The Senior Citizen Card is an important government-recognized document that helps elderly citizens access pension benefits, healthcare support, social security schemes, and priority government services. The Kerala Senior Citizen Card is closely associated with the Social Security Pension Schemes implemented by the state government through a transparent digital system.
The Government of Kerala, through the Social Justice Department and Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGIs), enables eligible senior citizens to apply for a Senior Citizen Card online as well as offline. Applications are primarily processed through the state’s citizen service and welfare portals, ensuring direct benefit transfer (DBT) to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Official Kerala Portal: Kerala Social Security / Sevana Portal
This article explains how to apply for the Kerala Senior Citizen Card, eligibility rules, documents required, pension amount, online and offline application steps, renewal process, common issues, and FAQs.
What is the Kerala Senior Citizen Card?
Table of Contents
The Kerala Senior Citizen Card is an officially issued identity-cum-eligibility document for residents aged 60 years and above. It confirms senior citizen status and eligibility for various state and central welfare schemes, especially social security pensions.
Key Objectives of the Scheme
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Provide a monthly old-age pension to eligible senior citizens
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Ensure financial security and dignity in old age
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Enable access to healthcare and social welfare benefits
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Facilitate priority services at government offices
Issuing Authority
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Department: Social Justice Department, Government of Kerala
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Implementation Level: Local Self-Government Institutions (Gram Panchayat / Municipality / Corporation)
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Linked Central Scheme: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) under NSAP
Eligibility Criteria for Kerala Senior Citizen Card
Applicants must meet the following state-specific eligibility conditions:
1. Age Requirement
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Minimum age: 60 years
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Age must be verified through Aadhaar or official age proof
2. Residential Requirement
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Applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala
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Residence proof issued within Kerala is mandatory
3. Income / BPL Requirement
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Priority is given to:
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BPL families
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Economically weaker sections
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Income limits are prescribed by the state and may be revised periodically
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 or homeless elderly persons
Verification Note: Eligibility conditions are subject to change as per Government of Kerala notifications. Applicants should always verify current criteria on the official portal.
Documents Required for Kerala Senior Citizen Card
Applicants must submit clear, self-attested copies of the following documents:
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Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
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Age Proof
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Birth Certificate / SSLC Certificate
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Residence Proof
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Ration Card
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Voter ID
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Electricity / Water Bill
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Bank Account Details
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Passbook (first page)
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Aadhaar-linked bank account preferred for DBT
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BPL Card or Income Certificate
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Passport Size Photograph
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Husband’s Death Certificate (for widow applicants)
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Disability Certificate (if applicable)
Pension Amount for Kerala Senior Citizen Card
The pension amount is decided by the Government of Kerala under its social security framework and is among the highest in the country.
Current Pension Amount (Indicative)
| State | Monthly Old Age Pension |
|---|---|
| Kerala | ₹1,600 |
| Karnataka | ₹1,200 |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹1,000 |
| Andhra Pradesh | ₹2,250 |
Disclaimer: Pension amounts may vary based on age, category, and government revisions. Applicants must confirm the latest amount on the official Kerala portal.
How to Apply for Kerala Senior Citizen Card Online
Eligible citizens can apply Senior Citizen Card online in Kerala by following these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official website: Kerala Sevana / Social Security Portal
Step 2: Register or Login
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Register using Aadhaar number and mobile OTP
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Existing users can log in directly
Step 3: Select the Relevant Scheme
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Choose Senior Citizen Card / Old Age Pension
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Select Local Self-Government body (Panchayat / Municipality)
Step 4: Fill the Application Form
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Enter personal details, address, income details, and bank account information carefully
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
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Upload documents in PDF/JPEG format
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Recommended file size: 200–300 KB
Step 6: Submit Application
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Review all details
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Submit the application
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Save the Application Reference Number for future tracking
How to Apply Kerala Senior Citizen Card Offline
Senior citizens who are unable to apply online can use the offline application process.
Offline Application Steps:
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Visit the Gram Panchayat / Municipality / Corporation Office
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Collect the Senior Citizen Card / Pension Application Form
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Fill in the form with accurate details
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Attach photocopies of required documents
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Submit the form to the designated official
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Collect the acknowledgment receipt
Track Kerala Senior Citizen Card Application Status
Applicants can track application status online.
Steps to Track Status:
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Visit Kerala Application Status Page
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Enter Application ID / Aadhaar Number
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Click on “Track Status”
Application status may show:
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Submitted
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Under Verification
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Approved
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Rejected
Renewal / Re-Verification Process in Kerala
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Re-verification is generally required once every year
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Mandatory for uninterrupted pension payments
Documents Required for Renewal:
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Life Certificate
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Aadhaar authentication
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Bank account verification
Common Issues & Solutions
Problem 1: Aadhaar Details Mismatch
Solution: Update Aadhaar details through the UIDAI portal before applying.
Problem 2: Document Upload Failure
Solution: Ensure documents are in PDF/JPEG format and between 200–300 KB in size.
Problem 3: Bank Account Not Aadhaar-Linked
Solution: Visit your bank branch to link your Aadhaar for DBT benefits.
Problem 4: Income Certificate Rejected
Solution: Submit a recent Income Certificate issued by the Village Officer or competent authority.
FAQ:
Q. How to apply Senior Citizen Card online in Kerala?
A. You can apply through the official Kerala social security or Sevana portal using Aadhaar authentication.
Q. What is the eligibility age for Senior Citizen Card in Kerala?
A. The minimum eligibility age is 60 years.
Q. How much pension is given to senior citizens in Kerala?
A. Currently, eligible senior citizens receive around ₹1,600 per month.
Q. How much is widow pension in Kerala?
A. Eligible widows above 60 years receive pension under Kerala social security schemes.
Q. Can I apply without a BPL card?
A. Yes, but a valid Income Certificate may be required.
Q. How long does approval take?
A. Approval generally takes 30–45 days, depending on verification.
Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for Kerala Senior Citizen Card?
A. Yes, Aadhaar is mandatory for identity verification and DBT.
Q. Can I apply offline for the Senior Citizen Card?
A. Yes, offline applications are accepted at Panchayat and municipal offices.
Q. How can I track my application status?
A. By entering the Application ID or Aadhaar number on the official portal.
Q. Is renewal required every year?
A. Yes, annual life certificate submission is mandatory.
Conclusion:
The Kerala Senior Citizen Card is a crucial document that ensures financial security, social protection, and dignity for elderly residents of the state. By following the correct online or offline application process and submitting accurate documents, eligible senior citizens can easily access pension benefits and other welfare schemes.
Applicants are strongly advised to regularly check the official Kerala government portal for updates on eligibility rules, pension amounts, and renewal procedures.