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Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) - Interest Rate 2024, Tax Benefits, Eligibility, Bank List, Age Limit & Other Details

By Ektha Surana

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Updated on: Mar 11th, 2024

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24 min read

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As part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scheme called ‘Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)’, the campaign literally translates to ‘Girl Child Prosperity Scheme’ in line with the above objectives. It was launched on 22 January 2015 in Panipat, Haryana.

Investment valueMinimum value – Rs.250 and Maximum value – Rs.1.5 lakh per annum
Current yearly interest rate8.2% per annum
Maturity valueWould vary depending on the value invested
Maturity duration21 years from the date of investment

What is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)?

In order to majorly address the issue of the declining child sex ratio in our country, the Government of India launched a social campaign on 22 January 2015. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign sends the message ‘Save girls, educate the girl child’. This is a national initiative jointly run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

BBBP aims at achieving the following:

  • To stop gender discrimination against children and abolish the practice of sex determination.
  • To ensure the survival and protection of girls.
  • To ensure higher participation of girls in education and other areas.

SSY aims at tackling a  major problem associated with the girl child – education and marriage. It is focused on securing a bright future for the girl child in India by facilitating the parents of a girl child in building a fund for the proper education and carefree marriage expenses of their child. SSY has introduced the Sukanya Samriddhi Account for this very purpose.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana age limit and maturity period

Opening SSY account

A girl child can only have one SSY account. SSY accounts can be opened at any post office or authorised commercial bank branch. It can be opened at any moment between the birth of the girl child and the age of 10 years.

Beneficiary of SSY

Any girl child who is a resident Indian is a beneficiary under SSY from the time of opening the account till the time of maturity/closure.

Deposits under SSY

The guardian can deposit the amount and operate the account till the girl child attains the age of 18. The SSY account shall be mandatorily operated by the girl child after she attains the age of 18 years. The minimum deposit amount for an SSY account is Rs.250 (this amount was previously Rs.1,000), thereafter in multiples of Rs.50, and the maximum is Rs.1,50,000 in every financial year, up to 15 years. Deposits can be made through cash, cheque, demand draft or online transfer.

Interest on deposits

The rate of interest for the 1st quarter of FY 2024-2025, i.e. 1 April 2024 to 30 June 2024 is 8.2% p.a. The entire deposit in ‘Account under default’ (where a minimum amount of Rs.250 per year has not been deposited), which is not regularised within the prescribed time, would earn interest till the maturity date of the account. ‘Account under default’ can be regularised within 15 years of Account opening on payment of a penalty of Rs.50 per default year.

No interest is payable after the completion of tenure of the SSY, i.e after 21 years from account opening. No interest accrues after the girl child becomes a non-citizen or a non-resident of India. Any deposit made above the maximum cap, i.e. Rs.1,50,000 per year will not earn any interest and can be withdrawn anytime by the depositor

Maturity period of SSY

The maturity period of SSY is 21 years from the account opening or upon her marriage after attaining 18 years. However, contributions have to be made for only 15 years. Thereafter, the SSY account will continue to earn interest until maturity even when no deposits are made into it.

Benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

  • Low Minimum Deposit: The minimum deposit required to maintain an SSY account is Rs.250 per fiscal year. You can make deposits as per your convenience up to Rs.1.5 lakh per fiscal year. The payments seem very affordable for people from all sections of society. Even if you happen to miss out on paying for a year, a penal charge of Rs.50 will be levied on the missed minimum payment of Rs.250 but the account will be continued.
  • Attractive Interest Rate: Currently enjoys an 8.2% per annum compounded interest rate (as of Q3 FY 2023-24) - one of the highest among small savings schemes.
  • Tax Benefits: Enjoy full tax deduction on principal invested up to ₹1.5 lakh per year under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Both interest and maturity amount are tax-free.
  • Long Tenure: Secure your daughter's future with a 21-year maturity period or until her marriage after 18 years (whichever is earlier).
  • Educational Expenses Covered: You can withdraw 50% of the account balance as of the previous financial year’s end to meet the educational expenses of your girl child. This can be availed by submitting proof of admission.
  • Guaranteed Returns: Since SSY is a government-backed scheme, there is a guarantee of returns upon its maturity.
  • Convenient Transfer: The SSY account can be transferred from any post office to a bank or vice-versa anywhere in India.

