The Central Provident Fund (CPF) has long been the foundation of Singapore’s retirement and social security system. It ensures that citizens and permanent residents have enough savings for healthcare and retirement, while also offering limited options for early withdrawals under special conditions. In 2025, the CPF Board has clarified the rules around when members can take out their savings early and what happens once they reach 55. These rules are designed to give people flexibility in difficult times while making sure retirement funds remain protected for the long run.
Early CPF Withdrawals for Medical Reasons
For members who are seriously ill, CPF allows an early withdrawal of savings. This is to help people who need financial support during tough medical situations. To qualify, members must be diagnosed with conditions that either shorten life expectancy, make them permanently unfit for work, or leave them without the mental capacity to manage their own finances.
The medical assessment must be done by accredited doctors from public hospitals, polyclinics, or specialist institutions. The process begins online through CPF e-services using Singpass, and once a doctor completes the medical report, it is sent directly to the CPF Board for review. Withdrawals usually start from $5,000, but the exact amount depends on the member’s balances. It is important to note that MediSave funds and government-funded top-ups, such as the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme, cannot be withdrawn early.
Special Rules for Members Who Cannot Make Decisions
In cases where a member has lost mental capacity, applications for withdrawal must be made by a legal representative. This could be someone appointed by the court or a person who has been given authority under a Lasting Power of Attorney. Supporting documents, including a medical report and court orders, are required to ensure the withdrawal is handled responsibly. If the member is living overseas, documents must be certified by a Singapore Overseas Mission before they can be submitted. These safeguards exist to protect members and make sure that their CPF funds are used in their best interest.
What Happens at Age 55
When a CPF member turns 55, a Retirement Account is automatically created. Savings from the Ordinary and Special Accounts are transferred into this account, and from here members gain new withdrawal rights. At a minimum, everyone can take out $5,000 regardless of how much they have in their account. For those who have saved above the Full Retirement Sum (FRS), the extra can also be withdrawn. Property owners who meet the lease requirement of at least 95 years only need to set aside the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS), which allows them to withdraw more cash. These rules strike a balance between giving retirees access to their savings while ensuring that there is enough left behind to provide lifelong payouts through CPF LIFE.
Additional Withdrawals at Age 65
From the age of 65, members born in 1958 or later get even more flexibility. They are allowed to withdraw up to 20 percent of their Retirement Account savings on top of what they have already taken out. This helps older Singaporeans cover lifestyle expenses, caregiving costs, or medical needs during the early years of retirement. Applications are done online through CPF’s e-services, and once approved, the money is transferred directly to the member’s registered bank account. The process is now streamlined and digital, making it much easier compared to the past.
Where to Get Help with CPF Withdrawals
The CPF Board provides several ways for members to get help. Those in Singapore can call the CPF hotline at 1800-227-1188 or book an appointment at a service centre. For members living abroad, certified documents from a Singapore Overseas Mission are needed for applications to be processed. Detailed guides and updated rules can always be found on the CPF Board’s official website. This ensures that members get accurate and reliable information before making important financial decisions.
Protecting Retirement While Allowing Flexibility
The CPF withdrawal rules introduced in 2025 highlight Singapore’s approach to balancing flexibility with responsibility. People facing medical challenges can get early access to funds when they need it most, while retirees entering their later years can enjoy more freedom with their savings. At the same time, safeguards are in place to make sure money is not withdrawn too quickly, leaving members without support in their older years. For anyone planning ahead, understanding these rules is crucial. With proper knowledge and preparation, CPF members can meet today’s financial needs while keeping their future retirement secure.