PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) — Complete Guide
What is Jan Dhan Yojana?
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is India's largest financial inclusion scheme, launched in 2014. It provides every Indian household access to a bank account — completely free.
Key Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Zero balance account | No minimum balance ever required |
| RuPay Debit Card | Free, works at ATMs and online |
| Accident Insurance | ₹2 lakh cover (new accounts opened after 28 Aug 2018) |
| Life Insurance | ₹30,000 (for accounts opened before Jan 26, 2015) |
| Overdraft Facility | Up to ₹10,000 after 6 months |
| Direct Benefit Transfer | All government schemes credited directly |
Who Can Open a Jan Dhan Account?
- Any Indian resident above 10 years old
- People without existing bank accounts (unbanked households are priority)
- People with small savings, daily wage workers, farmers, women
One account per household is the guideline (usually in the name of the lady of the house).
How to Open a Jan Dhan Account
Documents Required (Minimum)
The KYC requirements are deliberately simple:
Option A — Full KYC:
- Aadhaar Card (preferred — instant KYC)
- OR: Voter ID / Passport / Driving Licence + one address proof
Option B — Small Account (if no documents):
- Self-attested photograph
- Signature or thumb impression
- Account has limits (₹50,000 max balance, ₹10,000 monthly credit limit)
Where to Open
- Any nationalized bank branch (SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda, etc.)
- Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
- Business Correspondents (Bank Mitras) — available in villages
- Post Office — Post Office Savings Bank account also qualifies
Steps
- Visit any bank branch or Bank Mitra
- Fill the Account Opening Form (Form available at branch, free)
- Submit documents
- Account opened same day with Aadhaar
- RuPay card issued within 10–15 working days
Overdraft Facility (₹10,000)
After operating your account satisfactorily for 6 months, you can get an overdraft of up to ₹10,000:
- One account per household (preferably woman's account)
- ₹2,000 available without any condition after 6 months
- Up to ₹10,000 based on satisfactory transaction history
Accident Insurance — ₹2 Lakh Cover
Your RuPay card comes with free accident insurance:
- Coverage: ₹2 lakh for accidental death or permanent disability
- For accounts opened after August 28, 2018
- The card must be used at least once in 90 days before the accident
How to Claim Insurance
For accident insurance claim:
- Contact the bank where account is held within 90 days of accident
- Submit: FIR copy, hospital records, death certificate (if applicable)
- Claims processed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
Your Jan Dhan account is linked to your Aadhaar to receive government payments directly:
- PM Kisan instalments
- LPG subsidy
- MGNREGA wages
- Scholarship payments
- Pension payments
- COVID-19 relief and emergency payments
Make sure your Aadhaar is linked to your Jan Dhan account for DBT.
Check Balance & Transactions
- Missed call: Give a missed call on 1800-180-2223 or 0120-2303090
- SMS: SMS "BAL" to 5607115 (SBI Jan Dhan)
- Bank app: Download your bank's mobile app
- ATM: Use your RuPay card at any ATM
- Passbook: Get updated at branch
Helpline
PMJDY Helpline: 1800-11-0001 (Toll Free) Website: pmjdy.gov.in