Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana 2026 — Eligibility, 8.2% Interest & Tax Benefits
Eligibility, deposits, interest, and tax benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for a girl child.
Answer 5–7 simple questions and get your eligibility score in 2 minutes.
Check eligibility now →What is it?
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a small savings scheme launched under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao in 2015 for the girl child. Parents can open an account before the girl turns 10, deposit annually for 15 years, and the account matures when she turns 21. Current interest rate is 8.2% per annum (Q4 FY 2025-26), compounded yearly and fully tax-free under Section 80C.
Benefits
8.2% interest (highest among small savings), entire EEE tax benefit (deposit, interest, maturity — all tax-free), partial withdrawal of 50% allowed for higher education at 18, full maturity at 21 or on marriage after 18. Account can be transferred anywhere in India.
Eligibility criteria
- ✓Account holder must be a girl child below 10 years
- ✓Account opened by natural or legal guardian (usually parent)
- ✓Only one account per girl child; max 2 accounts per family
- ✓3rd account allowed for twins/triplets with birth certificate
- ✓Girl and guardian must be Indian residents at time of opening
- ✓NRI status after opening: account continues but no further deposits
- ✓Account becomes invalid if girl turns NRI or non-citizen
Documents required
- ✓Girl child's birth certificate (mandatory)
- ✓Guardian's Aadhaar and PAN
- ✓Address proof — Aadhaar, Voter ID, utility bill
- ✓Passport-size photo of girl and guardian
- ✓Bank/post office account opening form (SSA-1)
- ✓Initial deposit ₹250 minimum
How to apply — step by step
- Visit any post office or authorised bank (SBI, PNB, Canara, ICICI, Axis, etc.)
- Collect SSA-1 form or download from indiapost.gov.in
- Fill form, attach birth certificate and KYC documents
- Deposit ₹250 minimum, up to ₹1.5 lakh per year
- Get passbook with account number — keep safe
- Deposit annually for 15 years; account matures at 21
Important dates
Open anytime before girl turns 10. Deposits must be made every year for 15 years (₹250 minimum). Account matures 21 years from opening date.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✓Missing the ₹250 minimum deposit in a year — account becomes inactive (₹50 penalty to revive)
- ✓Opening account after girl's 10th birthday — not allowed
- ✓Opening 3 accounts without twin/triplet certificate
- ✓Not nominating — causes delay during maturity
- ✓Withdrawing more than 50% before maturity — not permitted
Frequently asked questions
What is the SSY interest rate in 2026?
8.2% per annum for Q4 FY 2025-26. Rates are reviewed every quarter by the Ministry of Finance, so confirm before depositing.
When does the SSY account mature?
21 years from the account opening date, OR on the girl's marriage after age 18 — whichever is earlier.
Can I open SSY for my 11-year-old daughter?
No. Accounts can only be opened before the girl turns 10. Once she crosses 10, SSY is not available.
Is the SSY maturity amount taxable?
No. SSY enjoys EEE status — deposits qualify for Section 80C deduction, interest is tax-free, and maturity is tax-free.
Can I withdraw money before maturity?
Yes — up to 50% of previous year's balance can be withdrawn after the girl turns 18, only for higher education or marriage.
Answer 5–7 simple questions and get your eligibility score in 2 minutes.
Check eligibility now →