can now enjoy an average 31% drop in prices. For instance, insulin, previously priced at ₱818 per pre-filled pen, now has a maximum retail price of ₱400, almost half its original cost.

Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines;

Doctor-recommended vitamin and mineral supplements for disease prevention and management;

Medical equipment like eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, prosthetics, walkers, crutches, manual or electric-powered wheelchairs, canes, geriatric diapers, and other essential aids for seniors or used by them.

Medical devices for check-ups, hospital stays, home recovery, or disease monitoring, as prescribed by a doctor;

Medical and dental services at private facilities;

Diagnostic laboratory tests (e.g., X-Rays, CT scans, blood tests) requested by a doctor at private facilities;

Professional fees of attending physicians at all private hospitals, medical facilities, outpatient clinics, and home care facilities;

Professional fees of licensed health workers providing home health care services (e.g., doctors, nurses, midwives, nutritionists, psychologists, massage therapists) recommended by hospitals or employed through home health care agencies. The 20% discount and VAT exemption provided to senior citizens will be facilitated by the employment agency and NOT the health care worker, ensuring only a minimal contribution compared to the agency’s total earnings;

Medical and dental services, diagnostic and laboratory fees, and professional fees of attending physicians and other health professionals admitted in the paid sections of government hospitals/health facilities.

b. All the following services are FREE in ALL service wards of government hospitals, medical facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health care clinics:

Medical and dental services;

Diagnostic and laboratory services requested by the doctor (e.g., X-Rays, computerized tomography or CT scans, blood tests);

Professional fees of attending doctors;

Vaccinations against Influenza virus and pneumococcal administered by the DOH.

c. Mandatory Coverage by PhilHealth

Regardless of status, all senior citizens are covered by the national health insurance program of PhilHealth. Thanks to Republic Act No. 10645, you can now enjoy the benefits of the program.

How to Avail Discounts for Senior Citizens in the Philippines for Medical Goods and Services in 2024?

Senior citizens or their representatives can receive discounts on medicines, doctor-prescribed supplements, and/or medical supplies by presenting a senior citizen ID, the purchase booklet issued by the Office for Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA), and prescriptions at the cashier during purchase.

The ID, booklet, and supporting documents must also be shown at clinics/hospitals to receive discounts for the senior citizen’s medical procedures or services.

The 20% discount and VAT exemption (12% effective rate) will also apply to the following:

Medicines/medical supplies purchased through e-commerce or online platforms, mobile applications, SMS, or phone calls

Teleconsultations.

To avail of these benefits, a senior citizen needs to declare their status as such on the online platform/merchant before finalizing the order. Once the order is confirmed, the senior citizen must attach a copy of their scanned/image/screenshot ID (preferably a senior citizen ID issued by the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs or any government-issued ID showing the elderly person’s name, photo, date of birth, and nationality), a copy of their medical prescription, and a copy of the first and last pages of the senior citizen purchase booklet.

When receiving the products/services purchased through an online platform, the senior citizen must present the original copies of the documents shown during the order confirmation. If an authorized representative is receiving the discount on behalf of the senior citizen, the representative must also show their ID and an authorization letter. Failure to provide the necessary proof of eligibility for the discount by the senior citizen or their representative may result in the online platform/merchant charging the full amount for the purchased product or service.

To avail of benefits from PhilHealth, the senior citizen or their representative must visit the Health Care Institution (HCI) portal of the hospital and present the senior citizen ID, MDR, or any proof of patient identification and age. The hospital will print the PhilHealth Benefit Eligibility Form (PBEF) and process deductions from the elderly person’s bills.

Transportation Privileges

a. Forty percent (20%) discount and exemption from taxes on the following fares:

Domestic air and sea travel, including advanced booking;

Public trains (MRT, LRT, and PNR);

Public buses, jeepneys, taxis, and shuttle services.

b. Free from paying terminal fees for passengers at airports and seaports.

How to Avail Senior Citizen Discounts and Transportation Privileges in the Philippines

Senior citizens can avail a 20% discount on Single Journey and Stored Value Tickets directly at all stations by presenting their valid OSCA (Office of the Senior Citizen’s Affairs) / NCDA (National Council on Disability Affairs) ID to the station tellers.

