What is the social security card for the elderly?
With the continuous improvement of the social security system, the Social Security Card for the Elderly (hereinafter referred to as the "Social Security Card") has become an indispensable and important tool in the lives of the elderly. It not only carries functions such as medical security and pension payment, but also gradually expands convenient services such as transportation and finance. So, what exactly does a senior citizen’s social security card look like? What are the functions? How to apply? This article will give you detailed answers based on recent hot topics and structured data.
1. Appearance characteristics of social security cards for the elderly

Social security cards for the elderly are basically the same in style as ordinary social security cards, but some provinces will design exclusive logos or colors for the elderly. The following are the general appearance characteristics of social security cards:
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| card size | Standard bank card size (85.6mm×54mm) |
| positive content | The national emblem, the words "Social Security Card of the People's Republic of China", personal name, social security card number, and photo |
| Contents on the back | Bank logo, bank card number, service hotline, chip (some versions) |
| special design | Some areas use a blue/green background color, or add the words "senior treatment" |
2. Core functions of social security cards for the elderly
According to recent policy updates, the functions of social security cards for the elderly have been expanded from basic medical care to multi-scenario applications:
| Functional category | Specific services | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| medical insurance | Registration for medical treatment, medical insurance settlement, and registration for medical treatment in other places | Hospitals, pharmacies, community health centers |
| Pension security | Pension payment and pension subsidy receipt | Bank branches, ATM machines, community service stations |
| financial function | Deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and consumption (financial account activation required) | All UnionPay POS machines |
| Convenient services | Bus discounts, free park tickets, and elderly allowance payment | Public transportation, cultural and tourism venues |
3. Recent hot policies on social security cards for the elderly
1.Inter-provincial service upgrade: From December 2023, the application and replacement of social security cards across the country will be handled across provinces. Elderly people can apply for them in other places through the electronic social security card APP or offline windows.
2.No annual fee for financial functions: Many banks have announced that they will waive account management fees, small account management fees and other fees for social security cards for the elderly.
3.Age-appropriate transformation: Beijing, Shanghai and other places have piloted the launch of large-print electronic social security cards that support voice navigation functions.
4. Guide to applying for social security cards for the elderly
| Processing conditions | Materials required | Processing channels |
|---|---|---|
| Aged 60 or above | Original ID card, 1-inch ID photo with white background | Social Security Center of the place of residence |
| Already participated in social insurance | Household register (required in some cases) | Cooperative bank branches |
| No age limit | The agent needs to provide the agent’s ID card | Government service APP (such as "Zhangzhang 12333") |
5. Precautions for use
1.Password security: The initial password needs to be changed in time. It is recommended to set a password that is easy to remember but not easy to crack.
2.Loss reporting process: If lost, you should immediately call 12333 social security hotline and bank customer service to report the loss.
3.Validity period: Physical cards are usually valid for 10 years, and you can apply for renewal 3 months before expiration.
4.Electronic social security card: Apply for an electronic social security card through WeChat/Alipay and other platforms, which has the same functions as a physical card.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the social security card photo be changed?
A: Yes. Bring your ID card and new photo to the social security agency to apply. Online application is supported in some areas.
Q: How to apply for a disability claim?
A: You can contact community staff to come to your door to handle the matter, or entrust an immediate family member to handle it on your behalf (a notarized power of attorney is required).
Q: Does the social security card financial account have to be activated?
A: It is not necessary, but after activation, you can enjoy benefits such as direct pension payment and free inter-bank withdrawal fees.
With the development of digitalization, social security cards for the elderly will also integrate more smart services in the future. It is recommended that the elderly and their families regularly pay attention to local social security policy updates and make full use of this "people's livelihood universal card".
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