Senior Citizen Card in Assam
The Senior Citizen Card issued by the Government of Assam provides elderly residents aged 60 and above with access to healthcare benefits, travel concessions, pension schemes, and various welfare programmes. The card is processed through the District Social Welfare Office and can be applied for online via the Antodaya portal or offline at designated government offices across the state.
Last reviewed: 15 September 2026 | Senior Citizen Information Researcher
Overview
Assam, the gateway to Northeast India, has a significant elderly population spread across its 33 districts. The Senior Citizen Card is an essential document for elderly residents, enabling them to access a wide range of government benefits and welfare schemes. The card is managed by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in coordination with the district administration.
The Antodaya portal of Assam has been established to streamline the application process for various social welfare schemes, including the Senior Citizen Card. This digital platform allows citizens to apply for services from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for multiple visits to government offices. The Senior Citizen Card is particularly important for seniors who need to avail benefits under both state and central government schemes, including the Orunodoi scheme, pension programmes, healthcare subsidies, and transport concessions.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Senior Citizen Card in Assam, the applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Age Requirement: The applicant must be 60 years of age or older at the time of application. Both men and women are eligible to apply upon reaching the age of 60.
- Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Assam with valid address proof such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or ration card issued by the Assam government.
- Identity Proof: A valid government-issued photo identity document is required, such as a PAN card, passport, or Aadhaar card.
- Photograph: Two recent passport-size colour photographs are mandatory for the application.
- Income Certificate: An income certificate may be required for eligibility under specific welfare schemes, particularly for BPL families and those covered under the Orunodoi scheme.
Documents Required
Applicants must gather the following documents before submitting their application:
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for identity and address verification)
- Voter ID Card or Passport
- Birth Certificate, HSLC Certificate, or any government-issued age proof document
- Two recent passport-size colour photographs
- Ration Card (for BPL category verification, if applicable)
- Income Certificate from the Circle Officer (required for Orunodoi scheme eligibility)
- Bank account details linked to Aadhaar (for pension-related benefits)
- Residential proof such as electricity bill, water bill, or gas connection proof
All documents should be self-attested copies. Original documents must be presented for verification at the District Social Welfare Office or during the application review process.
Application Process
Online Application via Antodaya Portal
Assam offers an online application process through the Antodaya portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Antodaya portal at antodayaassam.gov.in.
- Register for a new account using your mobile number, email ID, and Aadhaar details. If you already have an account, simply log in with your credentials.
- From the list of available services, select "Senior Citizen Certificate" or "Old Age Pension" under the Social Welfare category.
- Fill in the application form with accurate details, including your full name, date of birth, residential address, and contact information.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified file format and size. Ensure that all documents are clearly legible.
- Pay the processing fee through the integrated online payment gateway using a debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking (if applicable).
- Review your application carefully and submit it. Note down the application reference number provided for future tracking.
- You will receive an acknowledgement receipt via SMS and email. Print this receipt for your records.
Offline Application at District Social Welfare Office
If you prefer the offline route, follow these steps:
- Visit the District Social Welfare Office or the nearest Circle Office in your area.
- Collect the Senior Citizen Card application form from the help desk or the social welfare section.
- Fill in the form completely and accurately, attaching all self-attested copies of required documents.
- Submit the application form along with the applicable processing fee at the designated counter.
- Collect the acknowledgement receipt with your application reference number.
- The application will be forwarded to the Antodaya portal by the office staff, and the verification process will begin.
- You may be called for an in-person verification if the authorities require additional confirmation of your details or documents.
Processing Time
The processing time for a Senior Citizen Card in Assam is typically 10 to 15 working days. The actual processing time may vary depending on the district, the volume of applications, and the verification process. Applicants can track their application status online through the Antodaya portal using the reference number provided at the time of submission. SMS updates are also sent at various stages of the process to keep applicants informed. For urgent cases, applicants can contact the District Social Welfare Office directly to inquire about expedited processing.
Issuing Authority
The Senior Citizen Card in Assam is issued by the District Social Welfare Office of the respective district. The certificate is typically verified and signed by the Circle Officer or the District Social Welfare Officer before being approved by the Deputy Commissioner. The card is valid for a period of five years and can be renewed by submitting a renewal application before the expiry date. Renewal applications can be submitted online through the Antodaya portal or offline at the District Social Welfare Office.
State-Specific Benefits in Assam
Assam provides several state-specific benefits for senior citizens holding a valid Senior Citizen Card:
- ASTC Bus Concession: Senior citizens are eligible for a discount on ASTC (Assam State Transport Corporation) bus travel. The concession applies to both ordinary and express services, with discounts typically ranging from 25% to 50% depending on the route and class of travel. The card must be presented at the time of ticket purchase.
- Orunodoi Scheme: Assam's flagship financial assistance scheme provides monthly transfers to eligible households, including senior citizens. Under this scheme, beneficiaries receive Rs. 830 per month directly into their bank accounts. The Senior Citizen Card may be required as supporting documentation for scheme application and renewal. The scheme is particularly beneficial for elderly women and BPL families.
