Features of Post Office Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS)

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS)

Post Office Senior Citizens Savings Scheme has been notified with effect from August 2, 2004. The Scheme offers a new avenue of investment and return for Senior Citizen. The investment under this scheme qualify for the benefit of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 from 1.4.2007.

Salient features of POSCS (Post Office Senior Citizens Savings) Scheme

Eligibility

• Any citizen, who has attained age of 60 years or above on the date of opening of the account.
• Who has attained the age 55 years or more but less than 60 years and has retired under a Voluntary Retirement Scheme or a Special Voluntary Retirement Scheme on the date of opening of the account within one month from the date of retirement.
• No age limit for the retired personnel of Defence services provided they fulfill other specified conditions.
• A depositor may open the account in his individual capacity or jointly with spouse.
• The accounts may be opened singly or jointly with spouse.
• More than one account can be opened provided the total amount deposit does not exceed the prescribed limit.
• Eligible applicants can open account by submitting application on Form A.
• Non-residents and HUFs are ineligible to open the account under the scheme.
• In case of cheque, the date of realiz​​ation of cheque in Govt. account shall be date of opening of account.

Minimum amount
Rs. 1,000/-
Maximum amount
Rs. 15,00,000/- (Rs. fifteen lakhs). In case of retiring employees the amount cannot exceed the amount of retirement benefits.

Maturity period

Five years

The depositor may extend the account for a further period of 3 years by submitting application on Form B

Nomination facility

Available

A depositor may change nomination by submitting application on Form C.

Interest

Period	Interest Rate
Upto 31.03.2012	9.00% per annum
01.04.2012 to 31.03.2013	9.30% per annum
01.04.2013 to 31.03.2014	9.20% per annum
01.04.2015 to 31.03.2016	9.30% per annum
01.04.2016 to 30.09.2016	8.60% per annum
01.10.2016 onwards	8.50% per annum

Interest is payable quarterly on 31st March, 30th June, 30th September and 31st December.

If the interest payable every quarter is not claimed by a depositor, such interest do not earn additional interest.

Mode of payment of interest

• In case of SCSS accounts, quarterly interest shall be payable on 1st working day of April, July, October and January. It will be applicable at all CBS Post Offices.
• Premature withdrawal
• In case the account is closed after expiry of one year but before expiry of two years from the date of opening of the account, an amount equal to 1.5% of the deposit shall be deducted and the balance paid to the depositor.
• Premature closure is allowed after one year on deduction of 1.5% interest & after 2 years on deduction of 1% interest.
• Application for premature closure of the account may be submitted on Form E.
• No deduction shall be made in case of premature closure of an account at any time due to death of a depositor. Application for premature closure by spouse (Joint Holder)/nominee(s)/legal heirs of the account may be submitted on Form F.
• Tax benefits
• Investment under this scheme qualifies for the benefit of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 from 1.4.2007.

Interest Taxability

Taxable

Other features

The Account can be transferred from one post office to another