What You Need to Know Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) Special Account (SA) has been a key component of retirement savings while earning attractive interest rates. A significant change occurred in early 2025 when the SA was closed for all members aged 55 and above. As we enter 2026 the regulations continue unchanged and retirement savings now operate through a more straightforward system. This arrangement ensures that funds remain protected for long-term retirement purposes while still delivering solid investment returns.
The End of the CPF Special Account: What Changed and Why It Matters
CPF Special Account Changes in December 2025 In December 2025 the Special Account became unavailable for members who were 55 years old or older. When this happened the government transferred all remaining balances through a specific process. The system first moved funds into the Retirement Account until it reached the Full Retirement Sum amount. After that any leftover money went into the Ordinary Account. Members who are younger than 55 still keep their Special Account active and can continue using it as before. This change only affected those who had already reached the age of 55 or older by December 2025.
Why the CPF Special Account Was Phased Out
The government wanted to adjust how savings work by offering different interest rates. The Ordinary Account has a lower rate because you can access that money more easily. Meanwhile the Retirement Account pays a higher rate since that money is locked in for retirement. This change makes the CPF system easier to understand and encourages people to plan better for their retirement years.
CPF Interest Structure After 2026: What Stays the Same
The government wanted to change how savings work by offering different interest rates. The Ordinary Account has a lower rate because you can access that money more easily. The Retirement Account pays a higher rate since that money is locked in for retirement. This change makes the CPF system easier to understand and encourages people to plan better for their retirement years.
How CPF Contribution Rules Have Been Restructured
Starting from the new policy changes CPF contributions for members aged 55 and above will go directly into either the Retirement Account or Ordinary Account instead of the Special Account. The existing extra interest bonuses continue to apply across all accounts and help increase the total savings over time.
Alternative Ways to Grow Retirement Savings Without the Special Account
You can move money from your Ordinary Account to your Retirement Account up to the Enhanced Retirement Sum if you want to earn a better interest rate. Once you make this transfer you cannot undo it. However moving the money will help you get larger monthly payments when you retire. If you prefer you can leave the money in your Ordinary Account instead. This gives you flexibility to use it for other purposes like purchasing a home.
Additional CPF Safeguards for Persons with Disabilities
Starting in 2026 disabled persons who qualify can receive MRSS matching on top-ups made to their Special Account if they are under 55 or to their Retirement Account if they are 55 or older. This applies to disabled individuals of any age who meet the eligibility requirements.
CPF Special Account Then vs Now: A Clear Before-and-After Comparison
Below is a table that highlights the main differences for the members aged 55 and above:
| Key Aspect | Before 2025 (SA Available) | From 2025 Onward (SA Closed) |
|---|---|---|
| Account Status | Special Account (SA) active and usable | Special Account closed for new use |
| Interest on Extra Savings | Earns up to 4% interest in SA | Earns 2.5% interest when held in OA |
| Allocation of New Contributions | Portion of funds credited into SA | Funds redirected straight to RA or OA |
| Retirement Sum Top-Up Cap | Limited to 3× Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) | Expanded to 4× BRS (up to $426,000 from 2025) |
| Withdrawal Flexibility | More flexible withdrawals allowed from SA | Withdrawals mainly taken from OA |
| 4% Guaranteed Floor Rate | Applies to both SA and RA balances | Applies only to Retirement Account (RA) |
How to Prepare for Retirement Under the New CPF System in 2026
The increase in salary limits and contribution rates means CPF growth will improve overall. Check your dashboard to see how these changes work for you. The CPF Special Account will close under the 2026 rules to make saving simpler while keeping the 4% interest rate on retirement savings. This design makes planning easier & more reliable. Log into your CPF account now to check transfers and estimate payouts or consider topping up your Retirement Account. Use the stability these rules offer to plan ahead for your future.
