Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) — How to Apply Online

What is PMJJBY?

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is a government-backed life insurance scheme offering ₹2 lakh life cover at an annual premium of just ₹436. Launched in 2015, it aims to provide affordable life insurance to all Indians, especially those in lower and middle-income groups.

The premium is auto-debited from the subscriber's bank account annually. In case of death due to any cause, the nominee receives ₹2 lakh. This makes it one of the cheapest life insurance policies available in India.

PMJJBY is offered through LIC and other insurance companies partnered with banks. It's often paired with PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana) for comprehensive coverage.

Key Features

Eligibility

• Age: 18 to 50 years (coverage continues until age 55)
• Bank account: Must have a savings bank account with participating bank
• Aadhaar: Must be linked to bank account — see our Aadhaar guide
• One policy: Only one PMJJBY policy per person (even across multiple banks)
• Self-certification of good health at the time of joining

How to Enrol in PMJJBY

Through Bank Branch

1. Visit your bank branch
2. Fill the PMJJBY enrolment form (consent-cum-declaration form)
3. Provide Aadhaar number for KYC
4. Give auto-debit authorization for annual premium
5. Nominee details
6. Submit and get acknowledgement

Through Net Banking

1. Log in to your bank's net banking portal
2. Navigate to Insurance → PMJJBY
3. Select your account for premium debit
4. Fill nominee details
5. Give consent and confirm enrolment

Through Mobile Banking

Most major banks (SBI YONO, HDFC, ICICI, PNB, etc.) allow PMJJBY enrolment through their mobile apps.

Through SMS (Select Banks)

Some banks allow activation by sending an SMS. Check with your bank for the specific format.

Premium Payment

• ₹436/year — auto-debited from your bank account
• Debit happens on or before 31st May each year
• Ensure sufficient balance in your account
• If premium is not deducted (insufficient balance), the policy lapses
• Re-enrolment is possible by paying the premium and submitting a health declaration

Premium Breakup

Claim Process

Step 1: Nominee Contacts Bank

The nominee or legal heir should visit the bank branch where the deceased held the PMJJBY policy.

Step 2: Obtain Claim Form

Collect the PMJJBY claim form from the bank.

Step 3: Submit Documents

• Completed claim form
• Death certificate of the insured
• Nominee's identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID)
• Nominee's bank account details (for NEFT transfer)
• FIR (in case of unnatural death)
• Cancelled cheque of nominee's account

Step 4: Bank Forwards to Insurer

The bank forwards the claim to the insurance company (LIC or partner insurer).

Step 5: Claim Settlement

• Claim is processed within 30 days of receiving complete documents
• ₹2,00,000 credited directly to nominee's bank account

Documents for Claim

• Death certificate (from municipal authority)
• PMJJBY policy certificate or bank statement showing premium debit
• Nominee's Aadhaar and PAN
• Bank account details (cancelled cheque/passbook)
• Hospital records (if applicable)
• FIR/post-mortem report (for accidental/unnatural death)

Tax Benefits

• Premium paid under PMJJBY qualifies for deduction under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act
• The ₹2 lakh death benefit received by nominee is tax-free under Section 10(10D)

PMJJBY vs Other Life Insurance

Recommendation: Use PMJJBY as a basic safety net and supplement with a proper term insurance plan for adequate coverage.

Important Tips

1. Enrol early — The premium is the same for all ages (18-50), so enrolling early gives you more years of coverage
2. Maintain bank balance — Ensure at least ₹500 in your account before 31st May to avoid lapse
3. Inform nominees about the policy — They need to know to claim it
4. Don't duplicate — You can have only one PMJJBY policy; multiple enrolments will be cancelled
5. Combine with PMSBY — For ₹436 + ₹20 = ₹456/year, get both life and accident insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss the premium payment?

Your policy lapses for that year. You can re-enrol by paying the full annual premium and submitting a self-declaration of good health. There's no penalty for re-enrolment.

Can I enrol in PMJJBY from multiple bank accounts?

No, you can have only one PMJJBY policy. Even if you have accounts in multiple banks, enrol from only one account. Duplicate enrolments will be identified and cancelled.

Is there a waiting period for PMJJBY?

There is no specific waiting period. However, if you join or re-join after a gap, the insurer may apply standard underwriting norms. Coverage starts from 1st June after enrolment.

Does PMJJBY cover death due to suicide?

Yes, PMJJBY covers death due to any cause, including suicide, after the initial policy period starts. There's no exclusion for cause of death.

Can I nominate more than one person?

The standard form allows one nominee. However, you can mention multiple nominees with percentage split. Check with your bank for the specific form.

Is medical examination required for PMJJBY?

No medical examination is required. Only a self-declaration of good health is needed at the time of enrolment. However, if a pre-existing condition leads to death and was not disclosed, the claim may be investigated.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Government of India, LIC, or any bank. Scheme terms may change — verify current details on jansuraksha.gov.in.