1.What are the eligibility criteria for buying a pension plan?
To buy a pension plan, you must be between 18 and 70 years and be able to pay regular premiums. Moreover, check the vesting age after which you can start receiving the payouts
2.What are the different types of government retirement pension plans?
The different types of government retirement pension plans include Public Provident Fund (PPF), Employee Provident Fund (EPF), and Atal Pension Yojana (APS).
3.How to get a ₹1 lakh pension per month?
To get ₹1 lakh per month, you need to invest a lump sum or make regular payments to build a sizeable fund corpus through a suitable pension plan.
4.What is the difference between a pension plan and an annuity plan?
A pension plan is an investment or savings scheme for creating a retirement corpus. An annuity, however, is an insurance policy that turns your savings (lump sum or periodic) into regular income.
5.Why is a pension plan important?
Pension or retirement plans provide the dual advantage of growth in investment and protection against insurance, giving you a secure income when you retire.
6.Can I go for a savings or investment plan as a retirement plan?
You can choose a savings plan if you’re focused on capital preservation. You may opt for an investment plan for relatively higher returns to build a larger corpus, but consider market-related risks.
7.Can I choose to get a retirement plan in my 20s?
Yes, if you start in your 20s, you can put away smaller sums of money over a longer term, allowing compound interest to take effect. Starting early provides options, lowers the fiscal burden later, and allows you to adapt your strategy as income and goals change.
8.Can I stop my retirement plan anytime I want?
Yes, you can stop your retirement plan anytime, but doing so may lead to penalty charges, loss of benefits, or reduced maturity value depending on the policy terms.
9.What will happen if I don’t die till my term plan is over?
If you outlive your term plan, no payout is given unless you opted for a Return of Premium (ROP) plan, which refunds the total premiums paid at maturity.
| Feature |
Immediate Annuity |
Deferred Annuity |
| Payment start |
Within 12 months of investment |
After a deferment period, it could be years later |
| Funding method |
Lump-sum payment only |
Either lump-sum or periodic premiums |
| Growth potential |
No accumulation phase; income based on insurer’s rates |
Offers tax-deferred4 growth during the accumulation phase |
| Best suited for |
Seniors needing immediate, predictable income |
Younger savers looking for long-term growth and a later payout |
10.How much money do I need to retire?
To retire comfortably, you should aim for a retirement corpus that’s 20–25 times your annual expenses. This ensures financial stability, inflation coverage, and a steady post-retirement income.