Tax benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

In order to encourage investments in SSY, the SSA has also been provided with certain tax benefits:

  • Investments made in the SSY scheme are eligible for deductions under Section 80C, subject to a maximum cap of Rs 1.5 lakh.
  • The interest that accrues against this account which gets compounded annually is also exempt from tax under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act.
  • The proceeds received upon maturity/withdrawal are also exempt from income tax.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana interest rate 2024

Interest rates for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana are determined quarterly. Below is a historical trend of interest rates under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

  • The rate of interest for the 1st quarter of FY 2023-2024, i.e. April to June 2024 (Q1 FY 2024-25), is 8.2%.
  • The rate of interest for the 4th quarter of FY 2023-2024, i.e. January to March 2024 (Q4 FY 2023-24), is 8.2%.
  • The rate of interest for the 3rd quarter of FY 2023-2024, i.e. October to December 2023 (Q3 FY 2023-24), is 8%.
  • The rate of interest for the 2nd quarter of FY 2023-2024, i.e. 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023, is 8%.
  • The rate of interest for the 1st quarter of FY 2023-2024, i.e. 1 April 2023 to 31 June 2023, has increased to 8%.
  • The rate of interest for the 4th quarter of FY 2022-2023, i.e. 1 January 2023 to 31 March 2023, was 7.6%.
  • The rate of interest for the 1st quarter of FY 2022-2023 i.e. 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022 was 7.6%.

Period

SSY Interest Rate (% annually)

April to June 2024 (Q1 FY 2024-25)

8.2

January to March 2024 (Q4 FY 2023-24)

8.2

October to December 2023 (Q3 FY 2023-24)

8

July to September 2023 (Q2 FY 2023-24)

8

Apr to Jun 2022 (Q1 FY 2023-24)

8

April 2022 to March 2023 (All quarters of FY 2022-2023)

7.6

April 2021 to March 2022 (All quarters of FY 2021-2022)

7.6

April 2020 to March 2021 (All quarters of FY 2020-21)

7.6

Jan to March (Q4 FY 2019-20)

8.4

June to Dec 2019 (Q2 & Q3 of FY 2019-20)

8.4

Apr to Jun 2019 (Q1 FY 2019-20)

8.5

Jan to March 2019 (Q4 FY 2018-19)

8.5

Oct to Dec 2018 (Q3 FY 2018-19)

8.5

Jul to Sep 2018 (Q2 FY 2018-19)

8.1

Apr to Jun 2018 (Q1 FY 2018-19)

8.1

Jan to March 2018 (Q4 FY 2017-18)

8.1

Oct to Dec 2017 (Q3 FY 2017-18)

8.3

Jul to Sep 2017 (Q2 FY 2017-18)

8.3

Apr to Jun 2017 (Q1 FY 2017-18)

8.4

The entire deposit in ‘Account under default’ (where a minimum amount of Rs 250 has not been deposited), which is not regularised within the prescribed time, would earn interest on the post savings bank account; except if the default is due to the death of the guardian who opened the Account.

Calculation of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana interest

The interest for the SSY account is calculated on the lowest balance for the calendar month, i.e. between the fifth day of the month and the end of the month. The interest will be credited once, at the end of each financial year.

Generally, you can use the below formula to calculate the interest earned on an SSY account:

A = P(1+r/n)^nt

Here:

P = Initial Deposit
r = Rate of interest
n = Number of years the interest compounds
t = Number of years
A = Amount at maturity

Since the interest accrued on an SSY account is compounded on a yearly basis, it may not be a simple task to manually calculate the interest. Instead, you can use our Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Calculator to arrive at the maturity amount upon entering the details, such as probable investment amount per year, the age of the girl child, and the account commencement year.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana eligibility

  • Only parents or legal guardians of a girl child can open an SSY account
  • The girl child must be a resident Indian and below the age of 10 at the time of opening the account.
  • Only one account can be opened for a girl child.
  • Only two SSY accounts can be opened by a family, i.e. one for each girl child.
  • Sukanya Samriddhi Account can be opened for more than two girls in the below special cases:
    • When a girl child is born before the birth of twin or triplet girls or if triplets are born at first, then a third account can be opened.
    • When a girl child is born after the birth of twin or triplet girls, a third SSY account cannot be opened.

