16 March 2022

SOURCE: CPF Board

Looking out for our loved ones isn’t limited to what we do for them at the present. It also means to consider what will happen when we are no longer around. That’s what the CPF nomination is for: to ensure your CPF savings go to your loved ones upon your passing.

But the CPF nomination doesn’t cover everything. Understanding which assets aren’t covered under a nomination can help you better plan the distribution of all your assets.

What is covered

1) CPF savings in your Ordinary, Special, MediSave and Retirement Accounts

The CPF savings across your Ordinary Account (OA), Special Account (SA), Retirement Account (RA) and MediSave Account (MA) are all covered under the CPF nomination. However, CPF savings cannot be included in your will. They also do not form your estate and are protected from creditor claims on any outstanding debts.

2) CPF LIFE premium balance

CPF Lifelong Income For the Elderly (CPF LIFE) is a national longevity insurance annuity scheme that provides you with monthly payouts no matter how long you live. If you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born in 1958 or after, and have at least $60,000 in your retirement savings before you reach 65, you will automatically be included in CPF LIFE.

Your RA savings will be used to pay the CPF LIFE premium for your CPF LIFE plan. When you pass away, the remaining premium balance (if any) is covered under your CPF nomination and will be distributed to your loved ones.

You can learn more about CPF LIFE by visiting our CPF LIFE page.

3) Discounted Singtel shares

The Special Discounted Shares (SDS) Scheme is a part of the Government’s asset enhancement programme to make Singapore a share-owning society, giving Singaporeans a greater stake in the country.

Singaporean CPF members were able to buy discounted Singapore Telecom (Singtel) shares in 1993 (ST “A” shares) and 1996 (ST2 shares). These discounted shares are also covered under the CPF nomination.

What is not covered

1) Properties bought using your CPF savings

Properties you have purchased using your CPF savings will not be covered under your CPF nomination.

2) Payouts from the Dependants’ Protection Scheme (DPS)

The Dependants’ Protection Scheme (DPS) is a term life insurance scheme that provides basic financial protection for you and your family in the event of death, terminal illness or total permanent disability. DPS coverage is automatically extended to you upon your first CPF working contribution if you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident between age 21 and 65.

You can learn more about DPS by visiting our DPS page.

3) Investments under the CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS)

The CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS) lets you invest your OA and SA savings in a wide range of investments to enhance your retirement savings. You can invest your OA savings, after setting aside $20,000 in your OA. You can also invest your SA savings, after setting aside $40,000 in your SA.

To learn more about the CPFIS and other eligibility criteria, you can visit our CPF investments page.

A CPF nomination ensures your CPF savings will be distributed to your loved ones swiftly and according to your wishes, when you are no longer around. Making your CPF nomination not only provides you with peace of mind, but also helps secure your loved ones’ futures as well.

However, making a CPF nomination is not a one-time event. You should regularly review your CPF nomination to ensure it continues to fit your intention, especially after key milestones in life such as marriage, divorce, childbirth or the passing of a loved one.

To learn more about CPF nominations, please visit our CPF nomination page for further information as well as links for making your nomination today.

Information in this article is accurate as at the date of publication.