Have Two Daughters? Know If You Can Open Two Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts – Key Rules Explained

As the Centre’s Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) enters its 10th year in 2025, here’s a look at the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the popular savings scheme, including how many accounts a family can open.

Launched in January 2015 under the government’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative, the SSY aims to help families secure their daughters’ future by encouraging long-term savings. According to a PIB release, more than 4.1 crore SSY accounts had been opened across India as of November 2024, reflecting the scheme’s widespread adoption.

Eligibility and Account Management

An SSY account can be opened by a legal guardian for a girl child up to 10 years of age. The account remains under the guardian’s control until the girl turns 18, after which she can take charge of it

by submitting the necessary documents. “This allows the guardian to oversee the savings and ensure that the funds are utilised effectively for the child’s education and future needs,” the PIB release noted.

Key Features of the Scheme

The scheme allows a minimum annual deposit of Rs 250 and a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh in a financial year.

Only one account can be opened per girl child, and if duplicate accounts are created — for instance, by grandparents — they will be closed, and control will rest with the legal guardian.

SSY accounts can be opened at post offices as well as authorised public and private banks, including SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank.

The account has a maturity period of 21 years from the date of opening. Withdrawals are permitted for the higher education of the account holder, and premature closure is allowed if the girl marries after turning 18.

Deposits qualify for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, while the interest earned is tax-free under Section 10.

Required Documents

To open an SSY account, the guardian must submit Form 1 along with the following documents:

• Birth certificate of the girl child
• Aadhaar card and PAN card of the guardian (for identity and residence proof)

How Many Accounts Can a Family Open?

According to the State Bank of India (SBI), a family can open SSY accounts for a maximum of two girl children.

However, there are exceptions in cases of multiple births:

• If the second birth results in girl twins or triplets, SSY accounts can be opened for all daughters.
• If the first birth already involved twins or triplets (girls), no additional accounts can be opened for subsequent daughters — even if they are twins or triplets.

In simple terms:

• If you have one girl child and the second birth is girl twins or triplets, you can open accounts for all.
• If your first birth already includes twins or triplets (girls), you cannot open more SSY accounts for later-born daughters.

The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana continues to be one of the most sought-after government-backed savings schemes, promoting financial security for girls while offering attractive tax benefits to families.