Atal Pension Yojana – Details & Eligibility

The Atal Pension Yojana, launched in the Union Budget of 2015-2016, emerged as a pivotal initiative to provide pension benefits to individuals employed in the unorganised sector. While initially designed for the unorganised sector, this scheme is also accessible to the private sector, offering a structured approach to retirement planning without a direct pension benefit.

In this article, we will be looking into all of its benefits, features, and important details. Read on to know more about it.

What is Atal Pension Yojana?

The Atal Pension Yojana offers a flexible pension framework where individuals, upon reaching the age of 60, can choose from varying pension amounts—Rs. 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, or 5,000. The pension amount is contingent on factors such as the subscriber’s contribution to the scheme and the age at which they initiate their subscription. This scheme not only secures the financial future of the account holder but extends its benefits to the spouse in the event of the subscriber’s demise.

The funds accumulated through the Atal Pension Yojana are efficiently managed by the Pension Funds Regulatory Authority of India. This regulatory body plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and growth of the funds, safeguarding the interests of the scheme participants.

Eligibility fro Atal Pension Yojana

Any citizen of India, falling within the age bracket of 18 to 40 years, is eligible to open an Atal Pension Yojana (APY) account. The following criteria outline the eligibility for prospective subscribers:

• Age Requirement: The subscriber must be between the ages of 18 and 40 years at the time of enrolling in the APY scheme. This age range ensures that individuals in their productive working years can participate in the program.
• Savings Bank Account: It is a prerequisite for the prospective subscriber to have an active savings bank account. This account serves as the conduit for contributions and withdrawals related to the APY.
• Aadhaar and Mobile Number (Optional): While it is encouraged for applicants to provide their Aadhaar number and mobile number during registration, it is not mandatory. However, furnishing this information facilitates the receipt of periodic updates on the APY account.
• NRI Eligibility (Non-Resident Indians): Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) falling within the age group of 18 to 40 years and holding a bank account with an APY POP (Point of Presence) branch are eligible to open an APY account. It is important to note that the APY scheme is exclusively open to Indian citizens. If an NRI ceases to be a citizen of India, the APY account will be closed, and the net actual interest earned on their contributions (after deducting account maintenance charges) will be refunded. However, the Government co-contribution and the interest earned on the Government co-contribution will not be returned.

Nomination for Atal Pensions Yojana

Nomination in Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is a crucial aspect, and certain guidelines govern the nomination process:

• It is mandatory for every APY account holder to provide nominee details. This ensures that there is a designated individual who will receive the benefits in the event of the subscriber’s demise.
• For married subscribers, the default nominee is the spouse. The spouse is automatically considered as the default nominee. Providing the Aadhaar details of the spouse is encouraged to streamline the nomination process.
• Unmarried subscribers have the flexibility to nominate any person of their choice. They can select an individual as a nominee, and if there are changes in their marital status, they have the option to update the nominee details accordingly.

Updating Nominee Details after Marriage

In the case of unmarried subscribers who later get married, they are required to update their nominee details. After marriage, the spouse becomes the default nominee. Therefore, it is necessary for the subscriber to provide the Aadhaar details of the spouse after marriage.

While not mandatory, providing the Aadhaar details of both the spouse and the nominee is encouraged. This information can facilitate a smoother process in case the benefits need to be disbursed to the nominee.

How to Open Your Atal  Pension Yojana Account?

The procedure for opening an Atal Pension Yojana (APY) account involves the following steps:

• The first step is to approach the bank branch where the individual already holds a savings bank account. If the subscriber doesn’t have a savings account with the bank, they will need to open one.
• Obtain the Atal Pension Yojana registration form from the bank branch. This form is essential for enrolling in the APY scheme and is available at the respective bank where the savings account is held.
• Fill out the APY registration form with accurate and relevant information. The form typically requires details such as the subscriber’s name, age, contact information, nominee details, and other pertinent information.
• Once the form is completed, submit it to the bank branch where the savings account is held. The bank officials will guide the subscriber through the submission process and ensure that all necessary information is provided.
• Upon successfully submitting the APY registration form, the bank will provide a confirmation or acknowledgement receipt. This receipt serves as proof of enrollment in the APY scheme.
• After enrollment, it is crucial for the subscriber to ensure regular contributions to the Atal Pension Yojana as per the chosen pension amount and frequency.

