The CPF LIFE (Central Provident Fund Lifelong Income for the Elderly) scheme is Singapore’s national annuity program that provides lifelong monthly payouts to eligible residents. In 2025, the amount you receive each month depends mainly on how much you have in your Retirement Account (RA) and the plan you choose. This guide explains who qualifies, how the plans differ, typical payout ranges, and the steps to apply online.
What is CPF LIFE
CPF LIFE is a government backed annuity that replaces the older Minimum Sum Scheme. Once you join, you receive monthly payments for as long as you live. The scheme is designed to offer flexibility through different plan types and payout start options, while maintaining the safety and reliability of a government administered program.
Automatic joining
If you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident born in 1958 or later and have at least S$60,000 in your Retirement Account by age 65, you will typically be placed on CPF LIFE without needing a separate application. Members who do not meet auto joining criteria can still opt in once they meet the conditions.
Quick Summary
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
Authority |
Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board |
Scheme |
CPF LIFE – Lifelong monthly retirement income |
Country |
Singapore |
Eligibility |
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, generally born in 1958 or later with at least S$60,000 in RA before joining |
Payout Start Age |
Default at 65, you may defer for higher payouts |
Plans |
Standard, Basic, Escalating |
Payout Frequency |
Monthly |
Purpose |
Protect retirees from outliving their savings with lifelong income |
Official Website |
Key Highlights for 2025
- Lifelong payouts start by default at age 65.
- Choice of plans to match your needs and risk comfort.
- Deferral option available. For each year you defer starting payouts after 65, your monthly amount can increase by about 7 percent, up to the program’s limits.
- Indexed option via the Escalating Plan, where payouts grow 2 percent yearly to help offset inflation.
- Government backing provides strong confidence and continuity.
Eligibility Criteria in 2025
You should generally meet the following:
- Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Born in 1958 or later
- At least S$60,000 in your Retirement Account by the time you join CPF LIFE
- Funds available before payouts begin
If these are met, you will usually be enrolled automatically. Otherwise, you can apply when ready.
CPF LIFE Plans and Typical Monthly Payouts
Your monthly payout depends on your Retirement Account savings and the plan selected. The following guide uses commonly referenced savings tiers:
Plan Type |
Savings Level (Guide) |
Approx Monthly Payout at 65 |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Basic Retirement Sum |
S$99,400 |
S$860 to S$930 |
Lower monthly payout, potentially more left for beneficiaries |
Full Retirement Sum |
S$213,000 |
S$1,610 to S$1,730 |
Balanced lifetime payout profile |
Enhanced Retirement Sum |
S$426,000 |
S$3,100 to S$3,330 |
Highest starting payout among the tiers |
Escalating Plan |
Not a savings tier |
Payout increases 2 percent every year |
Starts lower, rises yearly to help with inflation |
Defer Payout Start |
Not a savings tier |
About 7 percent higher per year deferred |
Each year after 65 raises the eventual monthly payout, up to program limits |
Important
These ranges are indicative. Your actual payout will depend on your age, exact RA balance, interest crediting, and the specific parameters in effect when you start. Use the official CPF LIFE Estimator for a personalised figure: visit My CPF at the official site.
Understanding the Three Plan Types
1. Standard Plan
- Provides a relatively steady payout for life
- Suits retirees who want predictability and a stable income profile
2. Basic Plan
- Pays a lower amount monthly compared with Standard at the start
- Tends to leave a larger bequest if you pass on early, subject to terms and your balance
- Preferred by those who aim to preserve more for beneficiaries
3. Escalating Plan
- Starts with a smaller payout and increases by 2 percent each year
- Helps offset inflation over time
- Useful for retirees who anticipate rising costs in later years
How to Apply for CPF LIFE in 2025
Many members are auto joined once they meet the criteria. If you wish to apply or review options manually:
- Visit the official site: https://www.cpf.gov.sg/
- Log in with Singpass
- Go to My CPF then choose Retirement
- Select Apply for CPF LIFE
- Compare Standard, Basic, Escalating and choose your plan
- Choose your payout start age. Default is 65, you may defer for higher payouts
- Review the details and submit
After approval, payouts will be credited monthly from your selected start date.
Benefits of CPF LIFE at a Glance
- Income for life so you do not outlive your savings
- Inflation guard with the Escalating Plan option
- Strong safety due to government administration
- Flexible timing as you may defer start to raise the payout
- Family support since remaining savings, if any, can be paid to beneficiaries under the rules
Additional Support Programs for Seniors
Beyond CPF LIFE, some seniors may also benefit from complementary schemes:
- Silver Support Scheme provides quarterly cash supplements for seniors with low retirement income and limited family support
- ElderShield and CareShield Life offer long term care coverage in the event of severe disability
- Workfare Income Supplement supports lower wage workers who continue working
Visit the official CPF and relevant government pages to check detailed eligibility and application steps.
FAQs on Singapore CPF LIFE Payment 2025
Q1. What is the minimum savings required to join CPF LIFE
You generally need at least S$60,000 in your Retirement Account at the point of joining. Members born in 1958 or later with this amount at 65 are usually auto joined.
Q2. How much can my payout increase if I start after age 65
If you defer your first payout, the monthly amount can rise by about 7 percent for every year of deferral, subject to program rules.
Q3. What does the Escalating Plan do
It raises your payout by 2 percent each year. This helps your income keep pace with rising prices over time.
Q4. Which plan pays the most at the beginning
At the same savings level, the Enhanced Retirement Sum tier gives higher starting payouts. Among plan types, Standard typically offers a higher initial payout than Escalating for the same balance.
Q5. How do I apply
Log in to your CPF account with Singpass, go to My CPF, select Retirement, choose Apply for CPF LIFE, compare plans, pick your payout age, and submit.
Q6. Can my family receive any remaining savings if I pass on
Subject to CPF rules and your balance at the point of claim, remaining savings may be paid to beneficiaries.
Conclusion
CPF LIFE remains a cornerstone of retirement security in Singapore. By selecting the right plan, setting a suitable payout age, and using the official estimator, you can shape a lifetime income that fits your needs. Consider Standard for stable payouts, Basic if you prefer a larger potential bequest, or Escalating if you want a rising income profile to counter inflation. The flexibility to defer your start age allows you to tailor the size of your monthly payout, while government backing provides strong assurance.
For personalised estimates and the latest details, sign in to My CPF at https://www.cpf.gov.sg/ and use the CPF LIFE Estimator.
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