- Healthcare Benefits: The card enables access to free or subsidised treatment at government hospitals and Atal Amrit Abhiyan-empanelled hospitals. Senior citizens can avail diagnostic tests, medicines, and specialist consultations at reduced rates through the state health department.
- Railway Concession: The Senior Citizen Card serves as valid age proof for availing railway travel concessions on Indian Railways, as per central government guidelines. This is particularly important for residents of Assam who frequently travel by train to other parts of India.
- Property Tax Rebate: Municipal corporations and panchayats in Assam may offer property tax rebates to senior citizens holding a valid card.
- Free Health Insurance: Under the Atal Amrit Abhiyan scheme, senior citizens with the card can access health insurance coverage for treatment at government and empanelled private hospitals for specified diseases.
Helpline Numbers and Support
For any queries or assistance regarding the Senior Citizen Card in Assam, you can reach out to the following helpline numbers:
- Antodaya Portal Helpline: 1800-345-3652 (Toll-Free)
- Assam 181 (Senior Citizen Helpline): 181
- ASTC Customer Care: 0361-2541759
- Assam Social Welfare Department: 0361-2237523
- Orunodoi Scheme Helpline: 1800-345-3652 (Toll-Free)
- Atal Amrit Abhiyan Help Desk: 1800-102-3636 (Toll-Free)
You can also visit the official Assam government website at assam.gov.in for more information about senior citizen services and welfare schemes available in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to apply for a Senior Citizen Card in Assam?
The minimum age to apply for a Senior Citizen Card in Assam is 60 years. Both men and women who have attained the age of 60 are eligible to apply. There is no upper age limit for the application. Seniors who are already 80 years or older can also apply and may qualify for enhanced benefits under certain government schemes.
How long does it take to receive the Senior Citizen Card in Assam?
The processing time for the Senior Citizen Card in Assam is generally 10 to 15 working days. The actual time may vary depending on the district and the verification process. You can track the status of your application online through the Antodaya portal using the reference number provided at the time of submission. SMS updates are sent at each stage of the process.
Can I apply for the Senior Citizen Card online in Assam?
Yes, Assam provides an online application facility through the Antodaya portal at antodayaassam.gov.in. You can register, fill the application form, upload documents, and pay the fee online. However, you may need to visit the District Social Welfare Office or Circle Office for document verification if required by the authorities. The online system also allows you to track your application status in real time.
What is the Orunodoi scheme and how does the Senior Citizen Card help?
The Orunodoi scheme is Assam's flagship financial assistance scheme that provides monthly transfers of Rs. 830 to eligible households, including senior citizens. The scheme is primarily aimed at BPL families, elderly women, and persons with disabilities. The Senior Citizen Card may be required as supporting documentation for scheme application and renewal. The amount is directly credited to the beneficiary's bank account on a monthly basis.
What are the benefits of the Senior Citizen Card in Assam?
The Senior Citizen Card in Assam provides benefits including ASTC bus fare concessions, access to the Orunodoi monthly financial assistance, healthcare benefits through government hospitals and Atal Amrit Abhiyan, railway travel concession (central scheme), property tax rebates, and free health insurance coverage. The card also serves as a valid age proof document for various official and legal purposes.
How do I apply for the Orunodoi scheme with a Senior Citizen Card?
To apply for the Orunodoi scheme, you need to visit the Circle Office or the nearest Jan Seva Kendra in your area. Carry your Senior Citizen Card, Aadhaar card, bank account details, income certificate, and BPL certificate if applicable. The staff will help you fill out the application form and submit it. The monthly amount is directly credited to your Aadhaar-linked bank account. You can also check the status of your application through the Antodaya portal.
Is the Senior Citizen Card from Assam valid across India?
The Senior Citizen Card issued by the Government of Assam is valid within the state for all state-specific benefits such as ASTC bus concessions and state pension schemes. For central government benefits like railway concessions, the card serves as valid age proof across India. However, for central government schemes, you may need to additionally register on the relevant central portals such as UMANG or the Jeevan Pramaan portal for digital life certificate.
Can I apply for the Senior Citizen Card if I live in a remote area of Assam?
Yes, the Senior Citizen Card is available to all eligible residents of Assam, including those in remote and tribal areas. If you live in a remote area, you can visit the nearest Circle Office or Block Development Office to submit your application offline. You can also apply online through the Antodaya portal if you have internet access. For applicants in remote areas who cannot visit government offices easily, the government has set up camps and mobile service units in various districts to facilitate the application process. Contact your local Circle Office for information about upcoming camps in your area.
What should I do if my application is rejected or delayed?
If your application is rejected, you will receive a notification with the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documents, incorrect information, or discrepancies in age proof. You can reapply after resolving the issues mentioned. If your application is delayed beyond the expected processing time, you can contact the District Social Welfare Office directly or file a grievance through the Antodaya portal's grievance redressal system. You can also call the toll-free helpline for assistance with your application.