It’s important to note that the APY account opening process may have slight variations depending on the specific bank’s procedures. Additionally, subscribers should keep the acknowledgement receipt and other relevant documents in a safe place for future reference.

Benefits of APY

The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) offers subscribers comprehensive retirement benefits, ensuring financial security during their golden years. Upon reaching the age of 60, subscribers are entitled to the following three benefits:

Guaranteed Minimum Pension Amount

• Each APY subscriber is assured a Government of India guaranteed minimum pension amount.
• The pension amount options include Rs. 1000 per month, Rs. 2000 per month, Rs. 3000 per month, Rs. 4000 per month, or Rs. 5000 per month.
• This guaranteed pension is disbursed to the subscriber every month until their demise.

Guaranteed Minimum Pension Amount to the Spouse

• In the unfortunate event of the subscriber’s demise, the spouse is entitled to receive the same pension amount as that of the subscriber.
• The spouse continues to receive the pension until their own demise, ensuring continued financial support.

Return of Pension Wealth to the Nominee

• After the demise of both the subscriber and the spouse, the nominee of the subscriber is entitled to receive the pension wealth.
• The pension wealth includes the accumulated corpus until the age of 60 years of the subscriber.
• This ensures that the financial benefits extend beyond the subscriber’s lifetime, providing for the nominee in the absence of the subscriber and their spouse.

The Atal Pension Yojana guarantees a steady and government-backed pension to the subscriber and extends the financial security to the spouse and, subsequently, to the nominee. This structured approach ensures that the benefits of the scheme continue to support the subscriber’s family even after their demise.

Income Tax Benefits for APY

As of October 1, 2022, income taxpayers are not eligible to enrol in the Atal Pension Yojana (APY). However, it’s important to note that tax benefits for existing APY subscribers under the National Pension System (NPS) scheme remain unchanged. The tax benefits for APY subscribers under the NPS scheme are governed by Notification No. 7/2016, F.No.173/394/2015-ITA-I dated 19th Feb 2016.

It’s crucial to consider that, effective April 1, 2020, the income tax benefits for APY subscribers will depend on whether the subscriber opts for the old or new tax system. The introduction of the new tax system has implications for individuals in terms of available deductions and exemptions.

In the old tax system, subscribers may continue to avail the existing income tax benefits applicable to APY under the NPS scheme. These benefits may include deductions under Section 80CCD (1) and additional deductions under Section 80CCD (1B) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

In the new tax system, which offers reduced tax rates but eliminates certain deductions and exemptions, the income tax benefits for APY subscribers may be affected. Subscribers are encouraged to carefully assess their tax planning strategy and choose the tax system that aligns with their financial goals and circumstances.

It’s advisable for APY subscribers to stay informed about any changes in tax regulations and consult with financial advisors or tax professionals to make informed decisions regarding their tax planning and retirement contributions.

Government’s Contribution to APY

The Government of India provides a co-contribution to Atal Pension Yojana (APY) subscribers as part of its commitment to fostering retirement savings. Here are the key details regarding the Government co-contribution:

Duration of Co-contribution

• The Government co-contribution is available for a period of 5 years, specifically from the Financial Year 2015-16 to 2019-20.
• This benefit is applicable to subscribers who joined the scheme between June 1, 2015, and March 31, 2016.

Eligibility Criteria

• Subscribers eligible for the Government co-contribution are those who are not covered by any Statutory Social Security Scheme and are not income tax payers.

Payment Process

• The Government co-contribution is disbursed to eligible Permanent Retirement Account Numbers (PRANs) by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
• The confirmation for the co-contribution is received from the Central Record Keeping Agency after verifying that the subscriber has paid all the instalments for the year.