How to open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account in a post office?

You can open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) account with a participating bank or a Post Office branch. You need to follow the below procedure to open the account:

  • Visit the bank or post office branch where you would like to open the account.
  • Fill up the application form (Form-1) with relevant details and provide supporting documents.
  • Pay the first deposit in the form of cash, cheque, or demand draft. The amount can be anything from Rs.250 up to Rs.1.5 lakh.
  • The bank or post office will process your application and payment.
  • Upon processing, your SSY account will be opened. A passbook will be issued for this account marking the initiation of the account.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana application form

Here is how the SSY account opening form looks like:   

In order to fill the form, you can follow these steps:

  • Under ‘To The Postmaster/Manager’, mention the Post Office/bank branch and postal address details.
  • Paste the applicant(s) photograph to the right.
  • Next to ‘I/We’, mention the applicant’s name and in the following space, mention Sukanya Samridddhi Yojana. 
  • Enter the deposit amount in number and words and tick the mode of payment, whether cash, cheque or DD. In the case of a cheque or DD, write down the number and date mentioned on it.
  • Enter the name of depositor (i.e. name of the girl child) and date of birth
  • Enter the name of guardian and date of birth, Aadhaar number and PAN number of the guardian
  • Enter the address and contact details
  • Mention the type of account and details of the birth certificate of the depositor
  • Enter the details of KYC documents attached
  • Put the signature with the name.
  • Enter the nomination details.
  • Get the signature of two witnesses if the applicant is illiterate.
  • Further, add the date, place, and signature at the end of the nomination section.

How to open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account through banks?

You can open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account either with a participating bank or a post office branch. It is more convenient for you to open an SSY account with the bank where you already hold a savings account if it is one of the participating banks. You can visit the respective banks’ websites to download the SSY Account Opening Application Form. You need to fill the form and submit it to the participating bank to open the SSY account. The participating banks are:

  • State Bank of India
  • Allahabad Bank
  • Andhra Bank
  • Punjab and Sind Bank
  • Bank of Baroda
  • Canara Bank
  • Bank of India
  • Bank of Maharashtra
  • Corporation Bank
  • Central Bank of India
  • Indian Overseas Bank
  • Dena Bank
  • Indian Bank
  • UCO Bank
  • Syndicate Bank
  • United Bank of India
  • Punjab National Bank
  • Union Bank of India
  • Oriental Bank of Commerce
  • IDBI Bank
  • Vijaya Bank
  • Axis Bank
  • ICICI Bank

Documents required for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

You have to walk down to the post office or a bank branch where you have submitted the SSY application to submit the documents and proofs. You need to submit a physical copy of the following documents:

  • Birth certificate of the girl child
  • Identity and address proof of the guardian
  • Medical certificate for proof of birth of multiple girl children on a single order of birth
  • Other KYC documents, such as Aadhaar card, Voters ID, etc.
  • Any other documents as required by the post office or banks

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana online payment

You have to download the IPPB app on your smartphone to make online payments towards your SSY account. Through this app, you can set standing instructions so that a specified amount will be transferred online to your SSY account. Here is the step-by-step procedure:

Step 1: Transfer money from your bank account to the IPPB account.
Step 2: On the IPPB app, go to DOP Products and choose the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account.
Step 3: Enter your SSY account number and the DOP customer ID.
Step 4: Choose the amount you would like to pay and the instalment duration.
Step 5: IPPB will notify you of the success of setting up the payment routine.
Step 6: Each time the app makes the money transfer, you will be notified of the same.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana withdrawal rules

You must submit the duly filled withdrawal form along with the SSY account passbook to the bank or Post Office branch where the account is maintained.

