Post Office SCSS to SSY accounts: Can I use Aadhaar as proof of date of birth and citizenship?

No. Aadhaar cannot be used as proof of date of birth and citizenship for opening various savings scheme accounts in the post office.

For instance, SSA can be opened only in the name of a girl child aged up to 10 years. The SCSS account can be opened only by individuals aged 60 years or above.

Individuals aged 55 to 60 years are also allowed to open SCSS accounts if they have retired on superannuation and apply within three months of receiving their retirement benefits. In case of retired personnel of Defence Services (excluding civilian Defence employees), the minimum age eligibility is 50 years.

In all the above cases, Aadhaar cannot be used as proof of date of birth and citizenship.

What the Department of Posts says

According to the Department of Posts, an Aadhaar number can be used only to establish the identity of a person after authentication or offline verification.

However, the Aadhaar number or Aadhaar authentication is not proof of citizenship, domicile, or date of birth.

In a circular dated October 21, 2025, the Department of Posts informed all the heads of post office circles/regions the following directions from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI):

• An Aadhaar number may be used for establishing the identity of the Aadhaar number holder subject to authentication or offline verification.

• An Aadhaar number or the authentication thereof, is not a proof of citizenship or domicile in respect of Aadhaar number holder.

• Aadhaar number is not a proof of date of birth and hence, must not be used for establishing the date of birth of the Aadhaar number holder conclusively

Currently, both SCSS and SSY accounts are offering 8.2% interest.