Credit to Subscriber’s Account

• The Government co-contribution is credited directly to the subscriber’s savings bank account or post office savings bank account.
• The co-contribution amount is calculated as 50% of the total contribution made by the subscriber, subject to a maximum limit of Rs 1000/- at the end of the financial year.

State Government Co-contribution

• In addition to the Government of India’s co-contribution, some State Governments may also provide co-contribution to APY subscribers in their respective states. The specifics of state co-contribution programs may vary.

How Much Should You Contribute to APY?

The contribution amount for an Atal Pension Yojana (APY) subscriber depends on several factors, including the subscriber’s age at the time of opening the account, the chosen pension slab, and the frequency of contributions.

Here are key details regarding the contribution amount and the flexibility for subscribers to make changes:

• Determinants of Contribution Amount: The age of the subscriber at the time of opening the APY account is a crucial factor influencing the contribution amount. The chosen pension slab, which could be Rs. 1000, Rs. 2000, Rs. 3000, Rs. 4000, or Rs. 5000 per month, will also impact the contribution.
• Contribution Table: A detailed contribution table, specifying contributions based on age, frequency, and pension slab, is provided as an Annexure for reference. Subscribers can refer to this table for accurate information.
• Changes in Pension and Contribution Frequency: The subscribers have the option to change their chosen monthly pension amount after joining the scheme. However, this change can only be made once in a financial year. Similarly, subscribers can change the mode of auto debit facility, which includes changing the contribution frequency (monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly). This change can also be made once in a financial year.
• Impact on Contribution Amount: When a subscriber opts to change the monthly pension amount, the contribution amount will be adjusted accordingly. Higher pension amounts will generally require higher contributions.

APY Calculator and its Importance

The APY Calculator is a valuable tool in retirement planning, providing individuals with a comprehensive means to assess the actual interest accrued on their investments within the Atal Pension Yojana (APY). This tool serves a dual purpose, aiding in determining the desired pension amount and identifying the optimal age to enrol in the scheme.

Key Functions

• Pension Amount Determination: The calculator empowers users to make informed decisions regarding the pension they aspire to receive. By inputting specific parameters, individuals can ascertain the precise amount they wish to secure through the pension scheme.
• Age Consideration: A crucial aspect of retirement planning is timing, and the APY Calculator assists in determining the most opportune age to initiate enrollment. This feature ensures that subscribers optimise their contributions and receive the intended benefits seamlessly.
• Instant Outcome Estimation: One of the remarkable aspects of the APY Calculator is its ability to provide instant and accurate estimations. This expeditious feature allows users to swiftly gauge the potential outcomes of their investment decisions, facilitating quick and well-informed choices.
• Interest Projection: The calculator goes beyond basic functionalities by offering insights into the interest earnings that would accrue over the investment period. This foresight enables individuals to gauge the financial growth of their pension corpus and make adjustments as needed.
• Error Prevention: The APY Calculator serves as a safeguard against mistakes. Offering real-time calculations helps subscribers avoid errors in determining contributions, ensuring a smooth and error-free investment process.
• Alignment with Financial Goals: Perhaps one of the most critical aspects is the calculator’s ability to assist individuals in assessing whether the pension scheme aligns with their broader financial objectives. This insight empowers users to make choices that resonate with their long-term financial plans.

How Does the Atal Pension Yojana Return Calculator Work?

The Atal Pension Yojana Return Calculator serves as a dynamic tool for evaluating the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) returns, utilising two key parameters: interest rate and compound frequency. This sophisticated calculator allows users to make informed comparisons among various offerings with distinct compounding periods, presenting a comprehensive view of potential returns.