Special seating is reserved behind the train operator’s cab for senior citizens (including PWDs and pregnant women/babes).

In addition to fare payments, domestic shipping companies/ship owners and operators carrying passengers must also provide a 20% discount and tax coverage on food and beverages, medications onboard, and services and amenities on the ship. Respectful behavior and politeness during embarkation and disembarkation must also be observed.

Airlines should designate at least one (1) check-in counter with priority for senior citizens. If a separate check-in counter is not possible, priority processing and handling should be provided. Airlines should coordinate with the proper authorities to utilize airport facilities, pathways, etc., to facilitate transactions at the airport, boarding, and disembarking for senior citizens. An accompanying person may also be allowed to join the senior citizen to the designated check-in counter.

Online bookings for land, sea, or air travel services are also subject to a 20% discount and tax coverage (Joint Memorandum (JMC) No. 01 Series of 2022).

How to Avail Senior Citizen Discount on Flights via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or Airasia

a. Philippine Airlines

Senior citizens can avail a 20% discount on Economy Value, Economy Flex, Premium Economy, Business Value, and Business Flex Fares. This discount does not apply to International and Promotional fares, and tax coverage is only applicable to Domestic Fares.

The 20% discount can also be applied to special medical supplies such as oxygen tanks for use during the flight if needed by a senior citizen.

Senior citizens are not eligible for discounts and VAT exemption on excess baggage, cargo-related fees and penalties, taxes, penalties, and charges, tickets won as prizes or rewards, and other transactions not directly related to airfare.

The senior citizen discount can be applied at the time of booking the flight online. The senior passenger or their representative only need to enter the senior citizen ID number in the designated field on the online booking form. However, the senior citizen must still present their senior citizen ID/OSCA ID along with their Philippine passport or any government-issued ID displaying the passenger’s date of birth at the airport check-in. Failure to present the required documents at check-in may result in the airline charging the passenger the equivalent of a 20% discount plus 12% VAT.

For over-the-counter ticket purchases, the senior citizen discount and VAT exemption can only be obtained by the senior citizen or their authorized representative after presenting their OSCA/senior citizen ID, Philippine passport, or any government-issued ID showing their name, photo, date of birth, and nationality.

b. Cebu Pacific

The low-cost carrier led by Gokongwei has upgraded their systems to implement a 20% discount on domestic flight tickets for senior citizens. This is in addition to the 12% value-added tax (VAT) exemption provided by the government. Note that the discount applies only to the fare and does not include other services such as seat selection, baggage allowance, and in-flight meals.

To avail of the discount during online flight booking, input the senior citizen’s birthdate and OSCA ID number in the designated fields. The total discounted amount will be shown in the website’s “booking summary” and in the “payment details” or “fare breakdown” section of the itinerary receipt.

All senior citizens who successfully receive the discount during online booking must present their senior citizen IDs during airport check-in; otherwise, the discount will be forfeited.

c. AirAsia

According to AirAsia’s support center, Filipino senior citizens traveling on domestic flights are entitled to a 20% discount and VAT exemption under the CAB Resolution No. 41 of the Philippines and the implementing rules and regulations of the Senior Citizen Act. The senior citizen or their representative can avail of this discount by booking domestic flights through the AirAsia website or mobile application.

Travel, Leisure, and Recreation

a. Twenty percent (20%) discount and VAT exemption on the following:

– Accommodation in rooms and other amenities in hotels (including mountain and beach resorts) and similar establishments such as parlors, barbershops within hotels, restaurants, massage parlors, spas, sauna baths, workout gyms, swimming pools, jacuzzis, aromatherapy rooms, KTV bars, internet facilities, food, drinks, and other services offered;
– Food, drinks, desserts, and other consumable items in restaurants;
– Fees, charges, and rentals for sports facilities and equipment, including golf cart rentals and green fees; ballroom dancing and yoga venues; badminton courts; bowling lanes; table or lawn tennis; workout gyms; and martial arts facilities. However, non-profit, stock golf, and country clubs offering exclusive membership (meaning they are private/not open to the public) are NOT required to provide a 20% discount for senior citizens. Meanwhile, restaurants within private country clubs still need to offer discounts on the condition that they are independent concessionaires and the food they sell is not part of the consumable items in club membership dues;
– Admission fees for cultural, leisure, and amusement places such as theaters, cinemas, concert halls, circuses, carnivals, museums, and parks.

