Government Helplines for Senior Citizens in India
Last reviewed: 15 September 2026 | Senior Citizen Information Researcher
Knowing the right helpline numbers can be lifesaving for senior citizens in India – whether you need help with a government scheme, medical emergency, financial fraud, or general welfare. The government has established several dedicated helplines for the elderly, along with state-specific numbers for various services.
This guide provides a comprehensive directory of all government helplines relevant to senior citizens, organised by category for quick reference.
National Helplines for Senior Citizens
| Helpline | Number | Purpose | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elderline (National) | 14567 | Senior citizen grievances, welfare, and support | 24/7, Toll-free |
| Elderline (Alternate) | 1800-180-1111 | Same as above (toll-free) | 24/7 |
| Tele-MANAS (Mental Health) | 14416 | Mental health support and counselling | 24/7, Toll-free |
| Women Helpline | 181 | Women in distress (including senior women) | 24/7 |
| Police Emergency | 100 | Crime, emergency, accidents | 24/7 |
| Ambulance | 108 | Medical emergency ambulance | 24/7 |
| Fire Brigade | 101 | Fire emergencies | 24/7 |
Healthcare Helplines
| Helpline | Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ayushman Bharat | 14555 / 1800-111-565 | PM-JAY queries, hospital network, card issues |
| CGHS Helpline | 011-23062313 | CGHS card, empanelled hospitals, claims |
| Health Ministry COVID | 1075 | Health queries and COVID-related support |
| National Health Authority | 14555 | Ayushman Bharat grievances |
| Jan Aushadhi (Medicines) | 1800-180-8080 | Generic medicine availability and pricing |
Financial and Banking Helplines
| Helpline | Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SBI Senior Citizen Helpline | 1800-11-2211 | Banking queries for senior citizens |
| RBI Ombudsman | 14448 | Banking complaints and grievances |
| Consumer Helpline | 1800-11-4000 | Consumer complaints including financial fraud |
| Cyber Crime Helpline | 1930 | Report online fraud and cyber crimes |
| Insurance Ombudsman | 1800-425-4732 | Insurance-related complaints |
| EPFO (Pension) | 1800-118-116 |
Legal Aid and Rights
| Helpline | Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| National Legal Services Authority | 15100 | Free legal aid for senior citizens |
| Senior Citizen Rights | 14567 | Rights awareness and grievance redressal |
| Human Rights Commission | 011-23385311 | Human rights violations |
Social Welfare Schemes
| Helpline | Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension | 1800-11-1567 | IGNOAPS pension queries |
| Atal Pension Yojana | 1800-180-1111 | APY enrollment and queries |
| PMVVY (LIC) | 1800-425-0002 | Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana |
| National Council for Senior Citizens | 011-23389999 | Policy and welfare for elderly |
State-Wise Elderline Numbers
The Elderline 14567 is available across India, but some states have additional dedicated numbers:
| State | Helpline Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 011-23389999 | Senior citizen welfare |
| Maharashtra | 022-24974000 | Senior citizen helpline |
| Karnataka | 080-22211434 | Elderly support services |
| Tamil Nadu | 044-28193444 | Senior citizen helpline |
| Uttar Pradesh | 0522-2611041 | Old age pension and welfare |
| Kerala | 0471-2326847 | Social justice department |
| West Bengal | 033-22143526 | Senior citizen support |
| Rajasthan | 0141-2226193 | Senior citizen welfare |
Emergency Numbers to Save on Your Phone
- 14567 – Elderline (Senior Citizen Helpline)
- 100 – Police
- 108 – Ambulance
- 181 – Women Helpline
- 14416 – Mental Health (Tele-MANAS)
- 1930 – Cyber Crime
- 14555 – Ayushman Bharat
- 1075 – Health Ministry
Tips for Using Helplines
- Save numbers in advance: Don't wait for an emergency to look up numbers.
- Keep documents ready: Have your Aadhaar card, Senior Citizen Card, and bank details handy when calling.
- Note the reference number: Most helplines provide a complaint or reference number – save it for follow-up.
- Call during working hours: While many helplines are 24/7, government office helplines work 10 AM–5 PM.
- Follow up in writing: If the helpline doesn't resolve your issue, follow up with a written complaint to the department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Elderline number for senior citizens?
The Elderline number is 14567 (toll-free). It is available 24/7 for all senior citizen-related queries, grievances, and welfare support.
Can I call the Elderline for financial fraud complaints?
Yes. Elderline can guide you on financial fraud. For cyber crimes specifically, also call 1930 (Cyber Crime Helpline).
Is Tele-MANAS free for senior citizens?
Yes. Tele-MANAS at 14416 is a completely free mental health helpline available 24/7 for all citizens, including seniors.
What if I can't call due to hearing difficulty?
Use SMS services where available, or ask a family member to call on your behalf. Many states also offer WhatsApp-based support through their social welfare departments.
Can I get free legal aid through these helplines?
Yes. Call 15100 (NALSA) for free legal aid, or call Elderline at 14567 which can connect you with legal services for seniors.