Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS)

The Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) is a government-backed initiative designed for individuals aged 60 years and above. This scheme offers attractive interest rates, paid quarterly, providing a steady and reliable income source. SCSS ensures secure savings with minimal risk, making it an ideal option for senior citizens seeking financial stability in their golden years.

Here are the key highlights of this savings scheme for senior citizens:

The SCSS interest rate currently stands at 8.20% p.a. with effect from 01.04.2023. Compared to savings and fixed deposit accounts, the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme comes with similar or better returns. The interest rate is reviewed and paid out quarterly.

Please note that the rate of interest is fixed at the time of investment and remains constant during the entire tenure of 5 years.

The following is a list of banks that offer the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme:

1. State Bank of Hyderabad

2. Syndicate Bank

3. United Bank of India

4. UCO Bank

5. Punjab National Bank

6. Indian Overseas Bank

7. State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur

8. State Bank of Mysore

9. Oriental Bank of Commerce

10. State Bank of India

11. Canara Bank

12. Bank of India

13. State Bank of Patiala

14. IDBI Bank Ltd.

15. Corporation Bank

16. State Bank of Travancore

17. Allahabad Bank

18. Vijaya Bank

19. Central Bank of India

20. Dena Bank

21. Bank of Baroda

22. Indian Bank

23. Bank of Maharashtra

24. ICICI Bank Ltd.

25. Union Bank of India

26. Andhra Bank
     

Please note that the SCSS interest rate i.e. 8.20% p.a. remains the same across all the banks mentioned above.

This scheme is not available on Bajaj Markets. However, you can open a Senior Citizens Savings Account in two ways: 

Online

1. Request the authorities at the Post Office to allow you access to e-banking and mobile banking

2. Visit the official e-banking website once you have unlocked e-banking facilities

3. Enter the code sent to you 48 hours after placing your request

4. Search for the ‘New User Activation’ option on the page and complete your registration process

There, you may initiate the process of opening your Senior Citizens Savings Account. 

Offline

1. Visit the post office nearest to you

2. Take all necessary documents with you

3. Request for the opening of a Senior Citizens Savings Account

4. Fill out the form given 

5. Submit the duly filled form and attach your documents with it

The category of individuals listed below are qualified for the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme:

• Individuals who are 60 years old or above

• Individuals between 55 and 60 years who have retired early due to superannuation or Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) regulations

• Retired members of the armed forces, provided they have met all other requirements

While your PAN card is mandatory for opening an SCSS account, here is the list of other documents required to open an SCSS account.

• Proof of identity and address:

  1. Aadhaar Card

  2. Passport

  3. Driving licence 

  4. Voter ID card

  5. NREGA job card attested by State Government officer

In case you are under 60 years of age:

• An employer’s certificate mentioning details of retirement on superannuation or otherwise. It should also include the details of retirement benefits and employment period 

• The proof of date will also be required to show the disbursal of retirement benefits

Investments made in SCSS are eligible for tax deductions. Here is how:

• Under the Income Tax Act of 1961 Section 80C, the principal amount deposited in the SCSS is entitled to a tax deduction of up to ₹1.5 Lakhs each year.

• The tax rate applicable to the individual is based on the interest earned. If the total amount of interest earned for a fiscal year exceeds ₹50,000, Tax Deducted at Source (or TDS) is applicable to the earned interest.

Here are the different conditions of premature withdrawals:

• If the account is closed within one year, no interest will be paid. Also, any interest that has been paid will be deducted from the account's principal amount.

• If the account is closed within two years, 1.5% of your deposit will be charged as a penalty.

• If the account is closed between 2 to 5 years, 1% of the deposit amount will be charged as a penalty.

Please note that there are no penalties applicable if an extended account is cancelled more than a year following the account's extension.

In case of the demise of an SCSS account holder, the account will be closed and the entire maturity proceeds will be given to the designated legal heir or beneficiary.

To expedite the account's closure for deceased claims, the legal heir or the nominee must submit a written application in the required format together with a copy of the death certificate.