CPF Nomination
Importance of CPF Nominations
A CPF nomination allows you to specify who will receive your CPF savings in cash and the proportion of your savings each nominee will receive when you pass away. It is needed even if you have already made a Will because CPF savings are excluded from your estate and therefore cannot be covered by the Will.
A dangerous misconception is that a Will covers CPF savings. In Singapore, CPF balances do not form part of your estate and cannot be distributed via a Will. A CPF Nomination is a "Will Substitute" designed to bypass the lengthy probate process.
The Real Cost of Failing to Nominate
Without a nomination, your Ordinary, Special, MediSave, and Retirement Account savings are transferred to the Public Trustee's Office (PTO). This results in:
- PTO Administrative Fees: A tiered fee is deducted for the service of identifying and distributing funds.
- Statutory Distribution: Monies follow the Intestate Succession Act, which may ignore long-term partners or friends in favor of estranged relatives.
For parents of children with special needs, this tool can be evolved into a monthly support system.
Application
The Process of Nominating
Nominate Online
Bring along your
- Your Singpass login
- Your nominees’ NRIC or FIN, mailing address, and email address
- Two witnesses with their NRIC or FIN, mailing address, email address, and a Singapore-registered mobile number
Nominate in-person
Book an appointment directly with CPF at least one working day before nominating and remember to bring all the necessary documents of your nominee' s. E.g. NRIC, passport and identification documents
Why Make a CPF nomination
Nominated CPF savings are distributed straight to your chosen beneficiaries without delays, legal fees, or the need for probate.
You decide who receives your CPF savings and in what proportion, ensuring your wishes are honoured and avoiding default intestacy rules.
A valid nomination provides clarity, certainty, and ease for your family during a difficult time, reducing confusion and disputes
Does your spouse know?
Are nominees updated?
Is it aligned with your Will?
Frequently Asked Questions
1.CPF Account Savings
Your nomination includes all savings in your Ordinary, Special, MediSave, and Retirement Accounts. These funds do not form part of your estate, so they can't be included in your will and are protected from creditors.
2. Unused CPF LIFE Premiums
If you're on CPF LIFE, any unused premium at the time of your death will be paid out according to your nomination.
3. Discounted Singtel Shares
If you own Special Discounted Singtel Shares under the 1993 or 1996 schemes, they will be included in your CPF nomination.
What CPF Nomination Does Not Cover
1. Property Purchased with CPF
Properties bought using CPF savings are not covered by CPF nominations:
- Sole Ownership: Goes to your estate
- Joint tenancy: Passes automatically to your surviving owner.
- Tenancy-In-Common: Your share goes to your estate.
2. Dependant's Protection Scheme (DPS)
DPS payouts are not included in your CPF nomination. You'll need to submit a separate DPS nomination to decide who receives the payout.
3. CPF Investment Scheme (CPFIS)
Investments under CPFIS and any investment account balance from part of your estate and are handled separately, unless you've made a nomination with the insurnace provider for insurance-linked investments