In order to claim or withdraw prematurely, you need to satisfy some conditions, such as marriage expenses or for the higher education of the girl child when she has attained 18 years.

Withdrawal can also be made from the account up to 50% of the balance available at the end of the previous F.Y. when the girl is above 18 years or has passed 10th standard to meet education expenses, such as fees or other such charges. A documentary proof by way of a confirmed offer of admission in an educational institution, or a fee slip shall accompany the application for withdrawal.

Maximum one withdrawal can be made in a year, in a lump sum or in 5 instalments, subject to the ceiling specified and to the actual requirement of fee/other charges. 

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana closure rules

Closure on maturity

Account matures after completion of 21 years of the girl child and the balance in the SSY, including interest, is paid to the child on submitting an application and proof of identity, residence, and citizenship documents.

Premature closure 

Premature closure is allowed only in the following situations:

  • Reasons for intended marriage after a girl child attains the age of 18 years, an application can be submitted between one month prior to marriage and 3 months after marriage along with her age proof documents.
  • Death of the girl child on the production of the death certificate the balance in the SSY along with interest will be paid to the guardian.
  • Medical treatment in case of life-threatening diseases of the girl child or death of the guardian.
  • Deemed closure in case of a change in the status of girl child i.e., girl child either becomes a non-resident or a non-citizen of India. Such a status change should be communicated by the girl child or her guardian within one month of the status change.
  • After completion of 5 years from the opening of an SSY, if the post office or bank is satisfied that the operation or the continuation of the SSY is causing undue hardship to the girl child (such as the death of the guardian, medical reasons of the girl child), the girl child or guardian may order for premature closure.
  • For any other reasons, if the SSY is to be closed anytime after the opening of this account, it will be permitted, but the entire deposit would only earn an interest rate applicable to the post office savings bank.

How to transfer a Sukanya Samriddhi account from the post office to the bank?

In order to transfer the SSY account from a post office to a bank, follow these instructions:

  • Visit the PO branch where the account is held. The girl child need not visit the PO branch as the guardian can complete the process.
  • Inform the PO executive about your intent to transfer the SSY account.
  • Submit the duly filled account transfer form, passbook, and KYC documents. The executive will discontinue the account on your request.
  • Now, visit the bank branch where you would like to maintain the SSY account.
  • Submit the self-attested KYC documents and any other paperwork provided to you by the PO executive while requesting to maintain the account with them.
  • Once the bank executive processes your request, a new passbook will be provided.

The balance in the SSY can be transferred anywhere in India – from or to post offices, from or to banks, and between post offices and banks free of cost. This can be done upon furnishing proof of a change of residence of either the guardian or the girl child. Under any other circumstance, such a transfer can be made by paying a fee of Rs 100.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Vs PPF

Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed retirement saving scheme whereas, SSY is a government-backed small savings scheme dedicated to girl child development. Both accounts provide tax benefits. While a PPF account can be opened by anybody, an SSY account can only be opened in the name of a girl child before she attains the age of 10 years. PPF balance can be liquidated to a certain extent, while the same may not be true for the SSY account.

Both schemes are designed for different purposes and therefore, picking a better option between the two schemes is tough. Here is a table that gives a comparative picture of both schemes.

ParametersPublic Provident Fund (PPF)Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Minimum Deposit per Financial YearRs.500Rs.250
Maximum Deposit per Financial YearRs.1.5 lakhRs.1.5 lakh
Eligibility CriteriaAny single adult who is a resident IndianGirl child below the age of 10 years
Maturity Period15 years21 years
Payment Period15 years15 years
Interest Rate7.1% p.a. (Q2 of FY 2023-24); Compounded yearly8.2% p.a. (Q1 of FY 2024-25); Compounded yearly
Tax BenefitsEEE benefitEEE benefit
Premature WithdrawalUpon completing seven five financial yearsUpon the girl child attaining 18 years for marriage or higher education

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Vs LIC

Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is known for providing life insurance products to its customers. One of its products, LIC Kanyadan, is comparable with the benefits offered by SSY. Both the schemes offer financial protection for girl children and look to cover education and marriage expenses for them.

