Costs and schemes Note · 5 min read

Elderline 14567, and the law that protects older parents

India has a free national helpline for senior citizens, and a law that lets parents claim maintenance from their children. Few families know either

The Pushpa team · 5 sources

Pushpa notes30

Elderline14567National helpline for senior citizens

Toll-free

Elderline

Two things worth knowing, for any family with a parent over 60 in India. A toll-free national helpline that answers their questions and steps in when something is wrong. And a law that makes looking after parents a legal duty, not just a moral one. In LASI, only 12.3% of older Indians had heard of that law

14567

Elderline, India's toll-free national helpline for senior citizens, open 8 am to 8 pm, every day (MoSJE)

What Elderline does

Free information and guidance on pensions and legal issues
Emotional support for older people who need someone to talk to
On-the-ground help in cases of abuse, and rescue of homeless older people
Awareness of senior citizens' rights under the law

It was dedicated to the nation on the International Day for Older Persons, 1 October 2021, and runs from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. Save it in her phone, and in yours

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007

Children have a duty to maintain their parents so they can lead a normal life. Senior citizens are people aged 60 or above
A parent can apply to a Maintenance Tribunal, or someone they authorise can apply for them. No lawyer is needed; the Act says parties can't be represented by one
The Tribunal should decide within 90 days, extendable once by 30 days
The maximum monthly allowance is set by each state, up to ₹10,000 a month
Property gifted on the condition of being cared for can be declared void if that care isn't given
Abandoning a senior citizen is punishable with up to three months in jail, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both

An amendment bill was introduced in Parliament in December 2019. Check the current law, or ask Elderline, before relying on any figure

How Pushpa helpsPushpa talks with parents every evening. If one mentions neglect, mistreatment or a problem with their pension, Pushpa lets the family know, and can point them to Elderline