Ruchi SrivastavaThe government introduced the National Pension System (NPS) as a retirement savings plan to support individuals during their working years. Initially launched in 2004 for government employees, it was extended to the general public in 2005. The NPS encourages individuals to save for retirement by contributing during their employment.
At the time of the maturity of a National Pension System (NPS) plan, subscribers are required to allocate at least 40% of their accumulated funds to purchase an annuity plan. The remaining 60% can be withdrawn as a tax-free lump sum. Subscribers also have the option to invest more than the mandatory 40% into annuities if they choose.
What is the meaning of Annuity in NPS?
An annuity in your NPS investment guarantees a steady income after retirement. Including an annuity component in your NPS portfolio is crucial, making it important to understand its significance.
What is the NPS Annuity Scheme?
At the time of retirement under the NPS, at least 40% of your corpus must be allocated to purchasing an annuity plan, while the rest can be withdrawn as a lump sum. The annuity ensures a regular income stream after retirement. The payout is determined by:
- The amount invested in the annuity.
- The annuity option selected.
- The provider offering the annuity.
Features of the NPS Annuity Scheme
1. Consistent Income After Retirement: The NPS annuity scheme guarantees a steady income stream after retirement, ensuring financial stability for individuals in their later years.
2. Required Annuity Investment: Upon retirement, a minimum of 40% of the accumulated corpus must be invested in an annuity plan, while the remaining balance can be withdrawn as a lump sum.
3. Flexible Annuity Choices: Subscribers can select from various annuity plans based on their income needs, such as a lifetime income or a joint annuity with a spouse.
4. Tax-Exempt Lump Sum: The 60% of the corpus withdrawn as a lump sum is tax-free, offering an attractive benefit for retirees.
5. Freedom in Annuity Providers: Subscribers have the option to choose from a list of approved annuity providers, ensuring they can select the best fit for their needs.
6. Protection Against Longevity Risk: Annuities provide lifelong financial support, protecting against the risk of outliving your savings.
7. Regulated by PFRDA: The NPS annuity scheme is supervised by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), ensuring transparency and security.
8. Choice in Payment Frequency: Subscribers can choose the frequency of their annuity payments, including monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual options.
9. No Upper Limit on Investment: While 40% of the corpus is required for annuities, there is no cap on the amount you can invest, providing flexibility for additional income security.
Types of Annuities in the NPS Annuity Scheme
| Annuity Types | Variants |
| Frequency of Premium | Single Regular |
| Type of Payouts | Fixed Variable |
| Time Payouts Start | Immediate Deferred |
| Duration of Payouts | Life Annuity Term Certain |
| No. of People Benefitting | Single Life Joint/Survivor |
| Nature of Purchaser | Individual Group |
Which are the 5 major options available for the NPS annuity Scheme?
1. Annuity for Life with ROP (Return of Purchase Price):
The subscriber receives an annuity for their lifetime. Upon the subscriber’s death, the annuity payments cease, and the full amount (100% of the purchase price) is returned to the nominees.
2. Joint Life Annuity with ROP:
The subscriber receives an annuity for life. After the subscriber’s death, the annuity continues to be paid to the spouse for their lifetime. Once the spouse passes away, the annuity payments stop, and the entire purchase price is refunded to the nominees.
3. Family Income with ROP:
The subscriber receives an annuity for life, which, upon their death, is transferred to the spouse for their lifetime. After the spouse’s death, the annuity is passed on to the dependent mother and then to the dependent father. When the last annuitant passes away, the annuity payments stop, and 100% of the purchase price is refunded to the surviving children or legal heirs of the subscriber.
4. Annuity for Life without ROP:
The subscriber receives an annuity for their lifetime. Upon the subscriber’s death, the annuity payments cease immediately, and no amount is returned to the nominees.
5. Joint Life Annuity without ROP:
The subscriber receives an annuity for life. After the subscriber’s death, the annuity is paid to the spouse for their lifetime. Upon the spouse’s death, the annuity payments stop immediately, with no amount returned to the nominees.
Benefits of the NPS Annuity Scheme
1. Guaranteed Income for Life – By subscribing to an NPS annuity scheme, you ensure a consistent income throughout your retirement.
2. Range of Annuity Options – There are multiple options to choose from, including lifetime income, income for a specific period, or income with a return of the purchase price to your nominee.
3. Benefits for Spouse and Nominees – Based on the chosen NPS annuity plan, your spouse may continue receiving annuity payments after your death.
PFRDA-Approved NPS Annuity Service Providers
- Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
- HDFC Life Insurance
- ICICI Prudential Life Insurance
- SBI Life Insurance
- Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance
- Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance
- IndiaFirst Life Insurance
Final Thoughts
Selecting the appropriate NPS annuity option is essential for securing financial stability in retirement. Consider your financial condition, family requirements, and future goals before making a decision. It’s recommended to seek advice from a financial advisor to ensure you make an informed choice. With the right annuity plan, you can enjoy a comfortable and worry-free retirement.
Sources: msn.com
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