Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) — Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply (2026)

Overview

Launched under Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a small-savings scheme designed exclusively for a girl child's future education and marriage. It offers the highest interest among all Post Office schemes and comes with EEE (exempt–exempt–exempt) tax status, making it possibly the most attractive risk-free instrument for parents in India.

Launched: 2015 For: Parents/guardians of girl child (0-10 yrs)

Key Benefits

• Interest rate: 8.2% p.a. (April–June 2026 quarter), compounded annually.
• Deposit from ₹250 to ₹1.5 lakh per year; 80C deduction on amount deposited.
• Tenure: account matures in 21 years from opening; deposits required for first 15 years only.
• Partial withdrawal of 50% allowed at age 18 for higher education.
• Principal, interest and maturity — all 100% tax-free.
• Can be opened at any Post Office or authorised bank branch.

Eligibility

• Account can be opened by a parent/legal guardian of a girl child under 10 years.
• Only one account per girl child; maximum two accounts per family (three if twins/triplets).
• Must be an Indian resident; NRI daughters are not eligible after status change.

Documents Required

• Birth certificate of the girl child
• Aadhaar & PAN of parent/guardian
• Address proof
• Passport-size photos
• Medical certificate for twins/triplets (if 3rd account)

How to Apply — Step by Step

1. Visit any Post Office or authorised bank (SBI, PNB, HDFC, ICICI, Axis etc.).
2. Fill form SSA-1 and submit documents.
3. Make initial deposit (min ₹250) via cash/cheque/online.
4. Receive passbook — deposit annually till year 15.
5. Most banks also allow opening SSY online through their net-banking once the girl child is KYC-linked.

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