The Odisha Senior Citizen Card is an important government welfare document issued to elderly residents of Odisha to help them access old-age pension benefits, social security schemes, healthcare assistance, and priority government services. This card serves as official proof of senior citizen status and is closely linked with pension and welfare schemes implemented by the state.
In Odisha, senior citizen card benefits are primarily provided under the Madhubabu Pension Yojana (MBPY) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), implemented through the state’s social security machinery. Eligible residents aged 60 years and above can apply for the Odisha Senior Citizen Card and pension benefits through online portals or offline government offices.
Official Odisha Government Portal: https://odisha.gov.in
What is the Odisha Senior Citizen Card?
Table of Contents
The Senior Citizen Card in Odisha is a state-recognized welfare identity document issued to elderly citizens to confirm their eligibility for pension schemes and senior citizen welfare benefits.
Purpose of the Scheme
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Provide monthly financial assistance to senior citizens
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Ensure social and economic security in old age
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Enable access to healthcare, concessions, and welfare schemes
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Serve as official proof for senior citizen benefits
Implementing Department
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Department of Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Government of Odisha
Social Security / Pension Portal: https://ssepd.odisha.gov.in
Eligibility Criteria for Odisha Senior Citizen Card
Applicants must fulfill the following state-specific eligibility conditions:
1. Age Requirement
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Minimum age: 60 years or above
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Age must be verified through Aadhaar or other official records
2. Income / BPL Requirement
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Priority is given to:
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BPL households
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Economically weaker senior citizens
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Under Madhubabu Pension Yojana, applicants generally should not be income-tax payees
3. Residential Requirement
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Applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha
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Residence proof issued by a competent authority is mandatory
4. Special Categories (If Applicable)
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Widows above 60 years
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Disabled senior citizens
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Destitute senior citizens
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SC/ST senior citizens (as per Odisha norms)
Documents Required for Odisha Senior Citizen Card
Applicants should keep original documents and scanned/photocopies ready before applying.
Mandatory Documents
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Aadhaar Card
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Proof of age (Birth Certificate / School Certificate / Voter ID)
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Proof of residence (Ration Card / Voter ID / Electricity or Water Bill)
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Bank account details (Passbook or bank statement)
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Passport-size photograph
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
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BPL card or Income Certificate
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Husband’s death certificate (for widows)
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Disability certificate (if applicable)
Pension Amount for Senior Citizens in Odisha
Senior citizens in Odisha receive pension assistance mainly under the Madhubabu Pension Yojana (MBPY) and NSAP.
Pension Amount in Odisha (As per Current State Scheme)
| Age Group | Monthly Pension Amount |
|---|---|
| 60–79 years | ₹500 |
| 80 years & above | ₹700 |
Comparison with Other States
| State | Monthly Senior Citizen Pension |
|---|---|
| Odisha | ₹500–₹700 |
| West Bengal | ₹1,000 |
| Andhra Pradesh | ₹2,250 |
| Chhattisgarh | ₹500 |
How to Apply for Odisha Senior Citizen Card Online
Odisha provides a robust online application system through its state portals.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
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Visit the official Odisha government portal
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Go to Citizen Services / Social Security / Pension Services
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Select Senior Citizen Pension / Madhubabu Pension Yojana
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Register using Aadhaar-linked mobile number
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Log in and fill out the Senior Citizen Card / pension application form
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Upload required documents (PDF/JPEG, 200–300 KB)
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Review details carefully and submit the application
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Note the Application Reference Number to track status
How to Apply for Odisha Senior Citizen Card Offline Method
Senior citizens who are unable to apply online can use the offline application process.
Offline Application Steps
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Visit the nearest:
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Gram Panchayat Office
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Block Development Office (BDO)
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Municipal / NAC Office
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Collect the Senior Citizen Card / MBPY application form
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Fill in all required details clearly
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Attach photocopies of all necessary documents
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Submit the application to the designated officer
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Collect the acknowledgment receipt
Track Odisha Senior Citizen Card Application Status
Applicants can track their Odisha Senior Citizen Card application status online.
Steps to Track Status
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Visit the official portal
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Navigate to Track Application Status
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Enter Application ID or Aadhaar number
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View status (Pending / Approved / Rejected)
Renewal / Re-Verification Process in Odisha
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Life verification is generally required once every year
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Purpose: To confirm that the beneficiary is alive and eligible
Documents Required for Renewal
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Aadhaar Card
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Life Certificate
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Bank account details
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem 1: Aadhaar Name or DOB Mismatch
Solution: Update Aadhaar details through the official UIDAI portal before applying.
Problem 2: Document Upload Failure
Solution: Upload documents strictly in 200–300 KB PDF or JPEG format.
Problem 3: Bank Account Not Linked with Aadhaar
Solution: Visit your bank branch and complete Aadhaar seeding.
Problem 4: Application Pending for Long Time
Solution: Contact the Gram Panchayat or BDO office for verification status.
FAQ:
Q. How to apply for Senior Citizen Card online in Odisha?
A. You can apply through the Odisha government portal under pension or social security services.
Q. What is the minimum age for Senior Citizen Card in Odisha?
A. Applicants must be 60 years or older.
Q. How much pension do senior citizens get in Odisha?
A. ₹500 per month (60–79 years) and ₹700 per month (80+ years).
Q. How much is widow pension in Odisha?
A. Widow pension under MBPY is generally ₹500 per month, subject to eligibility.
Q. Can I apply without a BPL card?
A. Yes, non-BPL applicants can apply if they meet income and scheme criteria.
Q. How long does approval take?
A. Approval usually takes 15–30 working days, depending on verification.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory?
A. Yes, Aadhaar is mandatory for identification and DBT payments.
Q. Can I apply offline?
A. Yes, offline applications are accepted at Panchayat, BDO, and municipal offices.
Q. How often is renewal required?
A. Life verification is generally required once every year.
Q. What should I do if my application is rejected?
A. Correct the errors mentioned and reapply or contact the local authority.
Conclusion:
The Odisha Senior Citizen Card is a crucial welfare document that ensures financial assistance, social security, and dignity for elderly citizens of the state. By following the correct eligibility rules, documentation process, and application steps, senior citizens can easily access pension benefits under state and central schemes.
Applicants are strongly advised to regularly check official Odisha government portals for the latest updates, pension revisions, and application guidelines.