How to make Central Provident Fund (CPF) Nomination

Central Provident Fund (CPF) is a social security system that enables working Singaporean Citizens (SC) and Permanent Residents (PR) to set aside funds for retirement. Both employees and employers make monthly CPF contributions, which is distributed to three accounts:

Should a CPF nomination be made?

If a CPF nomination is made, it will be distributed to the nominee(s) in the proportion stated.

If there is no CPF nomination made, the CPF savings will be forwarded to the Public Trustee for distribution in accordance with the intestacy laws of Singapore. CPF savings cannot be distributed via a will, and the Public Trustee charges a fee for administering un-nominated CPF money.

Use of Medisave to pay the last hospitalisation bill

The deceased member's Medisave can be used fully to put for his hospitalisation bill if he had signed the Medisave Authorisation Form (MAF) before his death.

If he did not sign the MAF, his immediate family members (spouse, parents or child who is 18 years and above) or donee/deputy could sign the MAF. This must be done as soon as possible so that hospitals could submit the Medisave claim before the member's CPF savings are distributed.

Distribution process of CPF monies

You do not need to report the death as CPF Board will be notified by the relevant public agency and will distribute the CPF monies accordingly.

If there is a CPF nomination, the nominee(s) will be contacted within 15 working days from the date the Board is notified of the member's death. As a general rule, the money will be distributed within 4 weeks from the date of receipt of full documentation from the nominees.

Items not covered under the CPF Nomination will form part of the deceased member's estate.

Fees for administration of un-nominated CPF savings.

The fees are charged by the Public Trustee's Office and will be taken from the CPF savings, include GST. The amount cannot be waived and there is a minimum fee of $15.

How do I make a CPF Nomination?

1. In-Person at CPF Service Centres

• Visit any CPF Service Centres. Book an appointment with CPF through CPF Appointment Service at the CPF website. 
• Complete CPF Nomination Form in the presence of our Customer Service Executives (CSEs). They can be your witnesses and clarify any questions you may have.

2. Online (as of Year 2020)

• Fill and complete the online CPF Nomination Form.
• The process takes only 10mins. You and your two witnesses will need to login in with the SingPass.
• You will need the full name, NRIC/Foreign Passport/Identification Number and Mailing Address of your Nominee(s), Authorized Person(s) and two Witnesses.
• Both witnesses will need to submit their declaration that they have been informed of your online nomination within 7 calendar days from the date of submitting this online nomination.

Other points to note

1. You can choose how your nominee(s) receive your CPF savings, either by cash lump sum or transfer to the nominee's CPF accounts via Enhanced Nomination Scheme (ENS).
2. If a nominee is under 18 and is not the deceased's widow, the Public Trustee will hold the money until the person turns 18. If the nominee is the deceased's widow and is under 18, the CPF will pay out immediately.
3. If there is no CPF nomination, the Public Trustee will hold the money until the beneficiaries turn 21.
4. You may claim reimbursement of funeral expenses out of the deceased CPF money, up to $5,000. Only a beneficiary is eligible to claim.
5. The balance in your CPF is protected from creditors, but not any CPF savings used for investments. If you have creditors, it is recommended that you liquidate any CPF investments before death so that the funds are transferred back to your CPF balance and be protected.