Note:

Discounts for food, beverages, and desserts are not applicable to pre-contracted party packages or bulk orders.

Senior citizens must personally avail of the discount for dine-in services at hotels and restaurants, and managers or authorizations on behalf of a non-senior citizen will not be accepted.

The discount applies to take-out, take-home, or drive-thru orders on the condition that the senior citizen is present and ordering in person while presenting their senior card.

The discount also applies to delivery orders, where the senior citizen must provide their card number when placing the phone order and show their senior citizen ID card during delivery to verify their identity.

For take-out, take-home, drive-thru, and delivery orders, the Most Expensive Meal (or the equivalent value of the most expensive and largest single-serving meal including beverages) will apply when purchasing food for senior citizens.

How to Avail Senior Citizen Discount at Restaurants in the Philippines in 2024?

Senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discount at restaurants and fast food chains in the country (such as Jollibee, KFC, McDonald’s, and others). For dine-in orders, senior citizens can avail of the discount by presenting their senior citizen (OSCA) ID before ordering or paying the bill. On the other hand, online orders can be purchased at a discount by calling the food establishment directly and informing them of the senior citizen’s name and ID number. The customer must show the ID upon receiving the delivery; otherwise, the discount will not be applied.

Statements:

Establishments may be managed as non-stock non-profit domestic corporations primarily established and operated for the care of the elderly.

The establishment must be operational for not less than six (6) months and must have separate meters for the mentioned utilities.

Taxation

Obligation to pay Value-Added Tax (VAT) on the purchase of goods and services listed here.

Privilege of paying human tax to ensure that the senior citizen is a minimum wage worker under Republic Act No. 9504

Basic Needs and Basic Goods

a. Five Percent (5%) discount on the purchase of the following necessities:

• All types of rice;
• Corn;
• All types of bread (excluding pastries and cakes);
• Fresh, dried, and canned fish and other seafood products (including frozen and packaged in various ways);
• Fresh pork, beef, and chicken meat;
• All types of fresh eggs (excluding quail eggs);
• Bottled and containerized drinking water;
• Fresh and pasteurized milk (excluding milk labeled as a food supplement);
• Fresh vegetables, including root crops;
• Fresh fruits;
• Locally produced instant noodles;
• Coffee and coffee creamer;
• All types of sugar (excluding artificial sweetener);
• Salt;
• All types of cooking oil;
• Powder, liquid, bar detergent, and soap;
• Wood, charcoal, all types of candles;
• Gas, not exceeding 11 kgs, LPG content purchased once every five months from LPG dealers;
• Kerosene, not exceeding 2 liters per month.

b. Five percent (5%) off on the purchase of the following basic goods:

• Flour;
• Dried, processed, and canned pork,
• beef, and chicken meat;
• Dairy products;
• Garlic and onions;
• Vinegar, fish sauce, and soy sauce;
• Hangers / bath soap;
• Fertilizers, Pesticides, Herbicides;
• Animal feed, Livestock, and Fish Feed;
• Animal products;
• Paper, school supplies;
• Nipa shingles;
• Woven mats;
• Cement, Clinker, GI Sheets;
• Hollow blocks;
• Plywood, plyboard, construction nails;
• Batteries (excluding cellphone and car batteries);
• Electrical supplies and light bulbs;
  Steel wire.

How to Avail Discounts for Senior Citizens at Grocery Stores in the Philippines 2024?

The 5% discount is applicable at supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, except for food court stalls, food carts, food vendors, and sari-sari stores with capital not exceeding One Hundred Thousand Pesos (₱100,000), public and private wet markets, “talipapa,” and other cooperative stores.

The 5% discount is based on the regular retail price excluding VAT.

The total weekly purchase amount is ₱1,300.00 with no carry-over of unused balance.

You must present your Purchase Booklet for every purchase of basic necessities and prime commodities. The booklet is obtainable from OSCA (Office of Senior Citizens Affairs).

