By Brian Campued
In line with the government’s digitalization efforts, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) urged public and private establishments to accept the digital National Senior Citizens ID (NSCID) as valid proof of identity for elderly Filipinos in all of their transactions.
In a news release Monday, NCSC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez stressed that the digital NSCID “is an official and legitimate government-issued identification designed to make services more accessible and convenient for our senior citizens.”
According to the NCSC public advisory dated May 18, the digital senior card, which is accessible through the eGovPH app, may be used in the following transactions:
- Availment of the 20% discount and value-added tax (VAT) exemption on medicines, food, transportation, and other covered goods and services;
- Access to government services, social protection programs, assistance interventions, and priority accommodations in public and private establishments;
- Banking, financial, and identity verification transactions, including account opening, loan applications, and benefit availment; and
- All other lawful transactions where presentation of a senior citizen ID is required or commonly accepted.
The digital NSCID was launched by the NCSC and the Department of Information and Communications Technology in August 2025 as part of efforts to streamline elderly Filipinos’ access to services and benefits as prescribed by Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
The NCSC said that pursuant to the government’s push for a “secure, app-based” system that also “minimizes bureaucratic hurdles, enhances service delivery, and reduces dependency on physical documentation.”
As of April 2026, over 1.3 million senior citizens have accessed their digital IDs through the eGovPH app, according to the NCSC.
The digital senior ID automatically appears in the eGovPH app for users who are at least 60 years old, have a National ID, or already have a valid senior citizen record with their local government unit.
During lawful transactions, senior citizens may present their digital NSCID through the app or even just a screenshot, provided that details and information on the image are clear and up-to-date.
Gutierrez said stronger awareness and compliance to the directive are vital to prevent inconvenience and discrimination against senior citizens.
“We call on all institutions and establishments to accept the digital NSCID in accordance with the law, similar to other government IDs available through the eGovPH App,” she said.
Those who encounter issues with the acceptance or verification of the digital NSCID may report them to the NCSC through [email protected], telephone number (02) 8567-5646, or @NCSCPhilippines on social media.
