PNB Senior Citizen Saving Scheme

Features of PNB Senior Citizen Saving Scheme

The scheme provides several benefits to senior citizens who look to invest their savings and earn a regular income in their retirement years. 

Let's take a look at some of the key features of PNB Senior Citizen Saving Scheme:

• The minimum investment amount for this scheme is Rs. 1000, and the maximum investment limit is Rs. 15 lakhs. The investment amount must be made in multiples of Rs. 1000.

• The tenure of PNB Senior Citizen Saving Scheme is 5 years. The scheme can be extended for another 3 years on maturity by submitting a request to the bank.

• PNB Senior Citizen Saving Scheme also offers a joint holding option for senior citizens. The joint holder can be the spouse or any other eligible person.

Eligibility for PNB Senior Citizen Saving Scheme

To be eligible for the PNB Senior Citizen Saving Scheme, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Individuals who have completed 60 years of age are eligible for the following benefits.

• Individuals who have retired on superannuation or under a voluntary or special voluntary scheme are eligible for benefits after completing 55 years of age.

• The retired personnel of Defense Services (excluding Civilian Defense Employees) can invest after attaining the age of 50 years, provided that they fulfil specified conditions.

Interest Rate for PNB Senior Citizen Saving Scheme

The PNB Senior Citizen Saving Scheme offers a 7.4% interest rate currently. The interest rate for the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme is subject to change for different quarters. 

Below is a tentative record of the interest rates valid for the preceding quarters:

• The current interest rate for deposits made under the PNB SCSS scheme as of September 19th, 2020 is 7.4%. This rate will apply to deposits made under the scheme until September 2025. 

• If the deposit term is extended for an additional 3 years until 2028, the interest rate will be determined by the prevailing rate at the time of renewal.

How to Open SCSS Account?

To open a savings bank account and an SCSS account, you have to provide certain documents at the branch counter. Follow these steps to open your SCSS account:

• Submit a duly filled application form

• Attach two passport-sized photos

• Provide required documents like copy of passport, PAN card, or declaration form No. 60 or 61, Aadhaar card

• Deposit principal into your account

Once the application process is complete, the account becomes operational in a short period. While you can follow these steps at PNB’s branch, you can also do it online with ease.

Document Required 

To open a PNB Senior Citizen Saving Scheme account, you will need to submit the following documents:

• Identity Proof: Passport, Voter ID Card, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving License

• Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Utility Bill (Electricity Bill, Water Bill, Gas Bill, Telephone Bill, etc.), Bank Account Statement

• Age Proof: Birth Certificate, Voter ID Card

In addition to the above documents, senior citizens will also need to submit Form-A, which can be availed from any of its branches or downloaded from its official website as well. 

Taxability 

• PNB Senior Citizen Saving Scheme is taxable under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

• PNB SCSS investment is eligible for tax benefits under section 80C, with a deduction limit of Rs. 1.5 lakh per annum.

• Deduction under section 80TTB of up to Rs. 50,000 is available on interest earned from SCSS investment, as well as on interest earned on savings accounts and fixed deposits.

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme vs Fixed Deposit 

Exit option

• Account can be closed prematurely, but a penalty will be charged.

• Pledging SCSS deposits for loans is not allowed as it goes against the purpose of regular income.

• Premature withdrawal/closure allowed after 1 year from opening, with penalty ranging from 1-1.5% depending on completed tenure.

• If closed between 1-2 years, the penalty is 1.5% of deposit.

• If closed after 2 years, the penalty is 1% of deposit.

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