There’s a special express lane, or in its absence, a priority lane, for senior citizens in establishments.

Double discounts are not allowed. You can choose between the senior citizen discount or any promotional discount.

If you cannot buy goods personally, you can authorize a representative. The authorized representative must present an authorization letter, a valid ID, and your document from OSCA.

The 5% special discount is also available for basic necessities and prime commodities purchased through e-commerce or online platforms, mobile applications, phone calls, or SMS. To avail of this privilege, senior citizens must send a screenshot of their senior citizen ID and purchase booklet to the seller before placing an order.

Government Assistance:

a. Information and matching services for potential job opportunities.

b. Free livelihood training programs.

c. Access to formal and non-formal education provided by DepEd, DOST-TRC, and TESDA.

d. Development and implementation of social programs and services for senior citizens, including the establishment of the Department of Health’s National Health Program to address the needs of the elderly and the inclusion of the National Prevention of Blindness Program.

e. Inclusion of special needs of senior citizens in the national housing program, including the establishment of housing units for the elderly.

f. Strict implementation of designated spaces and seats for exclusive use by senior citizens in all transportation systems.

g. Social pension amounting to five hundred pesos (₱500) per month for poor senior citizens. In 2023, this amount is expected to increase after the national government allocated an additional ₱25.6 billion for monthly pensions for poor senior citizens, raising it from ₱500 to ₱1,000.

8. Funeral and Burial Services

a. A twenty percent (20%) discount and privilege from taxes for the purchase/payment of the following:

• Caskets or urns
• Embalming services
• Cremation
• Expenses for viewing or wake
• Retrieval from hospital morgue
• Transportation of the deceased to the intended place of burial at the place of origin

Funeral services include grave digging, casket placement, and other services during the burial. The 20% discount for senior citizens in funeral services was recently added under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. This change was introduced after a government appeal to the Supreme Court to reverse a 2018 decision where a private company selling memorial lots argued that internment services were not eligible for senior citizen discounts. The Supreme Court disagreed, pointing out the lack of an exact definition of “funeral and burial services” in the existing law for senior citizens and emphasizing that burial services encompass all services related to “the use, placement, or burial of human remains.”

b. Financial assistance amounting to Two Thousand Pesos (₱2,000) provided to the nearest relative taking care of a deceased indigent senior citizen.

How to Claim Death Benefits for Senior Citizens in 2024?

The obituary review and memorial lot expenses are not covered by the 20% discount.

The individual eligible to claim the discount is the beneficiary or anyone who paid for the burial expenses of the deceased senior citizen. They can claim the discount by presenting the death certificate of the deceased senior citizen.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development funds the death benefits for senior citizens.

How to Avail Discounts for Senior Citizens and VAT Exemption in 2024?

The twenty percent (20%) discount and VAT exemption given to senior citizens should be calculated as follows:

Step 1: First, deduct the VAT from the Retail Price of the item to get the Net Retail Price. To do this, use the formula: Selling Price / VAT Rate (12%) = VAT Exempt Sales. For example, if the selling price (retail price of the item including VAT) is ₱200.00, the senior citizen price would be calculated as follows: Retail price including VAT: ₱200.00 / VAT Rate: 1.12 = Net Retail Price: ₱178.57

Step 2: The 20% discount should then be deducted from the Net Retail Price to get the Senior Citizen Price. For example, if the Net Retail Price is ₱178.57, deducting 20% (178.57 * 0.20) results in ₱35.72. Therefore, the Senior Citizen Price would be ₱142.86.

What is the Office for Senior Citizens’ Affairs (OSCA)?

RA 9994 establishes the Office for Senior Citizens’ Affairs (OSCA). OSCA is an office set up in cities and municipalities under the Mayor’s Office, led by a senior citizen. OSCA is responsible for various tasks: promoting available services for senior citizens; updating the senior citizen registry; issuing national standard individual identification cards and booklets nationwide; serving as a general information and coordination center for senior citizen needs; monitoring compliance with RA 9994 provisions and its IRR, particularly regarding special discounts and privileges for senior citizens, and reporting any violations to the Mayor; assisting senior citizens in filing complaints or cases against individuals or entities refusing to abide by the law’s privileges; and helping coordinate investigations into deceptive practices and abuses related to discounts and privileges exclusively for senior citizens.

