Everyone wants to maintain their living standards and have a quality life after retirement; however, these perks come at the cost of careful and comprehensive financial planning. So, to transition gracefully into the golden period of your life, it’ll be a good decision to start by investing in a single premium pension plan.

It is one of the most convenient and hassle-free retirement plans that offers steady returns upon one-time premium payment. Individuals can choose from different types of plans based on their risk appetite and beat inflation with a single premium pension plan.

We understand that every individual's retirement needs are different. That's why we will explore the features and benefits of a single premium pension plan in this article to help you make the best decision as per your requirements.   

A single premium pension plan is a hassle-free way for people to save and grow their money when they are not working anymore. They only have to invest money once in a single premium pension plan. In return, they receive a regular or lump sum payout at the end of the plan, which they can use to take care of their daily needs.

Such a convenient plan makes saving for retirement easy and tension-free, as retirees don't have to keep making regular payments. Thus, they can fully enjoy their retirement phase without any financial stress.

Now, let’s see the different types of single premium pension plans you can invest funds to maintain your lifestyle post-retirement.

Here are the two main types of single premium plans available in India:

1. Non-Linked and Non-Participating Annuity Plans

These are also called regular or traditional single premium plans and ask only for a single-time investment in exchange for a steady income stream.  

Under these plans, your funds are invested in safe securities like government/corporate bonds and not market-linked plans, ensuring stable and predictable returns throughout the plan’s duration. Thus, non-linked plans are comparatively more uniform.

Another feature of these plans is that they allow you to choose the frequency of annuity payments - monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly. 

Non-linked annuity plans are further divided into two types:

i) Deferred Annuity

In single premium deferred annuity plans, once you pay the premium, you will start receiving the steady flow of income only after a certain waiting period, called the deferment period. The minimum waiting period is one year. 

Since the payout you will receive at the end of the plan is already fixed when you purchase the plan, you can set your financial goals accordingly. You can also customise the plan as per your financial requirements.  

Typically, a deferred annuity plan is preferred by individuals as a retirement fund when they are yet to retire soon. So, such individuals extend their waiting period until they retire, while the fund continues to earn interest for that period.

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ii) Immediate Annuity

Under this type of pension plan, you start receiving the regular payout almost immediately after you make a one-time lump sum contribution to the plan. 

Therefore, unlike a deferred annuity plan, in an immediate annuity plan, you do not have to wait for a future date to start receiving the plan’s benefits.

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Read more: Immediate Annuity vs Deferred Annuity

2. Unit-Linked Pension Plans (ULIP)

Unlike non-linked and non-participating annuity plans, ULIPs are market-linked investment plans. The funds you’ll deposit in these plans will be invested in market securities such as equity, debt, hybrid funds, etc.  

Therefore, ULIPs are considered riskier pension plans. They also offer better returns over longer periods, which makes them an excellent investment for retirement plans for those who want to increase their wealth in the long run. 

Also, if you invest in ULIPs, you are allowed to choose the security or fund in which you want your money to be invested. It enables you to manage your funds as per your risk-taking capabilities.

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A single premium pension plan works by depositing a one-time lump sum amount in the policy as a premium. In return, the plan provides the policyholder with a guaranteed income stream for the rest of their retirement life or a specific period, depending on the chosen payout option.

Follow the given steps to get started with single premium pension plans:

1. Calculate Payout Amount

First, get an estimate of the monthly or quarterly income you will need to take care of your needs during retirement.

2. Determine Investment Amount

Calculate how much you must invest depending on your income requirement and preferred plan.

3. Select Your Age for Payout

Determine the age at which you want to start receiving the stream of regular income from the plan. This age will also allow you to select whether you should opt for a deferred annuity or an immediate annuity plan.

4. Choose the Income Period

Next, you must choose the period for which you want to receive the regular income. You can opt for a limited period or lifetime income option if this plan is your only income source for retirement.

