Jan Dhan Account Benefits: How to Open, Use and Keep Your Account Active

Who needs this service?

Unbanked Citizens: Any Indian citizen (age 10+) who does not currently have a basic savings bank account.
Benefit Seekers: Those wanting Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) like gas subsidies, PM-Kisan, or pension directly into their account.
Worker/Laborers: Individuals needing overdraft facilities (up to ₹10,000) and free accident insurance (up to ₹2 Lakhs).

Required Documents

You need one of the following “Officially Valid Documents” (OVD) for a full-service account:

Aadhaar Card (Most preferred for instant e-KYC)
PAN Card
Voter ID Card
Driving License
Passport
NREGA Card (signed by an officer)

Note: If you do not have any of these documents, you can open a “Small Account” by submitting a self-attested photograph and signature/thumb print in front of a bank official. (Valid for 12 months).

Online Application Process

Clarification: Most PMJDY accounts must be opened by visiting a branch or Bank Mitra. However, you can download the form online to save time.

1. Download the Official Form

Go to the official PMJDY forms page: https://www.pmjdy.gov.in/account
Click on “Account Opening Form – English” or “Account Opening Form – Hindi”.
Action: Print this form.

2. Fill the Form (Key Sections)

Bank Name: Write the name of the nearest bank (e.g., SBI, PNB, Bank of Baroda).
Personal Details: Name, Address, Profession, Annual Income (put realistic estimates).
Tick Box: Ensure you tick “Rupay Debit Card” to get the free insurance benefit.
Nominee: Critical. You MUST fill in the nominee details (name/age/relationship) to ensure insurance claims can be processed later.

3. Submission

Take the filled form + 1 ID proof photocopy + 2 passport photos to the bank branch.
Pro Tip: Ask for the “Bank Mitra” or “BC Agent” desk at the branch for faster service; they specialize in Jan Dhan accounts.

Offline Process (Walk-In)

If you cannot print the form, follow these steps:

Visit your nearest Public Sector Bank (like SBI, PNB, Canara Bank) or a Bank Mitra outlet.
Ask specifically for the “Jan Dhan Yojana Form” (It is free; do not pay for the form).
Submit your Aadhaar card for e-KYC. Biometric verification (fingerprint) is often instant.
Receive Your Kit: You should receive a Passbook and a RuPay Debit Card.

Important: If the bank refuses to open the account, you can file a complaint at https://pgportal.gov.in/ or call the National Helpline.

How to Check Status & Balance

Method 1: Missed Call Banking (Fastest)

Dial these toll-free numbers from your registered mobile number:

SBI: Call 1800 1234 or 1800 2100
PNB: Call 1800 180 2223 or 0120-2303090
Bank of Baroda: Call 8468001111
Canara Bank: Call 09015483483
Union Bank: Call 09223008586

Method 2: PFMS Portal (For Government Subsidy Check)

Visit pfms.nic.in.
Click on “Know Your Payment”.
Enter your Bank Name and Account Number twice.
Enter the CAPTCHA and click “Send OTP on Registered Mobile”.
You will see a list of all government benefits (DBT) credited to your account.

How to Keep Your Account Active (Crucial Rules)

Many users face “Account Frozen” or “Insurance Rejected” issues. Follow these rules to avoid them:

1. The “90-Day Rule” for Insurance

To claim the ₹2 Lakh Accident Insurance, you must use your RuPay Debit Card at least once every 90 days.

Action: Do a small transaction (even ₹10) at an ATM or shop every 2-3 months. If the card is unused for over 90 days before an accident, the insurance claim will be rejected.

2. The “2-Year Rule” for Dormancy

If you do no transactions (deposit/withdrawal) for 2 years, the account becomes “Dormant” or “Inoperative”.

Fix: Deposit or withdraw ₹100 once a year to keep it active.

3. Overdraft Eligibility

To get the ₹10,000 Overdraft (Loan):

Account must be at least 6 months old.
It must be linked to Aadhaar.
You must have a good transaction history (regular small savings).
Only one member per household (preferably the lady of the house) is eligible.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem	Likely Cause	Step-by-Step Solution
“Account Frozen”	No transaction for 2+ years or KYC expired.	Visit branch with Aadhaar + Pan. Submit a “Re-KYC Form” and deposit ₹100.
“DBT Not Received”	Account not seeded with Aadhaar.	Go to bank, ask for “DBT/NPCI Linking Form”. Submit it to link Aadhaar explicitly for subsidies.
“Overdraft Denied”	Account <6 months old or erratic usage.	Maintain the account regularly for 6 months. Ensure you don’t have another default loan.
“Insurance Rejected”	RuPay card not used in last 90 days.	Prevention: Swipe card quarterly. Appeal: Verify transaction history if you did use it.
“Duplicate Account”	You already have a savings account in that bank.	You cannot hold a Jan Dhan + Savings account in the same bank. Close the old one or convert it to Jan Dhan.

Official Helplines

For complaints regarding account opening, refusal, or card issues:

National Toll-Free Numbers:

1800 11 0001
1800 180 1111

Official Websites:

PMJDY Portal: pmjdy.gov.in
Grievance Redressal: pgportal.gov.in

Next Step for You:

If you have an old Jan Dhan account you haven’t used in a while, check your RuPay card expiry date today. If it is expired, visit your branch immediately to request a new card so your ₹2 Lakh insurance cover remains valid.

This information is from official sources as of January 2026. Always verify on the official portal for the latest updates.

Jan Dhan Account Benefits: How to Open, Use and Keep Your Account Active