Complete Guide
Lifelong Income For the Elderly
CPF LIFE (Lifelong Income For the Elderly) is Singapore's national longevity insurance scheme providing monthly payouts for as long as you live. Your payout depends on cohort, balances, plan and payout start age; use CPF Board's planner for a personalised estimate.
For a male member turning 55 in 2026 on the Standard Plan, CPF Board estimates about S$950, S$1,780 and S$3,440 monthly from age 65 when setting aside/topping up to the 2026 BRS, FRS and ERS respectively.
These are cohort reference estimates, not quotations. Sex, cohort, plan, start age, balances, interest and longevity assumptions affect actual payouts.
Standard, Basic and Escalating plans trade off initial payout, future increases and expected bequest differently. Payouts can generally start from age 65 and be deferred up to age 70 for a higher payout.
Do not select a plan using a fixed multiplier. Compare personalised CPF Board estimates and your inflation, longevity and legacy needs.
CPF LIFE is one component of a comprehensive retirement income strategy
Common Belief
"CPF LIFE will cover all my retirement needs"
Planning Reality
CPF LIFE provides a base income, but most people need additional savings and investments to maintain their desired lifestyle in retirement.
Common Belief
"I should always choose the highest payout option"
Planning Reality
The highest payout option may leave less for your beneficiaries. Consider your legacy goals and other income sources when choosing a plan.