The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is a savings scheme specifically designed for senior citizens in India, offering a fixed rate of interest and providing senior citizens with a secure investment option. The scheme is offered by the Indian government and can be availed from designated post offices and selected commercial banks. The minimum deposit for SCSS is INR 1000, with a maximum deposit limit of INR 30 Lakhs per individual. The investment tenure is five years, with the option of extension for a further three years.
As of February 1st, 2023, if the interest rate is 7.4% p.a., then investing INR 30,00,000 in the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) would result in an annual income of approximately INR 2,22,000.
The benefits of the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) are as follows:
- Fixed-rate of interest: SCSS offers a fixed rate of interest, providing senior citizens with a secure and predictable source of income.
- Tax benefits: The interest earned on the deposit is taxable but is eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
- Safe and Secure: Being a government-sponsored scheme, SCSS is a safe and secure investment option for senior citizens.
- Easy to open: The process of opening an SCSS account is simple and straightforward, with minimum documentation required.
- Widely available: SCSS accounts can be opened at designated post offices and selected commercial banks, making the scheme widely available to senior citizens.
- Maturity: After five years, the deposit matures and can be extended for a further three years.
- Liquidity: The deposit can be prematurely withdrawn after one year, but with a penalty.
- Guaranteed returns: The government guarantees the return on the deposit, providing peace of mind to senior citizens.
Overall, SCSS is a convenient and profitable investment option for senior citizens in India, providing a regular source of income and ensuring a secure financial future.
The process to open a Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) account is as follows:
Eligibility: To open an SCSS account, the individual must be a senior citizen aged 60 years or above. If the individual is aged between 55-60 years, they are eligible to open an account only if they have retired on superannuation.
Required Documents: To open an SCSS account, the individual must furnish the following documents:
- Proof of age (Passport, PAN card, Voter ID, Driving License)
- Address proof (Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, Bank Passbook)
- Two passport-size photographs
- PAN card
Selecting a Bank or Post Office: SCSS accounts can be opened at designated post offices and selected commercial banks. You can choose to open an account at either a post office or a bank, as per your convenience.
Filling an Application Form: The individual must fill in the SCSS account opening form and attach the required documents.
Making the Deposit: The individual must make an initial deposit of at least INR 1000 and a maximum deposit of INR 30,00,000. The deposit can be made through cash, cheque or demand draft.
Account Activation: Upon successful submission of the form and deposit, the SCSS account will be activated and a passbook or account statement will be provided to the individual.
Note: The specific process and requirements may vary from bank to bank or post office to post office, so it’s best to check with the specific institution you plan to open an account with for more detailed information.
