KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- 2025 brought major pension, healthcare, travel, and tax updates for Indian seniors
- Pension access, Ayushman cover, and higher TDS limits offer real relief
- Overall impact: better cash flow, comfort, and financial security
For many elderly Indians, 2025 has been a year of meaningful upgrades.
From smoother pension access to tax relief and healthcare support, several long-pending issues were addressed.
Whether you live in a metro city or a small town, these changes affect daily life, savings, and peace of mind.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the top 10 developments every senior citizen should know.
From pensions to Tax relief
| Area | Key Update | Effective Year |
|---|---|---|
| Pension | Any-bank pension withdrawal | 2025 |
| Healthcare | ₹5 lakh cover for 70+ | 2025 |
| Tax | Higher TDS limits | 2025 |
| Travel | Lower berth priority | 2025 |
| Welfare | Single digital portal | 2025 |
1. Pension Can Be Withdrawn from Any Bank Branch
From January 1, 2025, EPFO rolled out the Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS).
Now, EPS-95 pensioners can collect their pension from any bank branch across India.
This is a huge relief for seniors who shift cities or return to their native place after retirement.
2. Life Certificate Submission Is Now Easier
Senior citizens no longer need to stand in long queues.
You can submit your Jeevan Pramaan digitally or opt for doorstep service via postmen, banks, or post offices.
This especially helps elderly citizens with mobility or health issues.
3. Senior Citizens Welfare Portal Launched
On May 2, 2025, the Senior Citizens Welfare Portal (SCWP) was launched.
It acts as a single online platform for welfare schemes, healthcare services, and government updates.
This makes it easier for seniors and caregivers to find reliable information in one place.
4. ₹5 Lakh Health Cover for Citizens Aged 70+
Under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, citizens aged 70 years and above now get ₹5 lakh free medical cover per year.
The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card allows cashless hospitalisation and surgeries.
This rollout continued through 2025, reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses.
5. Monthly Pension Slips Are Now Mandatory
Banks must now issue monthly pension slips to all Central Civil and Family Pensioners.
As per the November 25, 2025 instruction, slips must be shared via email, SMS, WhatsApp, or print.
This brings better transparency and fewer disputes.
6. Better Train Travel Comfort for Seniors
Indian Railways now automatically allots lower berths to senior citizens when available.
Even if not selected during booking, the system prioritises elderly passengers.
This makes long journeys safer and more comfortable.
7. Higher TDS Exemption on Interest Income
From April 1, 2025, the TDS limit on interest income for senior citizens increased.
The threshold moved from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000.
No TDS will be deducted on FD or savings interest within this limit.
8. Higher TDS Limit on Rental Income
For seniors earning rent, the annual TDS limit was raised from ₹2.4 lakh to ₹6 lakh.
This change also applies from April 1, 2025.
It improves monthly cash flow for retirees dependent on rental income.
9. NSS Withdrawals Are Now Tax-Free
Budget 2025 amended Section 80CCA.
Withdrawals from the National Savings Scheme (NSS) made on or after August 29, 2024 are now fully tax-free.
This gives seniors more flexibility in managing long-term savings.
10. Pension Increase in Bihar from July 2025
In a state-level move, Bihar increased senior citizen pensions from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month.
The hike of ₹700 took effect from July 2025.
This step provides much-needed support to elderly residents in the state.
Final Takeaway
Taken together, 2025 has been a positive year for senior citizens in India.
Pensions are easier to access, healthcare costs are lower, and tax rules are more friendly.
