The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) has officially recognized the digital National Senior Citizens ID (NSCID) on the government’s eGovPH app as a valid ID for Filipino senior citizens. The commission highlights that there is no need to carry a physical ID card to claim benefits when you have a Digital ID, calling on all establishments to accept it without question.
Under NCSC Public Advisory No. 1, Series of 2026, the digital ID may be used to avail of the 20% discount and value-added tax exemption on medicines, food, transportation, and other covered goods and services. Senior citizens may also present it when accessing government assistance programs, benefits, priority accommodations in public or private establishments, banking transactions, loan applications, and benefit claims.
“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,” NCSC chairperson and chief executive officer Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez said.
HOW TO ACCESS DIGITAL SENIOR ID
Senior citizens can access the digital NSCID by downloading the eGovPH app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. After logging, it can be found in the “Digital ID” section. Those aged 60 and above who are verified in the system will automatically see their digital NSCID. The ID can be screenshotted for offline use.
BOOKLETS NOT NEEDED FOR BUYING MEDICINE
For senior citizens buying medicine, DOH Administrative Order No. 2024-0017 orders that purchase booklets are no longer required to avail of the 20% senior citizen discount and VAT exemption when purchasing medicines. The digital NSCID presented via the eGovPH app can now be honored for discounts.
The digital NSCID was launched in August 2025 by the NCSC and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). As of April 2026, more than 1.3 million senior citizens have already accessed their digital NSCID through the eGovPH app. NCSC mentions that the shift from physical IDs to a digital platform is intended to minimize bureaucratic stress and improve service speed.
The NCSC mandates that both public and private establishments must accept the digital NSCID. If an establishment refuses, senior citizens or their families may report the issue through the NCSC’s official channels.
The commission highly recommends to save a screenshot of the digital ID on phone in case of unstable internet connection. Carrying a physical ID as a backup remains a practical option for areas with unreliable connectivity.
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