LIC's participating policies (endowment, money-back, whole life) earn bonus every year. Understanding your bonus status helps you plan your finances and calculate your likely maturity amount.

Types of Bonus in LIC

1. Simple Reversionary Bonus (SRB) Declared annually as a percentage of sum assured. For example, if SRB is Rs 40 per Rs 1000 SA, a Rs 10 lakh policy earns Rs 40,000 in bonus that year.

Current indicative SRB rates (2025-26, subject to official announcement):

  • ▸Jeevan Anand (15-35 year term): Rs 44-46 per Rs 1000 SA
  • ▸Jeevan Labh (936): Rs 48-52 per Rs 1000 SA
  • ▸New Endowment: Rs 40-44 per Rs 1000 SA

2. Final Additional Bonus (FAB) Paid only once - at the year of maturity or death claim. Higher for longer-term policies and those with higher sum assured. Not declared every year.

3. Interim Bonus Paid on claims that arise between two bonus declaration dates.

How to Check Your Bonus Online

Method 1: LIC Portal

  1. ▸Login to customer.onlineportal.licindia.in
  2. ▸Go to "Policy Details"
  3. ▸Under your policy, click "Accrued Bonus"
  4. ▸The portal shows accrued SRB as on the last valuation date

Method 2: LIC Mobile App Same process as portal - handle to policy details → accrued bonus.

Method 3: LIC Branch Visit with policy number and ID proof. Ask for a "Benefit Illustration" - this shows year-wise bonus accrual and projected maturity value.

When is Bonus Declared?

LIC declares SRB rates annually, typically in August-September (for the financial year ending March 31). The official announcement comes from LIC's actuarial department. Check licindia.in/bonus-rates for the latest.

Practical Impact on Your Maturity

A 20-year endowment policy, Rs 10 lakh SA, started in 2006 and maturing in 2026:

  • ▸Accumulated SRB at Rs 40/1000 for 20 years: Rs 8 lakh
  • ▸FAB (approximate for 20-year endowment): Rs 1-2 lakh
  • ▸Total maturity: Rs 10 lakh + Rs 9-10 lakh = Rs 19-20 lakh

This is why LIC endowment plans - though criticized for lower "IRR" - actually pay very well over long terms.

Check your accrued bonus by logging into the LIC portal, or call Ajay Kumar Poddar at 9415313434 for a free policy review.