CPF Life Estimator (2026)
Estimate your monthly CPF Life payouts based on your Retirement Account balance.
What is CPF Life?
CPF Life (CPF Lifelong Income For the Elderly) is a mandatory national annuity scheme for Singaporeans and PRs turning 65 from 2013 onwards. It converts your Retirement Account savings into monthly payouts that last for life, ensuring you never outlive your retirement funds.
infoQuick presets based on 2026 retirement sums
Result updates as you type
Estimated Monthly Payout
$1,638 – $1,780
per month from age 65 for life
RA at Age 65
$326,246
Annual Payout (High)
$21,360
RA at Age 55
$220,400
Annual Payout (Low)
$19,656
How RA Grows
Your RA balance earns ~4% per year from age 55 to 65. A balance of $220,400 at 55 grows to an estimated $326,246 by age 65.
Payout estimates are indicative only. Actual payouts are determined by CPF Board based on your RA balance at 65. Verify with CPF Board.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates and should not be viewed as a prediction. Actual retirement income may vary due to changing CPF interest rates, market conditions, and individual circumstances. 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
- • 2026 retirement sums: BRS $110,200 / FRS $220,400 / ERS $440,800 (ERS = 4× BRS since 2025)
- • Three plan types: Standard (level payouts), Basic (higher start, lower bequest), Escalating (payouts increase 2%/year)
- • Payouts begin at age 65; deferring to age 70 increases payouts by approximately 6-7% per year
- • RA balance earns 4% p.a. (up to 6% with extra interest) from age 55 to 65
- • Automatic enrolment for members born 1958 or later with at least $60,000 in RA at 65
How CPF Life Payouts Work
CPF Life provides lifelong monthly payouts starting from age 65. The amount you receive depends on your Retirement Account (RA) balance, which is determined at age 55 and grows at approximately 4% per annum until payouts begin at 65.
There are three plan options. The Standard Plan (default) provides level payouts throughout retirement. The Escalating Plan starts lower but increases by 2% annually to combat inflation. The Basic Plan provides the highest initial payouts but decreases over time.
As a guide, a BRS of $110,200 yields roughly $850-$950/month, an FRS of $220,400 yields $1,640-$1,780/month, and an ERS of $440,800 yields $3,150-$3,440/month under the Standard Plan. To check your retirement sum target based on your birth year, use the CPF Retirement Calculator.
Standard Plan
Default plan with level monthly payouts
Steady, predictable income for life
Escalating Plan
Lower start, increases 2% yearly
Inflation protection over time
Basic Plan
Highest initial payouts, decreasing over time
Larger bequest for beneficiaries
Who This Calculator Is For
Singaporeans Turning 55 — CPF LIFE Decision
Setting Retirement Account balance and choosing a CPF LIFE plan.
- Default: Standard Plan — must opt out to choose Basic
- Standard Plan: Higher monthly payout, lower bequest
- Basic Plan: Lower monthly payout, higher bequest
- Escalating Plan: Payouts start lower but increase 2% annually
Those Nearing 65 — Choosing Payout Start Age
Deferring payouts increases monthly amount significantly.
- Default start: Age 65
- Max deferral: Up to age 70
- Deferral benefit: ~7% more per year of deferral
- Defer to 70: Payouts ~35% higher than starting at 65
Married Couples — Coordinating CPF LIFE
Joint planning for household retirement income.
- Individual accounts: Each spouse has their own CPF LIFE
- Strategy: Coordinate payout start ages for income smoothing
- Survivor: Continues receiving own CPF LIFE payout
- Nomination: Ensures funds go to nominee before CPF LIFE starts
PRs and Foreigners With CPF
Non-citizen CPF members and CPF LIFE eligibility.
- PR eligibility: PRs with CPF balances are eligible for CPF LIFE
- Foreigners: Can withdraw CPF savings if returning home
- Renouncing PR: Check CPF Board for rules on CPF LIFE eligibility
- Key source: cpf.gov.sg for non-citizen rules
CPF LIFE Standard vs Basic vs Escalating Plan
| Feature | Standard Plan | Basic Plan | Escalating Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly payout level | Highest | Lowest | Starts lowest, grows |
| Payout growth | Fixed | Fixed | +2% per year |
| Bequest on death | Lower | Higher | Moderate |
| Default choice | Yes | Must opt in | Must opt in |
| Best for | Those wanting highest income | Those prioritising legacy | Those expecting inflation impact |
| Flexibility after selection | Limited | Limited | Limited |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPF Life?expand_more
CPF Life (CPF Lifelong Income For the Elderly) is a national annuity scheme that provides Singaporeans and Permanent Residents with monthly payouts for life starting from age 65. It is funded by your Retirement Account (RA) balance. All CPF members born in 1958 or later with at least $60,000 in their RA at age 65 are automatically enrolled.
What are the three CPF Life plan types?expand_more
The three plans are: Standard Plan (default) — provides level monthly payouts throughout retirement. Escalating Plan — starts with lower payouts that increase by 2% each year to keep up with inflation. Basic Plan — provides the highest initial payouts but decreases over time, with a larger bequest to beneficiaries. Most members are on the Standard Plan.
When do CPF Life payouts start?expand_more
CPF Life payouts begin at your payout eligibility age, which is 65 for most members. You can choose to defer your payouts up to age 70 for higher monthly amounts — each year of deferment increases payouts by approximately 6-7%. You can also start earlier from age 65 if you meet the eligibility criteria.
How much will I get from CPF Life?expand_more
Your CPF Life payout depends on your RA balance at age 55 and how much it grows by 65. As a rough guide: BRS of $110,200 provides about $850-$950 per month, FRS of $220,400 provides about $1,640-$1,780 per month, and ERS of $440,800 provides about $3,150-$3,440 per month. Actual amounts depend on your plan choice and prevailing interest rates.
Can I change my CPF Life plan after selecting one?expand_more
Yes, you can switch between CPF Life plans, but only during certain windows. You can switch plans once within 30 days of your first payout month, and once per calendar year thereafter. Changes take effect from the following month. It is advisable to carefully consider your choice before payouts begin, as frequent switching is not recommended.
Sources
- • CPF Board (cpf.gov.sg) — CPF Life plan details, payout estimates, and retirement sums
- • CPF Board (cpf.gov.sg) — RA interest rates and extra interest scheme