5. Select Single or Joint Life Annuity

A single-life annuity will only cover you, while a joint-life annuity plan will provide life cover to you and your spouse. So, based on your needs, choose the desired plan.

6. Complete the Application Process and Make the Payment

The last step is to provide all your details, submit the documents, complete your application form, and invest the required amount. However, remember to go through the terms and conditions of the policy.

You will enjoy the following benefits if you choose to invest in one-time investment pension plans:

• Simple and Convenient: It is the most convenient plan for retirees as it is hassle-free due to its requirement of only a one-time payment and eliminates the need for periodic premium payments. 
  
• Guaranteed Income: The non-linked plans under single premium pension plan provide retirees with a guaranteed income for the rest of their retirement life. This income stream is steady regardless of market fluctuations or interest rate changes.
  
• Steady Income: By investing in a single premium pension plan, policyholders can ensure a steady income stream throughout their retirement years, at regular intervals, depending on their chosen plan.
• Tax Benefits: A single premium pension plan offers tax benefits on premium payment under section 80C and on maturity amount under Section 10D(D), as per the prevailing tax laws. This tax benefit is subject to various conditions, so please check your eligibility beforehand. [Source]
  
• Added Cover: Policyholders can also cover their spouse and dependent loved ones with this plan. 
• No Policy Lapsing: By investing in these plans, you will not have to worry about lapsing the policy on non-payment of premiums, as the policy remains active after you pay the premium once as a lump sum.  
  
• Loan Benefit: If you opt for the single premium deferred annuity plan, you can also use the plan to avail of a loan, thus serving as a financial backup.
  
• Beat Inflation: As per your chosen single premium pension plan, you can also protect yourself against inflation, as some plans offer high returns and help to grow your wealth.
• Reduced Financial Burden: Since you won’t require funds to pay premiums at regular intervals, you can save that money to manage your finances better. 
  
• Pension Plan for Everyone: No matter if you want secure and stable returns or if you have high risk-taking capabilities, single premium pension plans offer different types of policies for every individual’s needs.  

Before investing in the best single premium pension plan, pay attention to the following things:

Check the Eligibility for Minimum Age

Different types of single premium pension plans have different minimum age eligibility criteria for investing in the plan. So, make sure that the plan you choose meets your age requirement.

Compare Plan Costs and Choose the Most Suitable One

Compare and understand the costs associated with different pension plans, then choose the one that suits your budget. These costs may include administrative charges, fund management fees, and other withdrawal charges (if any).

Determine How You Want to Receive the Payout

Check the plan for the available payout options and choose the one that best suits your retirement needs - if you want a lifetime income, a fixed period, or a return of purchase price.

Go for a Plan Offering Flexible Features

Always choose the plan that is flexible in terms of payout frequency, which also allows you to make changes to the payout option while the policy is still active.

See if the Plan is for Limited or Lifetime Period

Some one-time investment plans offer limited benefits, while others provide lifetime benefits. So, ensure to check this beforehand as it would be tiresome to keep up with investments every few years to get a steady income.

Check the Add-ons Available with the Plan

Evaluate the pension plan for any add-ons such as guaranteed minimum return, life insurance cover, critical illness cover, etc. Depending on your requirements, these benefits are more beneficial in the long run.    

Choose the Plan with Your Desired Payment Mode

Most insurance providers now offer to make premium payments and keep track of the policy online, which is more convenient than the offline mode for most people. So, if you are among those, check if your plan offers the online mode feature.

Ensure to Research About the Insurance Company

Before choosing any pension plan, it is critical to research your preferred insurance company’s track record, claim settlement ratio, and financial ratings to know if it is reputable and financially stable.  

Thus, a single premium pension plan is one of the most convenient ways to ensure a steady income stream during your post-retirement life. You can choose from different types of plans, each with its features and benefits. So, read this article before investing in the plan to make an informed decision that best aligns with your retirement goals.