CPF LIFE Lifelong Income for the Elderly remains a cornerstone of retirement adequacy in Singapore in 2025. It converts your CPF Retirement Account savings into guaranteed lifelong monthly payouts, giving predictability and stability for essential expenses in the years after you stop working. With longer life expectancy and the need to keep up with living costs, CPF LIFE helps retirees maintain independence without fearing that savings will run out.
This guide explains how CPF LIFE works in 2025, what each plan offers, the factors that influence monthly payouts, and practical tips for choosing a plan that fits your lifestyle and family goals.
What Is CPF LIFE and How It Works
CPF LIFE is a national annuity administered by the CPF Board. When you reach 55, a CPF Retirement Account RA is created using your Ordinary Account and Special Account balances up to your chosen retirement sum. From age 65 by default, your RA savings are pooled with others under CPF LIFE, and you receive monthly payouts for as long as you live.
Key features:
- Lifelong monthly income that continues regardless of how long you live
- Choice of plans that balance payout level and bequest
- Transparent rules that link payouts to your actual CPF savings and start age
Quick Summary
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
Scheme |
CPF LIFE Lifelong annuity funded by your CPF Retirement Account savings |
Who It Covers |
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who meet minimum RA savings criteria |
Start Age |
Payouts can start at 65 by default. Members may choose to defer for higher payouts |
Plans in 2025 |
Basic, Standard, Escalating 2 percent yearly increase |
Monthly Payouts |
Indicative ranges at age 65. Basic S$1,560 to S$1,670. Standard S$1,800 to S$2,500. Up to S$3,330 at the Enhanced Retirement Sum level subject to plan and savings |
Key Drivers |
RA savings at 55, chosen retirement sum BRS, FRS, ERS, plan type, payout start age |
Official Site |
CPF LIFE Plans Available in 2025
CPF LIFE offers three plan types. Each targets a different balance between income today and bequest for loved ones.
- Standard Plan
- Focus: Higher monthly payouts during retirement
- Trade off: Smaller bequest, since more of your RA is used to fund income
- Basic Plan
- Focus: Lower monthly payouts
- Advantage: Tends to leave a larger amount for your estate compared with Standard
- Escalating Plan
- Focus: Payouts that start lower and increase by 2 percent each year
- Benefit: Helps offset inflation over time, supporting spending needs in later years
Indicative CPF LIFE Payouts in 2025
Payouts depend on your RA savings, selected retirement sum level, plan, and start age. The ranges below are indicative for members who start payouts at 65 in 2025.
Plan Type |
Monthly Payout Range at Age 65 in 2025 |
|---|---|
Basic Plan |
S$1,560 to S$1,670 |
Standard Plan |
S$1,800 to S$2,500 |
Enhanced Retirement Sum ERS Level |
Up to S$3,330 subject to savings and plan |
Important notes:
- These figures illustrate how higher savings and ERS can lift payouts
- Escalating Plan starts lower, then rises at 2 percent yearly
- Deferring the start of payouts from 65 to a later age increases the monthly amount
Factors That Shape Your Monthly Payout
Your CPF LIFE income is shaped by several levers you control before and at retirement.
- Retirement Account balance at 55
Higher RA savings produce higher lifelong income - Retirement sum level
Basic BRS, Full FRS, Enhanced ERS. Moving from FRS to ERS raises payouts, subject to the ERS cap - Chosen plan
Standard pays more today with a smaller bequest. Basic pays less with a larger bequest. Escalating manages inflation with 2 percent annual increases - Payout start age
Starting later generally yields higher monthly payouts because income is spread over fewer expected years - Policy updates
Retirement sums and ERS caps can adjust over time. In 2025, the ERS limit has been raised, allowing members who can set aside more to target higher income for life
Choosing the Right Plan for Your Needs
Use your spending pattern and family goals to guide plan selection.
- If current cash flow is your priority
Consider the Standard Plan for higher initial monthly income - If leaving a larger bequest matters
The Basic Plan typically preserves more for your estate - If managing inflation is key
The Escalating Plan gives income that grows 2 percent per year, which can better keep pace with cost of living
Tip: You can run scenarios with the CPF LIFE Estimator on the official site to compare payouts across plans, retirement sums, and different start ages.
Eligibility and Enrolment
You generally join CPF LIFE automatically if you are a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident and have sufficient RA savings. Most members begin payouts at 65 by default. If you prefer, you can request to start later to increase your monthly amount, or start earlier within allowed rules if you meet the conditions. Check your Retirement Account statement and confirm that nominations and contact details are up to date before your payout start date.
How To Increase or Stabilise Your CPF LIFE Income
- Top up to increase RA savings
Cash top ups or transfers from OA to SA before 55 can help reach FRS or ERS - Defer payouts
Starting after 65 raises the monthly payout. This suits members with other income sources in the early retirement years - Pick the plan that matches your inflation view
If you expect faster price growth, Escalating can help maintain purchasing power later - Review healthcare and long term needs
Set aside a buffer in cash and MediSave for healthcare so your CPF LIFE income can focus on daily living
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is CPF LIFE
CPF LIFE is Singapore’s national lifelong annuity that converts your Retirement Account savings into guaranteed monthly payouts for life, starting at 65 by default.
2. How much can I receive under CPF LIFE in 2025
Indicative ranges at age 65 are S$1,560 to S$1,670 for the Basic Plan, S$1,800 to S$2,500 for the Standard Plan, and up to S$3,330 at the Enhanced Retirement Sum level, subject to your actual savings and chosen plan.
3. What are the available CPF LIFE plans
There are three plans. Basic offers lower payouts with a larger bequest. Standard offers higher payouts with a smaller bequest. Escalating starts lower and increases 2 percent yearly to help manage inflation.
4. How do I qualify for CPF LIFE
Membership is generally automatic for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who have sufficient Retirement Account savings by age 65. The CPF Board informs you of your options before payouts begin.
5. Can I change my payout start age or plan
You usually start at 65 by default. You can request to defer for higher monthly payouts. Plan selection is made at the point of annuitisation. Use the official estimator and consult CPF if you need guidance before confirming your choice.
Final Takeaway
CPF LIFE in 2025 continues to anchor retirement security for Singaporeans. With plan choices tailored to different needs, payout ranges that can reach up to S$3,330 at the ERS level, and the option to manage inflation through the Escalating Plan, members can shape a payout that fits their lifestyle. Build your RA early, review your plan before 65, and use the official tools to make confident choices that support a stable and independent retirement.
Official resource: CPF LIFE on CPF.gov.sg
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