CPF Nomination
Ensure your CPF savings go to your intended loved ones. Without a nomination, distribution follows intestacy laws and can take months or years.
Why Make a CPF Nomination?
A CPF nomination allows you to specify who should receive your CPF savings when you pass away. It ensures your money goes to your intended beneficiaries quickly and without complications.
No cost to make or update nomination online
Faster distribution vs intestacy process
You decide who gets your CPF savings
Key Benefits of CPF Nomination
- Your CPF savings go directly to your chosen nominees
- Distribution is faster (weeks vs months/years)
- Avoids legal fees and court proceedings
- Can specify exact percentages for each nominee
- Can be updated anytime for free
What Happens Without a Nomination?
Intestacy Rules Apply
Without a CPF nomination, your savings are distributed according to Singapore's Intestate Succession Act (for non-Muslims) or Inheritance Certificate (for Muslims). This process:
- Involves the Public Trustee's Office or courts
- Can take 6 months to several years
- May incur legal and administration fees
- May not reflect your actual wishes
Intestate Succession Act Distribution (Non-Muslims)
| Surviving Family Members | Distribution |
|---|---|
| Spouse only | Spouse gets 100% |
| Spouse + children | Spouse gets 50%, children share 50% |
| Spouse + parents (no children) | Spouse gets 50%, parents share 50% |
| Children only (no spouse) | Children share 100% equally |
| Parents only | Parents share 100% equally |
| No spouse, children, or parents | Siblings, then grandparents, then extended family |
For Muslims
Muslim members' CPF savings are distributed according to Faraid (Islamic inheritance law) via an Inheritance Certificate issued by the Syariah Court. A CPF nomination allows Muslims to specify specific nominees while still following Faraid principles.
Who Can Be Your Nominee?
Can Be Nominated
- Any individual (family or non-family)
- Singapore Citizen, PR, or Foreigner
- Multiple nominees allowed
- No age restriction for nominees
- Organizations (with conditions)
Cannot Be Nominated
- Yourself
- Your witnesses
- Witnesses' spouses
Nominee Share Percentages
You can specify exact percentages for each nominee (must total 100%). For example: Spouse 50%, Child A 25%, Child B 25%. You can update these percentages anytime for free.
How to Make a CPF Nomination
Log in to CPF Website
Visit www.cpf.gov.sg and log in using your Singpass.
Navigate to Nomination
Go to My Requests > Providing for Your Loved Ones > Make a CPF Nomination.
Add Your Nominees
Enter each nominee's name, NRIC/FIN, and the percentage share they should receive. Total must equal 100%.
Add Two Witnesses
You need two witnesses who are at least 21 years old, not your nominees, and not nominees' spouses. Enter their details.
Submit and Confirm
Review all details and submit. You and your witnesses will receive SMS/email confirmation. Keep the reference number.
What You Need
- Your Singpass
- Nominees' full names and NRIC/FIN numbers
- Two witnesses' full names and NRIC numbers
- Percentage allocation for each nominee
When to Update Your Nomination
Marriage
Marriage automatically revokes any existing CPF nomination. You should make a new nomination after getting married.
Divorce
Divorce does NOT automatically revoke your nomination. Update your nomination if you want to remove your ex-spouse.
Birth of Children
Consider updating your nomination to include new children in your beneficiary list.
Death of Nominee
If a nominee passes away, their share will be distributed to remaining nominees proportionally. Update your nomination to reflect your current wishes.
Change in Circumstances
Any major life change should prompt a review of your nomination to ensure it still reflects your wishes.
Important: Marriage Revokes Nomination
Getting married automatically cancels your existing CPF nomination. Many people forget to make a new nomination after marriage, which means their CPF would be distributed by intestacy rules. Always make a new nomination shortly after getting married!
CPF Nomination vs Will
| Aspect | CPF Nomination | Will |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | CPF savings only | All other assets (property, bank accounts, investments, etc.) |
| Override | CPF nomination overrides will for CPF | Will does not override CPF nomination |
| Cost | Free to make online | Lawyer fees ($200-$500+) |
| Witnesses | 2 witnesses (21+, not nominees) | 2 witnesses (21+, not beneficiaries) |
| Update | Free, anytime online | May require lawyer |
| Marriage Effect | Automatically revoked | Automatically revoked |
Complete Estate Planning
For comprehensive estate planning, you need BOTH a CPF nomination (for CPF savings) AND a will (for all other assets). One does not replace the other. Consider consulting an estate planning professional for your overall legacy plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate a minor (below 18)?
Yes, you can nominate anyone regardless of age. However, if the nominee is below 18 when the CPF savings are distributed, the money will be held by the Public Trustee until the nominee turns 18, unless you specify a trusted adult to receive on their behalf.
Can I check if I have an existing nomination?
Yes, log in to the CPF website using Singpass and go to My Requests > Providing for Your Loved Ones. You can view your current nomination status and details.
What happens if my nominee passes away before me?
If a nominee predeceases you and you don't update your nomination, their share will be distributed proportionally among the remaining nominees. It's best to update your nomination when circumstances change.
Can creditors claim my CPF after I pass away?
CPF savings distributed to nominees are generally protected from creditors' claims. However, complex situations may have different outcomes. Consult a legal professional for specific advice.
Is CPF nomination the same as insurance nomination?
No, they are separate. CPF nomination covers only your CPF savings. Insurance policies have their own nomination process. Make sure you have nominations for both CPF and insurance policies.
Sources and further reading
Official sources and references for rules, rates, and schemes discussed on this page. Numbers on this site may be rounded or illustrative; confirm current terms with the relevant agency, CPF Board, insurer, or lender.
- CPF nomination How CPF savings are distributed if you pass away. CPF Board — CPF nomination