Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Age Limit and Maturity Period
Opening SSY Account
A girl child can have only one Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) account. It can be opened at any post office or authorized commercial bank branch until the girl child reaches the age of 10 years.
Beneficiary of SSY
Any resident Indian girl child can be a beneficiary under SSY from the time of account opening until maturity or closure.
Deposits under SSY
A guardian can deposit and manage the account until the girl child turns 18, after which she must operate it herself. The minimum deposit is Rs. 250, with increments of Rs. 50, and a maximum deposit of Rs. 1,50,000 per financial year, for up to 15 years. Deposits can be made via cash, cheque, demand draft, or online transfer.
Features of Sukanya Samriddhi account scheme
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government-backed savings scheme designed to secure the future of girl children in India. Here are 10 key features of this beneficial program:
- Minimum & maximum deposit: You can contribute a minimum of Rs. 250/- and a maximum of Rs. 1.5 Lakh in a financial year towards the SSY account.
- Opening age: An account can be opened for a girl child up to the age of 10 years.
- One account per child: Only one SSY account can be opened in the name of a single girl child.
- Accessibility: Accounts can be opened at authorized banks and post offices across India, making it convenient for everyone.
- Education withdrawal: Partial withdrawals are allowed for the girl child's higher education expenses after she reaches adulthood.
- Premature closure for marriage: The account can be prematurely closed in case of the girl child's marriage after she turns 18 years old.
- Transferability: The SSY account can be easily transferred anywhere in India from one post office or bank to another.
- Maturity period: The account matures after a period of 21 years from the date of opening.
- Tax benefits (Deposit): Contributions made towards the SSY account qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
- Tax benefits (Interest): The interest earned on the SSY account is exempt from Income Tax under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act.
Benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers several benefits, making it an attractive savings scheme for the future of a girl child. Here are some key advantages:
1. High-Interest Rates:
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers competitive interest rates, typically higher than those of regular savings accounts or fixed deposits.
2. Tax Benefits:
Contributions made to the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, helping parents save on their taxable income.
3. Long-Term Investment:
The scheme has a long tenure, allowing for substantial savings and growth over time, making it suitable for achieving long-term financial goals.
4. Compound Interest:
The interest is compounded yearly, boosting the savings significantly over the years.
5. No Risk:
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government-backed scheme, ensuring the safety of the investment and providing peace of mind to parents.
6. Educational and Marriage Goals:
The scheme encourages parents to save specifically for their daughter's education and marriage, ensuring financial support for these important life events.
7. Empowerment:
By securing the financial future of the girl child, SSY empowers her with the means to pursue higher education and build a better future.
8. Easy Account Opening:
Opening an Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account is a straightforward process, and it can be done at authorized banks or post offices.
Tax benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
1. Deduction under Section 80C:
Investments in SSY are eligible for tax deductions up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per year, reducing your taxable income.
2. Tax-free interest:
The interest earned on your SSY account is completely exempt from income tax.
3. Exempt-Exempt-Exempt (EEE) status:
This means the invested amount, interest earned, and maturity amount are all tax-free.
4. Tax-free withdrawals:
Partial withdrawals for education and medical purposes (after the girl child turns 18) are also exempt from tax.