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Senior citizens in India: 10 key 2025 developments you need to know

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By Sangeeta Ojha

4 min read | Updated on December 11, 2025, 07:46 IST

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SUMMARY

Here is a comprehensive look at ten key developments in 2025 that senior citizens in India should be aware of as we enter 2026 in just a few days.

Senior citizens in India10 key 2025 developments

As 2025 comes to an end, here is a comprehensive look at ten key developments in 2025 that senior citizens in India should be aware of. | Image: Shutterstock

The year 2025 brings quite a lot of changes for senior citizens in India. To accommodate the special needs of the senior population, the government has implemented several programs, including improved transport facilities, expanded healthcare coverage, and expedited pension payouts.

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The 2025 Budget also included important provisions for senior citizens.

As 2025 comes to an end, here is a comprehensive look at ten key developments in 2025 that senior citizens in India should be aware of.

1. Pension disbursement via any bank branch

Starting January 1, 2025, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) introduced the Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS). Now, pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS‑95) can collect their pension from any bank branch across India. This is a big relief for seniors who move back to their hometowns or relocate, eliminating the hassle of transferring Pension Payment Orders or dealing with paperwork.

2. Digital and doorstep life certificate submission

Seniors can now submit their annual life certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) online or through doorstep services via postmen, banks, or post offices. This reform ensures pension continuity with minimal effort, especially benefiting those with mobility challenges.

3. Senior Citizens Welfare Portal (SCWP)

Launched on May 2, 2025, by the President of India, the SCWP provides a one-stop digital platform for elderly citizens to access government schemes, healthcare benefits, welfare services, and updates on events, empowering seniors to navigate services more easily.

4. Enhanced healthcare coverage

Under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM‑JAY), senior citizens aged 70+ can now access up to ₹5 lakh per year for free medical treatment, including hospitalisation and surgeries, via the “Ayushman Vay Vandana” card.

This expansion, approved by the Union Cabinet on September 11, 2024, significantly reduces the financial burden of healthcare. In 2025, the rollout of this expansion is underway, eligible senior citizens (70+) can now receive the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card and access up to ₹ 5 lakh in free inpatient treatment annually.

5. Monthly pension slips made mandatory

The Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) has instructed all banks to issue monthly pension slips to every Central Civil Pensioner and Family Pensioner without fail. The November 25, 2025, Office Memorandum emphasises prompt delivery through email, SMS, WhatsApp, or other modes, ensuring senior citizens receive their slips in a clear, legible format.

6. Improved travel comfort under Indian Railways

New rules now automatically allocate lower berths to senior citizens and other vulnerable groups when available, even if not requested during booking. Sleeper and AC coaches also have dedicated lower-berth quotas, making train travel safer and more comfortable for older passengers.

7. Higher TDS exemption on interest

Budget 2025 raised the TDS (tax deducted at source) limit on interest earned by senior citizens from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000. This means no TDS will be deducted on interest from FDs, savings accounts, and similar instruments up to this limit, effective April 1, 2025.

8. Higher TDS deduction limit for rental income

The Budget also increased the TDS deduction limit on rent for land or building from ₹2,40,000 per year to ₹6,00,000 annually. This gives significant financial relief to seniors who rely on rental income, effective April 1, 2025.

9. Tax-free withdrawals from NSS

Under the amended Section 80CCA in Budget 2025, withdrawals from the National Savings Scheme (NSS) made on or after August 29, 2024, are now fully tax-free, offering seniors greater flexibility in managing their savings.

  1. Pension amount increased from July 2025
This is a state-specific development again related to the elderly population. As of July 2025, the Bihar government has raised the monthly pension amount for senior citizens from ₹400 to ₹1,100, marking a significant increase of ₹700 per month.
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About The Author

sangeeta-ojha.webp
Sangeeta Ojha is a business and finance journalist with vast experience across leading media platforms, including Mint and India Today. Passionate about personal finance, she has built a reputation for covering a wide range of PF topics—from income tax and mutual funds to insurance, savings, and investing.

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