Why you should make a CPF nomination even if you are below 40

18 August 2025

SOURCE: CPF Board

If something unexpected happens to you today, where would your CPF savings go?

If you’re in your 20s or 30s, you might find it a little too early for legacy planning. In fact, 64% of CPF members between ages 16 to 65, have not made a CPF nomination. However, now that you’re accumulating wealth and assets, ensuring your CPF savings go to your intended recipients is a thoughtful step you can take.

For starters, a CPF nomination allows you to legally decide who will receive your CPF savings, and the amount each nominee should receive, upon your demise.

Upon your passing, your CPF savings will be distributed in cash to the nominees you named in your CPF nomination.

Without a CPF nomination, your CPF savings will be transferred to the Public Trustee for distribution to your family members under the Intestate Succession Act, or the Inheritance Certificate (for Muslims).

This is untrue.

A common misconception is that your CPF savings will be equally divided amongst your family members. Though it’s a completely understandable thought as they are your family, here’s a couple of things that may surprise you.

Under the intestacy laws, once you have children, your parents will not be entitled to a share of your savings.

In accordance with the Intestate Succession Act, your CPF savings will only be distributed equally among eligible family members, regardless of your wishes and/or family situation. If you wish to give a larger share to certain loved ones – perhaps those who need it more or those who’ve cared for you, a CPF nomination will be required.  

Without a CPF nomination, your CPF savings might not go to the intended recipients, even if they are your closest family members. 

Moreover, in accordance with the relevant intestacy laws, the Public Trustee will impose an administrative fee from your CPF savings for distribution. The administrative fees are GST-inclusive and cannot be waived. A minimum fee of $15 will be incurred.

Administrative fees

Source: Ministry of Law

Making a CPF nomination might seem like something you can put off in your 20s and 30s as there are other pressing things requiring more of your time and energy. After all, you’re healthy, active and have a whole life ahead of you.

But the reality is that life is unpredictable. It just has its way of surprising us, sometimes even when we least expect it. Take charge of your CPF savings today, regardless of your age or health. This allows you to decide who you wish to give your savings to, especially to those you care about most, when you’re no longer around.

You may have checked your CPF balance and thought to yourself, “What’s there to distribute?” 

When you’re in your early working years, your savings may seem too modest for you to make a CPF nomination. However, your CPF savings are still valuable and can protect your loved ones from additional stress and financial strain during the period of bereavement. With a CPF nomination, your loved ones will typically be contacted within 10 working days to claim your CPF savings, and this provides them timely financial support. Expenses such as funeral and medical costs shouldn’t be something they need to worry about while grieving.

If you do not have a CPF nomination, your family members will need to prove their relationship with you to the Public Trustee, which requires identification and various relationship documents (e.g. marriage and birth certificates). Such administrative tasks may delay access to your savings and cause added stress to your loved ones.

Your CPF savings, no matter the amount, should go to your chosen recipients when you pass on.

While making a CPF nomination might not feel urgent now, taking some time to make it could save your loved ones from the stress of dealing with administrative matters during a difficult period.

Why wait? Conveniently make a CPF nomination today.

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