Key Components

• Interest and Compound Frequency: The calculator’s core functionality revolves around the input of interest rates and the frequency of compounding. Users have the flexibility to compare different APY options by selecting various compounding periods from the provided choices, facilitating a nuanced assessment.
• Comparative Analysis: Users can gauge the competitiveness of different APY offers by examining the calculated Annual Percentage Yield (APY) values. The higher the APY, the more favourable the offer is considered. The calculator enables a straightforward comparison of multiple scenarios, aiding individuals in making optimal investment decisions.

Illustrative Examples

• An illustrative scenario with an annual interest rate of 1%, resulting in an APY of 1%.
• Another scenario with a 0.75% interest rate compounded quarterly, leading to an APY of 0.702%.
•  A third scenario with an APY of 0.501%, featuring a 0.5% interest rate compounded daily.

Calculation Formula

The calculator employs a precise formula to derive the APY, ensuring accuracy in return assessments. The formula is expressed as:

APY = (1 + r/n)^n – 1

Where:

• r represents the interest rate.
• n denotes the number of times the interest is compounded per year.

Understanding this formula is essential for users to comprehend the intricacies of how the APY is calculated and how it correlates with the provided interest rates and compounding frequencies.

Benefits of Utilizing the Atal Pension Yojana Calculator

The incorporation of the APY Calculator enhances the efficacy of this pension scheme, offering users a range of advantages in their retirement planning endeavours.

• The APY Calculator serves as a strategic ally in retirement planning by assisting individuals in comprehending how the outcomes align with their unique financial goals. It provides a nuanced understanding of the potential effectiveness of the investment, allowing users to make informed decisions tailored to their specific objectives.
• One of the standout advantages of the APY Calculator is its ability to offer instant insights into the potential outcomes of the investment. This real-time functionality enables users to quickly gauge the implications of their chosen parameters, fostering agility and responsiveness in financial decision-making.
• Recognising the individuality of financial goals, the APY Calculator allows users to customise data based on their preferences. This flexibility ensures that the calculations align with the unique circumstances and aspirations of each user, providing a personalised and relevant assessment.
• The user-friendly interface of the APY Calculator makes it an accessible and intuitive tool, eliminating the need for external assistance. Users can effortlessly navigate the calculator, obtaining estimates and insights without the dependency on external sources, enhancing the overall user experience.

Amount After Retirement Under Atal Pension Yojana

The retirement wealth that the nominee of an Atal Pension Yojana (APY) subscriber is eligible to receive is pre-defined based on the chosen monthly pension amount. Here are the details of the retirement wealth payable to the nominee:

• Monthly Pension Amount for Spouse (Default Nominee): In the event of the subscriber’s demise, the spouse (default nominee) is entitled to receive the same monthly pension amount as that of the subscriber.
• Return of Pension Wealth to the Nominee: Upon the death of both the subscriber and the spouse, the nominee is eligible for the return of pension wealth accumulated until the age of 60 years of the subscriber.
• Wealth Details based on Monthly Pension: The retirement wealth payable to the nominee is pre-defined and depends on the chosen monthly pension amount. The wealth details are as follows:
  • Rs. 1,70,000/- for a monthly pension of Rs. 1000/-
  • Rs. 3,40,000/- for a monthly pension of Rs. 2000/-
  • Rs. 5,10,000/- for a monthly pension of Rs. 3000/-
  • Rs. 6,80,000/- for a monthly pension of Rs. 4000/-
  • Rs. 8,50,000/- for a monthly pension of Rs. 5000/-
• Pre-defined Retirement Wealth: It’s important to note that the retirement wealth is pre-defined when the subscriber joins the APY scheme. The chosen monthly pension amount directly correlates with the predetermined retirement wealth.

Delayed or Discontinued Contributions

The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has provisions for handling delayed and discontinued contributions to ensure subscribers stay on track with their pension savings. Here are the key points related to delayed and discontinued contributions:

Collection of APY Contributions

• APY contributions are collected through auto-debit from the subscriber’s savings bank account or post office savings bank account.
• The collection date varies based on the contribution frequency:
• Monthly contributions can be collected on any date of the particular month.
• Quarterly contributions can be collected on any day of the first month of the quarter.
• Half-yearly contributions can be collected on any day of the first month of the half-year.