Tips and Warnings

If a senior citizen also has a disability (PWD), the Senior Citizen can use either the Senior Citizen Card or the PWD Discount.

If an establishment does not honor the 20% discount, the Senior Citizen can go to the LGU OSCA where the purchase was made or to their place of residence, whichever is more convenient for the senior citizen.

The 20% discount and VAT exemption also apply to purchases of goods or services paid for by the senior citizen using their credit card/s.

It is emphasized that double discounts are not allowed. The senior citizen can only choose between the senior citizen discount or promotional product discount. However, only the senior citizen discount is exempt from VAT.

Note that non-medical services that are not necessary for treatment and diagnosis are not eligible for any discount. Examples include cosmetic surgery procedures, executive check-up packages, and physical examinations.

The 20% discount and VAT exemption can only be used ONCE for purchasing non-perishable medical devices for personal use such as scales, blood pressure apparatus, and glucometers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the 20% transportation discount applicable to ride-hailing apps like Grab and Angkas? How?

Yes, the law mandates a 20% discount on all domestic public transportation. Since Grab and Angkas are considered public transportation, they are included in this discount.

For senior citizens to avail of the discount, they need to register on Grab’s website first. For additional information, click here. The process is similar for Angkas—senior citizens can register and fill out a form here.

2. Can I use the 20% discount on GrabFood and similar apps?

The law also specifies that the 20% discount applies to food delivery services. However, this is only expected when the order is made via phone. For phone orders, senior citizens can present their IDs to avail the discount before delivery. However, discounts are not configured in apps to be deducted automatically.

The intention of the law is clear – to provide discounts for food delivery services. GrabFood and similar apps fall under this category, so the discount should apply. Grab has stated on their website that the 20% discount is now applicable to Grab food delivery. Additionally, earlier, we confirmed that Foodpanda also offers discounts for senior citizens (for specific instructions, please refer to the article above).

Companies delivering food through apps should make sure to adjust their apps to allow for senior citizen discounts; otherwise, they would violate the law.

3. No. The law is clear. The benefits and privileges granted under RA 9994 are reserved for Filipino citizens residing in the Philippines and aged 60 and above.

This can also apply to senior citizens with “dual citizenship,” provided they can prove their Filipino citizenship and have resided in the Philippines for at least six months.

Therefore, foreigners, even if they reside in the Philippines, are not included.

Senator Francis Pangilinan submitted a bill (S.B. Number 2832) on May 11, 2018, to extend the benefits under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 to foreigners aged sixty (60) above residing in the Philippines. However, this bill was not passed by the Senate and did not become law, so foreigners are not included.

4. A senior citizen may bring along a family member when using express lane privileges like in airports, bus terminals, and others. How many family members can he bring?

Yes, a senior citizen who is not a senior citizen himself can bring family members with him in express lanes such as airports, trains, and bus terminals. The rule is that only one family member can accompany the senior citizen. At airports, it is specified that only one family member can join the senior citizen in the express lane.

In trains like MRT and LRT, there are designated priority areas where a senior citizen can be accompanied by one person to that specific area. Typically, two or more people can accompany the senior citizen to the designated area if the train is not full and the destination is unknown; otherwise, the extra companions will be asked to board a different cabin.

5. I know someone who was given a senior citizen card even though they are not a senior citizen yet. Are there penalties for someone illegally using the card? What are the penalties?

Yes, according to R.A. No. 9994, anyone violating the provisions of the law shall be penalized with a fine not less than fifty thousand pesos (₱50,000) but not more than one hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000) and imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more than six (6) years for the first offense.

For subsequent violations, a fine not less than one hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000) but not more than two hundred thousand pesos (₱200,000) and imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more than six (6) years for the mentioned violation shall be imposed.

Anyone abusing the privileges provided by law will be penalized with a fine not less than fifty thousand pesos (₱50,000) but not more than one hundred thousand pesos (₱100,000) and imprisonment of not less than six (6) months.

If you are a foreigner violating any provision of the law.