CPF LIFE Payout Calculator (2026)
Estimate your monthly lifelong payouts from CPF LIFE based on your Retirement Account balance.
What is the CPF LIFE Payout Calculator?
The CPF LIFE Payout Calculator estimates your monthly lifelong payouts under Singapore's national annuity scheme. It compares the Standard, Basic, and Escalating plans based on your Retirement Account balance, helping you plan for retirement income from age 65 onwards.
Result updates as you type
Estimated monthly payout
$1,568 – $1,724
Standard Plan · From age 65 · For life
RA Balance
$213,000
Annual est.
$18,816
Sum level
CUSTOM
Retirement sum reference
Monthly Payout by Plan & Age
Estimates based on CPF Board payout ranges for 2025 cohort. Actual payouts depend on interest earned and prevailing rates. Payouts are for life. Verify with CPF Board.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates and should not be viewed as a prediction. Actual CPF contributions, allocations, and payouts may vary due to policy changes, individual circumstances, and rounding rules. It is not intended to be your sole source of financial guidance.
Rates last verified: 4 Apr 2026.
Verify with CPF Board (https://www.cpf.gov.sg). Full disclaimer at smartcalculator.sg/disclaimer.
Quick Reference
- • CPF LIFE payouts start from age 65 (deferrable to age 70)
- • Each year of deferral increases payouts by approximately 7%
- • Three plan options: Standard, Basic, and Escalating (+2%/year)
- • RA earns 4.0% p.a. base interest (up to 6.0% with extra interest for age 55+)
Who This Calculator Is For
Members Turning 65
CPF Life payouts begin at age 65 (or deferred to 70). The payout amount depends on your Retirement Account (RA) balance at age 55.
- Default start: Age 65
- Maximum deferral: Age 70
- Plan default: Standard Plan (auto-enrolled)
Members Choosing a CPF Life Plan
CPF Life Standard gives higher monthly payouts. CPF Life Basic retains more bequest for beneficiaries. Default is Standard plan.
- Standard: Highest monthly income, lower bequest
- Basic: Lower income, higher bequest
- Escalating: Starts lower, +2%/year growth
Members at BRS / FRS / ERS
At 55, your RA must meet the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS). Exceeding FRS or ERS increases your monthly payout significantly.
- BRS (2026): $110,200 — requires property pledge
- FRS (2026): $220,400 — standard retirement target
- ERS (2026): $440,800 — maximum voluntary top-up
Those Considering Deferral
Deferring CPF Life from 65 to 70 increases monthly payouts by ~6–7% per year deferred. Maximum deferral age is 70.
- Annual gain: ~7% more per year deferred
- Total gain (65→70): ~35–40% higher monthly payout
- Break-even: Typically around age 82–84
2026 CPF LIFE Payout Reference Table (Standard Plan)
| RA Balance at 55 | Retirement Sum | Payout at 65/mo | Payout at 70/mo (deferred) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $110,200 | Basic (BRS) | $850–$950 | $1,200–$1,340 |
| $165,000 | — | $1,240–$1,370 | $1,740–$1,920 |
| $220,400 | Full (FRS) | $1,620–$1,780 | $2,270–$2,500 |
| $330,000 | — | $2,380–$2,620 | $3,340–$3,670 |
| $440,800 | Enhanced (ERS) | $3,100–$3,440 | $4,350–$4,830 |
Estimates from CPF Board (2026). Actual payouts vary based on interest rates and longevity pooling. FRS row highlighted as the most common target.
How CPF LIFE Works
CPF LIFE is Singapore's national annuity scheme that converts your Retirement Account savings into monthly payouts for life. It ensures you receive a steady income stream throughout retirement, no matter how long you live.
There are three plan options. The Standard Plan provides higher monthly payouts with a lower bequest. The Basic Plan provides lower payouts but leaves more for your beneficiaries. The Escalating Plan starts lowest but grows by 2% each year to help keep up with inflation.
Payouts begin at age 65 by default, but you can defer up to age 70. Each year of deferral increases your monthly payout by approximately 7% thanks to the additional interest earned on your RA balance during the deferral period.
Standard Plan
Highest monthly payouts, lower bequest
Default plan for most members
Basic Plan
Lower monthly payouts, higher bequest
Best for leaving more to beneficiaries
Escalating Plan
Starts lowest, increases 2% yearly
Helps offset inflation over time
CPF Life Standard vs Basic Plan
The choice between Standard and Basic depends on whether you prioritise maximum monthly income or leaving a larger sum to your beneficiaries.
| Feature | Standard Plan | Basic Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payout | Higher (uses more RA for annuity) | Lower |
| Bequest on death | Lower (RA depleted faster) | Higher (more RA retained) |
| Default for new members | Yes — auto-enrolled in Standard | Must opt in |
| Who should consider | Those wanting maximum monthly income | Those with dependants/heirs to leave money to |
| Payout period | Life (guaranteed) | Life (guaranteed) |
Both plans provide lifelong payouts regardless of how long you live. You can switch plans before your first payout — but not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPF LIFE?expand_more
CPF LIFE (Lifelong Income For the Elderly) is a national annuity scheme that provides Singapore citizens and permanent residents with monthly payouts for life starting from your payout eligibility age (currently 65). It is funded by your Retirement Account savings and is designed to ensure you never outlive your retirement funds.
What is the difference between Standard, Basic, and Escalating plans?expand_more
The Standard Plan provides higher level monthly payouts with a lower bequest. The Basic Plan provides lower monthly payouts but leaves a higher bequest for beneficiaries. The Escalating Plan starts with the lowest payouts but increases by 2% each year to help offset inflation. Most members are on the Standard Plan by default.
When do CPF LIFE payouts start?expand_more
CPF LIFE payouts start from your payout eligibility age, which is currently 65. However, you can choose to defer your payouts up to age 70. Deferring increases your monthly payout by approximately 7% for each year of deferral, as your RA balance continues to earn interest.
Can I defer my CPF LIFE payouts to age 70?expand_more
Yes, you can defer your CPF LIFE payouts from age 65 up to age 70. Each year of deferral increases your monthly payout by roughly 7% due to the additional interest earned on your Retirement Account balance. This can significantly boost your lifetime monthly income.
What happens to unused CPF LIFE balance when I pass away?expand_more
When a CPF LIFE member passes away, the remaining balance in the Retirement Account (less any payouts already received, depending on the plan) is distributed to nominated beneficiaries. The Basic Plan generally provides a higher bequest than the Standard Plan. The Escalating Plan bequest falls between the two.
Sources
- • CPF Board (cpf.gov.sg) — CPF LIFE plan details, payout estimator, and eligibility rules
- • CPF Board — Retirement Account interest rates and deferral payout increments
Sponsored