Overdue Interest for Delayed Contributions

• In the event of delayed APY contributions beyond the due date, the subscriber will be charged overdue interest for the delayed period.
• The prescribed rate is Rs. 1 per month for every Rs. 100 or part thereof, for each delayed monthly contribution.
• The overdue interest amount collected is retained as part of the pension corpus of the subscriber.

Recovery of Overdue Contributions

More than one monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly contribution can be recovered if the subscriber has sufficient funds available, subject to the availability of funds.

Continuous Default and Account Maintenance Charges

In cases of continuous default, where contributions are not being made, deductions will continue to be made in the subscriber’s APY account for account maintenance charges and other related charges on a periodic basis until the account balance becomes zero.

These measures are in place to encourage timely contributions and to address situations where payments are delayed. The structure ensures that subscribers are aware of the consequences of delayed contributions and provides a mechanism to rectify the situation while maintaining the continuity of the APY account.

What If The Subscriber Dies Before 60 Years of Age?

In the unfortunate event of the subscriber’s demise before reaching the age of 60, the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) provides two options for the spouse or nominee:

Option 1: Continuation of Contribution by Spouse

• If the subscriber passes away before the age of 60, the spouse has the option to continue contributing to the APY account of the subscriber.
• The APY account can be maintained in the spouse’s name for the remaining vesting period, i.e., until the original subscriber would have attained the age of 60 years.
• The spouse is entitled to receive the same pension amount as the subscriber until the death of the spouse.
• This pension amount is in addition to any APY account and pension amount that the spouse may have in their own name.

Option 2: Lump Sum Return of Accumulated Corpus

Alternatively, the entire accumulated corpus until the date of the subscriber’s demise under APY will be returned to the spouse or nominee.

These options provide flexibility and financial security to the spouse or nominee in the event of the subscriber’s untimely death, ensuring that they have the choice to continue contributions or receive the accumulated corpus. The communication channels, including SMS alerts and physical statements, aim to keep subscribers informed about the status of their APY accounts

Account Statements

• Periodical information, including activation of Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN), balance in the account, and contribution credits, will be communicated to APY subscribers through SMS alerts on the registered mobile number.
• Subscribers can also access this information through a mobile application or APY app launched by NSDL.
• Additionally, the subscriber will receive a physical Statement of Account once a financial year at their registered address.

Account Transfers Under APY

The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) provides flexibility for subscribers to transfer their accounts under certain circumstances. Here are the key points related to the transfer of APY accounts:

• Intra-Bank Transfer: Upon the subscriber’s request, an APY account can be transferred from one branch to another within the same bank.
• Inter-Bank Transfer: Additionally, a subscriber has the option to transfer their APY account from one branch of a bank to a branch of another bank.
• Continuity in the Same Bank: It’s important to note that subscribers are not required to transfer their APY accounts from one branch to another within the same bank if they choose to continue in the same bank. If the subscriber continues in the same bank, the contributions will continue to be debited through the auto-debit facility without the need for a transfer.

Premature Closures Under APY

Premature closure, also known as Voluntary Exit, is allowed under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) before reaching the age of 60. Here are the key details regarding premature closures:

• Refund for Voluntary Exit: In the case of voluntary exit before reaching 60 years of age, the subscriber will be refunded the contributions made to APY along with the net actual accrued income earned on their contributions, after deducting the account maintenance charges.
• Government Co-Contribution for Early Joiners: For subscribers who joined the scheme before March 31, 2016, and received Government Co-Contribution, opting for voluntary exit before the age of 60 will result in the non-receipt of the Government co-contribution and the accrued income earned on it.
• Refund Components: The refund amount will comprise the subscriber’s contributions and the net actual accrued income, excluding the Government co-contribution for early joiners.

More Details: Subscribers seeking more details about the APY scheme, including its features, benefits, and other relevant information, can visit the official link here.

FAQs about Atal Pension Yojana