A Complete Guide to Senior Citizen Benefits

From Discounts to Care

Here’s a comprehensive overview of Bacolod City Government programs for seniors and retirees, covering each program’s name, purpose, features, eligibility, and enrollment, including how to prepare before turning 60:

 

OSCA Senior Citizen ID & Benefit Booklets

Program Name: Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) — ID & Booklets
Purpose: Official ID card that entitles Bacolod City residents aged 60 and above to local government benefits and national discounts under Republic Act 9994. Also includes grocery and medicine booklets for tracking discount usage, among others.

What it entails:

• OSCA ID (with QR code in updated version) proving resident status and age.
• Medicine Purchase Booklet: access to 20% discounts on prescription medicines, diagnostic services, dental/medical fees, transport, lodging, etc.
• Grocery Purchase Booklet: 5% discount on basic commodities.

Eligibility:

• Must be at least 60 years old and a resident of Bacolod City for at least 6 months.
  Requirements:
• Two (2) 1″×1″ photos
• Current barangay certificate or community tax certificate (cedula)
• Proof of age: birth/baptismal certificate or valid ID
• Voter registration may also be needed

How to access/register:

1. Visit the OSCA office at Purok Dawis, Barangay 14, Bacolod City, or visit the OSCA Portal.
2. Submit required documents.
3. You will be issued your OSCA ID and booklets.
4. Card upgrades now include QR code for security and acceptance, especially at establishments. A city-wide rollout has issued new QR-coded IDs to over 50,000 residents.

Before you turn 60:

Prepare documents ahead of time: birth certificate, barangay certification, and voter registration.

• Have photos taken in standard size.
• Verify OSCA’s current processing time (often a few days); inquire in advance for an appointment and QR code issuance.

 

Social Pension (Monthly ₱500 / ₱6,000 annually)

Program Name: Bacolod Social Pension Program
Purpose: Provide financial assistance (₱500 per month, total ₱6,000 per year) to qualified indigent senior citizens not receiving contributory pensions.

Features:

• Regular cash payments via the City’s Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD).
• Payouts are conducted by barangay or DSSD venues; some barangays now include second-half payouts early in the year.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Filipino senior citizen resident of Bacolod for at least six months to one year.
• Not receiving a contributory pension or receiving ≤ ₱5,000/month from GSIS/SSS/PVAO or DSWD.
• Must qualify as indigent (no stable income).

How to access/register:

1. Contact your barangay hall, state your intent to apply for social pension.
2. Barangay will screen and submit applicants to DSSD.
3. If approved, the pension will be processed and delivered—typically in two lump-sum payouts per year (half-year installments).

As of early 2025, around 11,000 beneficiaries are covered

 

Maintenance Medicines Assistance (Hypertension / Diabetes)

Program Name: Bacolod Maintenance Medicine Program for Indigent Seniors
Purpose: Provide free maintenance medicines for hypertension and diabetes to indigent seniors.

What it entails:

• Medicines are provided through the City Health Office or Barangay Health Center.
• Requires a free check-up and doctor’s prescription.
  Eligibility:
• Indigent senior citizen, resident of Bacolod City for at least six months.
• Undergoes free medical assessment in a public facility.

Access/Registration:

1. Visit your barangay health center or the City Health Office (CHO).
2. Receive a free checkup and get a prescription from a public health practitioner.
3. Register at the barangay office for the issuance of free medication.
4. Medicine packages are distributed on enrollment.
5. Initially funded with ₱4 million, supplemental budgets may increase support

 

Ladderized Centenarian Cash Grants

Program Name: Ladderized Centenarian Incentive Program
Purpose: Recognize and reward long-lived senior citizens with escalating cash grants.

Details:

• Age 80–89: ₱10,000
• Age 90–99: cumulative up to ₱20,000
• 100+ years: up to ₱100,000 in total laddered benefits

Eligibility:

Bacolod City residents reaching those milestone ages, with certified proof of age.

How to access:

1. Eligible seniors or their families should coordinate via DSSD or their barangay.
2. Payouts are often conducted at barangay gyms or DSSD offices; home delivery is possible for immobile seniors.

In early 2025, for example, 747 seniors received a ₱3,000 social pension, and 140 centenarians received ₱10,000 each. Info

 

Before You Turn 60:  Pre-registration Preparation

• Gather proof of residency (barangay certificate/cedula).
• Secure official proof of age (birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or old ID).
• Keep 2 passport-size photos ready.
• Ensure voter registration is updated if applicable.
• Once you turn 60, go to the OSCA office and submit documents for ID issuance and booklets.
• Then register with the barangay and DSSD for pension or medical programs as eligible.

Final Tips

1. Turn 60 as early as possible in the calendar year to maximize program start time.
2. Coordinate with your barangay OSCA representative for community-level assistance and application forms.
3. Ask about OSCA ID updates if you have an older card without a QR code—QR IDs are required to ensure your discounts are honored at stores and establishments.
4. Maintain contact with DSSD for pension payouts and any changes in eligibility criteria.

These programs reflect Bacolod City Government’s current (mid-2025) efforts to support senior citizens through discounts, cash assistance, healthcare access, and recognition of longevity. If you’d like links to download application forms or contact details, I’d be happy to help!

VIAJERO KULTURA PILIPINAS, BACOLOD CITY; READY, JET SET, GO!