One thing to note here is that an SSY account can only be accessed by the girl child once she attains 18 years of age, while LIC Kanyadan does not provide access to the girl child at all until the father’s death.

Here are a few more differences between the LIC Kanyadan scheme and SSY.

ParametersLIC Kanyadan SchemeSSY
Account/Policy OwnershipPolicy is to be purchased in the name of the father of the girl childAccount is to be opened in the name of the girl child, maintained by the guardian until she reaches 18 years of age
Eligible NationalityAny father of a girl childResident Indians only
Age EligibilityFather: 18 years to 50 years Daughter: minimum of 1 yearBefore the girl child attains 10 years of age
Loan FacilityCan be availed after making premium payments for three consecutive yearsNot available
Premium/Deposit LimitNo maximum limitMinimum Rs.250 up to Rs.1.5 lakh per fiscal year
Maturity AmountMinimum Rs.1 lakh with no maximum limitBased on the deposits made

Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme (SSY) is a dedicated scheme for the empowerment of and the secured future of the girl child. Every parent of a girl child must consider investing in this scheme as it also doubles as a good tax-saving instrument. Parents can open a SSY account in the name of a girl child within 10 years of her birth. The maturity proceeds from SSY will help them to cover the exepnses of her college and marriage. 

Related Articles

How to Open an SSY Account in HDFC?
How to Open an SSY Account with the State Bank of India?
Post office saving schemes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the maturity amount on withdrawal from the SSY account taxable?

No, the maturity amount from the SSY account is not taxable, it's exempt from tax.

What is the maximum amount of deduction for SSY account deposits? How to claim a deduction?

You can claim a deduction under Section 80C up to a maximum of Rs.1.5 lakh for the amount deposited in the SSY account.

How to apply for Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana online?

As of now, there is no way you can apply for or open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account online.

How to check Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account balance?

A passbook will be issued upon opening the SSY account with a bank or Post Office. You can visit the bank or PO branch where the account is held and get updated information regarding the account balance printed on the passbook.

How to download the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana statement?

Not all banks allow you to access SSY account details online. Check if the bank your account is held with provides this service. If it does, request the bank executive to provide a login ID and password to access your SSY account online. 

  • Log into the bank’s internet banking portal using the credentials given by the bank executive.
  • On the homepage/dashboard, the account balance will be displayed.
What is the minimum amount required to open an account under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

The minimum amount required to open an account under SSY scheme is Rs.250.

How many accounts can be opened in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

Only one account can be opened per girl child, either in the post office or in any bank. This account can be opened for a maximum of two girl children in a family. Only in the case of twins or triplets girls’ birth, more than two accounts can be opened in a family.

What is the duration of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account?

The payment period for SSY accounts is 15 years, while the maturity period of the account is a minimum of 21 years.

How much should I invest in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

You can invest any amount from Rs.250 up to Rs.1.5 lakh per financial year in the SSY account.

How much amount will I get in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

The maturity amount of an SSY account depends on the contributions you make every year. Further, you can prematurely withdraw 50% of the deposit amount once the girl child attains 18 years of age either for educational purposes or for marriage expenses.

What is the frequency of investment allowed under Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

You can deposit money in an SSY account either once per financial year or in smaller, regular instalments. However, you need to make a minimum payment of Rs.250 per financial year to keep the account active and running and follow this criterion for a minimum payment period of 15 years.

If you choose to make deposits in instalments, the interval between the instalments can be anything as per your convenience. There is no restriction on the number of deposits you can make in a month or in a financial year.

About the Author

Multitasking between pouring myself coffees and poring over the ever-changing tax laws. Here, I've authored 100+ blogs on income tax and simplified complex income tax topics like the intimidating crypto tax rules, old vs new tax regime debate, changes in debt funds taxation, budget analysis and more. Some combinations I like- tax and content, finance & startups, technology & psychology, fitness & neuroscience. Read more

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