The Central Provident Fund (CPF) in Singapore is a social security savings plan that helps people access their money when they need it most during important life stages. You can make full withdrawals starting at age 55 and receive monthly payments from age 65 onwards. The main rules will stay the same until 2026 but contribution rates will go up while other existing regulations remain in place.
People are thinking more about retirement as they live longer so understanding these rules helps them plan their spending needs & invest their remaining funds safely for the future.
When CPF Withdrawals First Become Available at 55
When you reach 55 years old you can withdraw some money from your CPF account if you need it urgently. The system will first create a Retirement Account and set aside the required amount for your age group.
You will be able to withdraw at least $5000 regardless of whether you meet the full savings requirements.
Key Conditions You Must Meet Before Age-55 Withdrawals
You should first set aside the Full Retirement Sum which is approximately $220400 for people who turn 55 in 2026. After that you can withdraw any excess money from your Ordinary Account and then take out whatever remains.
Property owners who still have sufficient time left on their lease can choose to set aside a smaller sum. This allows them to withdraw a larger amount of money instead.
How CPF Monthly Retirement Payouts Begin at 65
You can still receive your payout at age 65. This remains the same even though the retirement age has increased to 64.
The CPF LIFE scheme provides monthly payments that continue for your entire lifetime. You have the option to start receiving these payments anytime from age 65 up to age 70. If you choose to start later your monthly payment amounts will be higher.
Understanding the One-Time Lump Sum Option at Age 65
When you turn 65 years old you can withdraw 20% of your retirement annuity savings as a single lump sum payment whenever you want to.
This gives you flexibility during the period when only a small number of funds are managing regular payments.
What the Special Account Closure Means for Your Savings
The 2025 closure of SA for members above 55 years old will not change the withdrawal rules. Any excess amount will go into either the OA which allows withdrawals or the RA which is designated for payouts.
Starting in 2026 the emphasis will shift toward RA to ensure a guaranteed retirement income.
Alternative CPF Withdrawal Situations You Should Know
You can withdraw all your money from your account if you are permanently leaving Singapore. If you have medical reasons or can prove that your life expectancy has decreased you may be able to get your funds before the usual time.
Comparing CPF Withdrawal Methods and Payout Choices
| Age | Key Rule | Amount Withdrawable | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | Lump-sum withdrawal after Retirement Account set-aside | Minimum $5,000 plus any balance above the Full Retirement Sum (FRS) | Members can pledge property to increase withdrawal amount |
| 55–64 | Withdrawals allowed for ongoing personal needs | No fixed limit on number of applications | Funds are mainly drawn from the Ordinary Account (OA) |
| From 65 | Monthly retirement payouts begin | Lifelong payouts under CPF LIFE | Payouts can be deferred up to age 70 for higher monthly amounts |
| From 65 | Additional lump-sum withdrawal option | Up to 20% of Retirement Account balance | Can be withdrawn at any time after payouts start |
| Special Cases | Full or partial early withdrawal | Amount varies by situation | Applicable for permanent departure from Singapore or medical grounds |
Smart Planning Tips to Maximise CPF Withdrawals in 2026
If you don’t need the money right away it makes more sense to keep it in your CPF account where it earns up to 6% interest.
You can also add funds to your Retirement Account to increase your future payouts. The CPF withdrawal rules in Singapore for 2026 offer a balance between having access to your money & maintaining financial security. You can withdraw lump sums starting at age 55 and receive regular income from age 65 onwards.
You can log in to your CPF dashboard today to view your account balance and calculate potential withdrawals or create a payout plan. If you want a smooth and worry-free retirement, start planning your finances now.
