Priority lanes are special queues or lines of senior citizens in places like government offices, hospitals, banks, grocery stores and others that are open to the public. This is to eliminate the long lines making the seniors served at a fast rate. According to the Executive Order 291, in Bulacan, has the requirement that all the public and private establishments be obliged to establish priority lanes to seniors or at least give them priority at ordinary queuing points.
Even in cases of elections, senior citizens are accorded special priority in voting precincts where by there is a shorter wait and more convenient lines for seniors . There are also reserved seats and boarding lanes of buses, jeepneys, and rail service for older adults.
Riding the priority lanes is easy. To prove they are seniors eligible, seniors are expected to present their OSCA ID or their Senior Citizen ID. In the case when a store or an office refuses to prioritize seniors, seniors may first ask politely or report to OSCA or the local government.
Senior Priority Lanes & Utility Discounts
Seniors are also not required to have a senior citizen card OSCA provides, as they only need to present the ID cards of their office of senior citizen affairs. This card shows that they are old enough to have entitlement to benefits. Citizens and business are mandated by law to keep these lanes by the seniors. In any case where a senior was not given priority, he/she can remind the staff or report to the OSCA or DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) to assist.
Senior Priority Lanes & Utility Discounts : Overview
| Privilege | Details | Requirements |
| Priority Lanes | Special lanes in government offices, stores, hospitals | Senior Citizen ID |
| Priority Polling Precinct | Ground floor voting stations during elections | Voter’s registered Senior ID |
| Utility Discounts | Minimum 5% discount on electricity and water | Meter registered to senior |
| Discounts on Medicines | 20% discount plus VAT exemption | Senior Citizen ID |
| Public Transport Discounts | 20% off fares, priority seating | Senior Citizen ID |
| Airport Priority Lanes | Check-in and boarding priority | Senior Citizen ID |
| Social Services Priority | Faster processing of social pension and benefits | Senior Citizen ID |
Bulacan Senior Citizens Utility Discounts
There are also discounts to seniors on such essential utilities as electricity bills and water bills. The discount is no less than 5 percent per month, however, on condition that the name of the senior citizen, to which the utility meter belongs, is recorded, and the consumption of electricity and water does not exceed 100 kWh and 30 cubic meters accordingly.
Those who are in homes or centers that are accredited by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) may get greater discounts of up to 50 percent on electricity, water, and even telephones bills. This assists in cutting the costs among the aged in assisted living.
Benefits and Discounts in University Other Senior in Bulacan
Other Concessions For Seniors
- 20 percent discount without paying the VAT on medicines and medical services
- -20 percent off on the prices of the public transport (jeepneys, buses, taxis, trains)
- Sale prices in hotels, food and recreational facilities, movie theatres etc
- Free health checks (medical dental) in government premises
- Faster check-in to flights and special express lanes at the airport
- Exemption of priority to receive the government as well as the social services
FAQs
1. What should I do in order to get the utility discount?
Make sure that your electricity and water metering is charged in your name and that the usage is within stipulated limits. Qualify with your OSCA ID and receive through your local utility provider.
2. The reduction must be in Bulacan only?
These are national government benefits though there are local offices in Bulacan to facilitate the smooth implementation of it.
3. Is it possible to have family member to claim on behalf of the senior?
In most cases, seniors need to claim themselves, but in some applications, when a seniors is not able to visit the office, one can be represented with competent authorization letters.
Elderly adults in Bulacan will have numerous advantages that will make life affordable and comfortable. To avail these privileges, it is important to have the OSCA ID. The offices of the local governments and the OSCA centers assist seniors with their questions and problems on claiming their rights.