Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)

The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) is a pension scheme for senior citizens. It’s designed by the Government of India and run by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC).

Think of it like this:
It’s a safe government-backed plan that guarantees regular monthly, quarterly, or yearly income for people aged 60 and above.

Key Features of PMVVY

  1. For Senior Citizens Only: Anyone aged 60 years or more can apply.
  2. Guaranteed Pension: Fixed pension returns for 10 years.
  3. Choice of Payment: You can choose to receive pension monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, or yearly.
  4. Investment Limit: You can invest up to ₹15 lakh per person.
  5. Interest Rate: The scheme offers a guaranteed return, typically around 7.4% per year, depending on when you invest.
  6. Maturity Period: The scheme runs for 10 years. At the end, you get back your full investment.
  7. Early Exit Option: Allowed only for medical emergencies (with 98% refund).
  8. No Market Risk: Your money and returns are safe and fixed—not affected by the stock market.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)

  • You must be 60 years old or older
  • You must be an Indian citizen
  • No upper age limit
  • No need for a medical test

Benefits of PMVVY

  1. Regular Pension Income: Great for retired people who want a fixed monthly income.
  2. Safe Investment: It’s backed by the Government of India, so it’s very secure.
  3. Tax-Free Maturity: Your investment amount is returned after 10 years.
  4. Joint Ownership: You and your spouse can both benefit from the scheme.
  5. Loan Facility: After 3 years, you can get a loan against your investment (up to 75%).

Simple Example:

Ramesh, aged 65, invests ₹10 lakh in PMVVY.
He chooses monthly pension.
He will get around ₹7,400 every month for 10 years.
After 10 years, he gets back his full ₹10 lakh investment.

Documents Needed

  • Aadhaar card
  • PAN card
  • Bank account details
  • Age proof
  • Passport-size photo

How to Apply?

  • Visit any LIC branch
  • Apply online at licindia.in
  • Fill the form, submit documents, and make the payment

Things to Remember

  • Interest income (pension) is taxable under your regular income
  • No tax benefits on the amount you invest (unlike other pension plans)
  • Maximum limit of ₹15 lakh is per person

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) is a smart and safe choice for senior citizens looking for regular income without worrying about market ups and downs. It’s simple, government-backed, and comes with guaranteed returns.