Old age allowance

The 'Elderly Allowance' program was introduced in the 1996-97 financial year to provide social security and increase the status of the elderly and the underprivileged in the country. Initially, 10 poor senior citizens including 5 men and 5 women in each ward of all the Union Parishads of the country were brought under the allowance of 100 rupees per month. Later, all the municipalities and city corporations of the country were included in this program.

As a pledge to implement the election manifesto of the present government, with the aim of doubling the number of elderly beneficiaries by 2021, the number of elderly beneficiaries has been increased from 20 lakh to 22 lakh 50 thousand and the monthly allowance has been increased from 250 to 300 rupees. . In the financial year 2021-22, 57 lakh 01 thousand old people will be given allowance at the rate of Tk 500 per person per month. In the current financial year 2021-22, the allocation for this sector is Tk. 3444.54 crore. Due to the intensive supervision of the highest level of government and the relentless work of the officers and employees of all levels of the Department of Social Services, almost 100% success has been achieved in the distribution of old age allowance in the last 4 years.

The steps currently being taken to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the old age allowance program and to make it universally acceptable are; Amending the implementation policy formulated in 2013, reducing the age of women from 65 years to 62 years to include more women in the allowance program, involving local honorable MPs and other people's representatives in beneficiary elections, taking initiative to create database in their own name The allowance is being paid by opening an account.

Implementing Office:

Department of Social Services

Year of commencement of activities

1997-98 financial year

Goals and Objectives

(1) socio-economic development and social security of the elderly population;

(2) increase their status in the family and society;

(3) strengthening their morale through financial grants;

(4) To assist in increasing the supply of medicine and nutrition.

Candidate Selection Criteria:

(A) Citizenship: The candidate must be a permanent citizen of Bangladesh.

(B) Age: Priority should be given to the oldest person.

(C) Health condition: He who is physically disabled i.e. completely incapacitated should be given the highest priority.

(D) Socio-economic status:

(1) In case of financial situation: The poor, refugees and landless should be given priority.

(2) In case of social status: Widows, divorced, widowed, childless, people separated from family should be given priority.

(E) Land Ownership: Preference should be given to landless persons. In this case, if the amount of land of a person other than a house is 0.5 acre or less, he will be considered landless.

Eligibility and conditions for receiving allowance

(1) Must be a permanent resident of the area concerned;

(2) Must have birth registration / national identification number;

(3) Age should be minimum 65 years for men and minimum 62 years for women.

The age fixed by the government from time to time should be taken into consideration;

(4) The average annual income of the candidate should be less than Rs. 10,000 (ten thousand);

(5) Must be selected by the selection committee.

Note: In determining the age, National Identity Card, Birth Registration Certificate, SSC / Equivalent Examination Certificate should be considered. If any dispute arises in this case, the decision of the concerned committee will be considered final.

Ineligibility to receive allowance

(1) if a government employee receives a pension;

(2) holding a VGD card as a distressed woman;

(3) if in any other way regular government grant / allowance is received;

(4) If regular financial grant / allowance is received from any private organization / social welfare organization.