What is Unit Linked Pension Plan?
Unit
Linked Pension plan is a type of investment plan for retirement savings, ULPP
offers combine feature that is investment as well as life insurance. Since it is linked with market, comparatively
risky from others pension schemes. In
this plan the portion of the premium paid by investors is use to pay to
insurance company to provide insurance protection or coverage to the investors
and remaining amount invested in debt and equity securities. In case unfortunate demise of the policy
holder, the family or nominee will receive protection amount. ULPP plan offers multiple tax benefits on
investment returns.
Investment: The
premiums paid by investors are invested in equity funds, bonds etc., since the
market is volatile, the value of pension fund fluctuates of the these
underlying investments.
Insurance:
It is a combination of investment and insurance, which provides a death benefit
to the nominee in case the policy holder passes away before retirement or during the policy term.
Flexibility:
Unit Linked Pension plans offer flexibility to the investors; investors can
choose or allow to switch between different funds based on the investors risk
tolerance.
Pension Options:
After the retirement the scheme allows investors either he/she can take a lump
sum, purchasing an annuity or opting for regular withdrawals.
Tax Benefits:
If the premium of the year exceeds Rs. 2,50,000 then only it is taxable or if
the return exceeds Rs. 1,00,000 per year the 10% of the tax charge applicable.
ECS Premium: Investors can pay their premiums via Electronic Clearing System (ECS). ECS is a electronic vehicle to transfer fund from one bank to another bank.
Fees and Charges:
Since the plan is linked with market,
there are charges for fund management fees, administration fees, policy administrative charges, switching charges, surrender charges, servicing charges and education cess. If the policy surrenders early or before the
term period, the certain amount will charge by the financial institute.
Conclusion:
Overall,
unit linked pension plan for individual looking for a retirement return and
insurance protection. It’s very
important to carefully consider your investment objective, investment goal and
risk tolerance before making any decisions.