Best investment options for senior citizens in India: Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, Mutual Funds, Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana, Tax-Free Bonds, Senior Citizen FD, Post Office Monthly Income Scheme.

Overview

Irrespective of age, it is crucial for individuals to optimise their finances. As senior citizens face age-related limitations, selecting the right investment in India becomes essential. Senior citizens have a range of Investment Plan for Senior Citizens options, but what works for one may not work for another.

Therefore, it is vital to explore and comprehend the various investment options specifically tailored for senior citizens in India. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the best investment plans available for this demographic.

Here is a compilation of the top investment options in India for senior citizens.

Best Senior Citizens Investment Plans with High Returns 2023

Senior Citizens Savings Scheme

Retired individuals in India actively seek schemes that prioritise safety and provide a consistent income. The most favoured investment options among senior citizens are those backed by the Government of India, offering a sovereign guarantee. A notable example is the Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS), introduced by the government in August 2004.

• Minimum Investment: ₹ 1,000
• Maximum Investment: ₹ 30,00,000
• Interest Rate: 8.20% p.a.
• Lock In Period: 5 Years
• Tax Saving: SCSS Investments qualify for tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961
• TDS: The interest income is taxable, and a TDS is deducted if the interest is more than ₹ 50,000.
• Premature Withdrawal: Although premature withdrawals are permitted, they come with penalties. Withdrawals can only be made after one year from the opening of the account. If a withdrawal is made within two years of opening the account, a penalty of 1.5% is levied on the investment or deposited amount. Additionally, for withdrawals made after two years of opening the account, a penalty of 1% is imposed on the deposit amount. In the unfortunate event of the account holder’s demise prior to maturity, the account is closed, and the funds are disbursed to the nominee or heir.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds gather funds from numerous investors and distribute them across various asset classes like Equity and Debt. These funds are professionally managed by experts known as fund managers, who ensure that the fund’s investment objectives are achieved. Unlike fixed-income investments that generally offer returns at the inflation level, mutual funds have the potential to outperform inflation by a significant margin.

During retirement, your risk tolerance decreases, and the preservation of capital becomes paramount. Investing heavily in equity-based mutual fund schemes may expose you to a level of volatility that may be unsettling, particularly in the short term. Therefore, it is advisable to consider investing in Debt Mutual Funds or Hybrid Mutual Funds with minimal or no exposure to equity. The decision should align with your risk appetite and future financial goals.

Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana

Introduced in 2017 by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India, this investment option is highly regarded for senior citizens. It operates as a pension plan, ensuring a steady income for elderly individuals who choose to invest a lump sum amount.

The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) scheme has a maximum tenure of 10 years, offering an interest rate of 7.40% per annum. To participate in this scheme, a minimum deposit of ₹1.5 Lakhs is required, with a maximum investment limit of ₹15 Lakhs.

This scheme is particularly beneficial for senior citizens seeking to invest a lump sum. Once invested, it functions as an immediate annuity, providing a fixed monthly income.

Additionally, this investment scheme offers the option to take loans against the invested amount after completing three years of investment.

Multiple pension payout options are available, including monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually. In unforeseen circumstances, the account can be closed prematurely, allowing the investor to receive 98% of their initial contribution.

Tax-Free Bond

Government infrastructure organisations such as NTPC Limited, Housing and Development Corporation, NHAI, and Indian Railways Finance Corporation issue tax-free bonds.

• Tenure: The tenure of the bond is above ten years.
• Lock-in Period: While the investment remains locked in until it reaches maturity, investors do have the option to sell the bonds on the stock exchange.
• Interest: The bonds offer an interest rate ranging from 5.5% to 6.5%. The bond issuer pays the interest annually, and the entire interest amount is exempt from taxes.
• Risk Free: Tax-free bonds are considered low-risk investments due to their government backing, which significantly reduces the chances of default. Additionally, these bonds provide capital protection and assure regular income through interest payments. Therefore, they are an excellent investment option for senior citizens.
• Taxation: The profits obtained from the sale of bonds are subject to taxation under Section 112. If the bond is sold within one year, the gains are taxable based on the investor’s income tax slab rates. However, if the bond is sold after one year, the long-term capital gains will be taxable at a rate of 10% without the benefit of indexation or 20% with the benefit of indexation.

Senior Citizen FD

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial uncertainties among investors in general, but senior citizens, who rely more on interest income and have fewer earning years ahead, have been particularly affected. With the pandemic’s impact on interest rates, the Senior Citizen Fixed Deposit Scheme was introduced to offer consistent income to individuals aged 60 and above.

This scheme is one of the latest investment options for senior citizens, launched in May 2020 and available for investment until June 30, 2021.

• Minimum & Maximum Investment: Varies from bank to bank
• Preferential Interest Rate: The interest rates for fixed deposits (FDs) vary from 3% to 7%. Senior citizens are eligible to receive an additional interest rate of up to 0.5% on their FDs.
• Interest Payments: Senior citizens have the option to select their interest payment frequency, either on a regular basis or upon maturity. They can choose from various intervals such as monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or annually for receiving their interest payments.
• Lock In Period: Depends don’t on scheme.
• Tax Saving: Investments made in tax savings fixed deposits (FDs) are eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• TDS: The interest income is taxable, and a TDS of 10% is deducted if the interest is more than ₹ 50,000.
• Taxation: The interest income is taxable at the individual investor’s income tax slab rate.
• Premature Withdrawal: Bank deposits offer liquidity as they allow premature withdrawals, albeit with a penalty.
• Loan Facility: Available

Post Office Monthly Income Scheme 

The Post Office Monthly Income Scheme falls under the jurisdiction of the Finance Ministry. This investment opportunity provides senior citizens with a fixed monthly interest. It is a low-risk monthly income scheme that offers significant capital protection, ensuring the security of retirement funds during the early years.

Minimum Investment: ₹ 1,000

Maximum Investment: ₹ 9,00,000 per individual. ₹ 15,00,000 in case of a joint account.

Interest Rate: 7.40% p.a.

Lock In Period: 5 Years

Tax Saving: Doesn’t qualify for tax deduction.

TDS: No TDS.

Premature Withdrawal: After one year of opening the account, the scheme permits premature withdrawals, but they are subject to a penalty.

Flexibility: POMIS account is transferable from one post office to another.

Conclusion

As individuals approach retirement, many of their financial obligations have been fulfilled and retirement planning is usually in place. What they seek is an additional source of regular income to offset the loss of income after retirement. Additionally, they also consider the potential for capital appreciation.

At this stage, most investors are not willing to take on extra risk for additional returns. However, some individuals aged 60 and above still have a high tolerance for risk. For senior citizens, the ideal investment scheme would provide a steady income while also allowing for potential capital growth.

Therefore, it is important for senior citizens to carefully select the best investment options in India that align with their specific requirements. Armed with knowledge about the various investment choices available, financial experts advise investors to make informed decisions.

FAQs

Also, Read:

• How to Invest in SIP
• SIP Investment in Mutual Funds
• Why Investing is Important