CPF Bequest Singapore: What Happens to Your CPF Savings When You Die?
CPF bequest refers to the distribution of your Central Provident Fund savings to nominated beneficiaries upon your death. Unlike other assets, CPF savings do not form part of your estate and are not distributed via your will — they are paid out according to your CPF nomination. Understanding CPF bequest rules is essential for Singapore estate planning. This is educational content only.
How CPF Bequest Works: Nomination Rules
CPF nominations override your will — even if your will states otherwise, CPF savings go to your nominee(s) in specified proportions. If there is no nomination, savings transfer to the Public Trustee’s Office, which distributes according to the Intestate Succession Act (non-Muslims) or Inheritance Certificate (Muslims) — a slower process with administrative fees. You can nominate Singapore citizens, PRs, and foreigners. Nomination types include cash payout or (since 2023) direct transfer into nominees’ CPF accounts via the Enhanced Nomination Scheme (ENS).
Enhanced Nomination Scheme (ENS)
ENS allows nominees to receive CPF monies directly into their own CPF accounts rather than as cash. Benefits: monies transferred to CPF OA/SA earn 2.5–4% interest; retaining savings in CPF maintains compounding advantage; transfer to nominee’s Retirement Account can enhance their CPF LIFE payouts. Limitations: nominee must be a Singapore citizen or PR; transfer is subject to nominee’s prevailing CPF limits.
CPF Bequest Planning Considerations
Update nominations after major life events — marriage, divorce, or death of a nominee. Note: marriage automatically revokes existing nominations under the Revocation on Marriage rule; divorce does NOT automatically revoke nominations (update immediately). Coordinate with your will for non-CPF assets (bank accounts, investments, property equity). If you have CPFIS investments, verify beneficiary instructions with your broker. Related: CPF Investment Strategy | CPF Retirement Sum Calculator.
How to Update Your CPF Nomination
Log in to my.cpf.gov.sg with Singpass. Navigate to “My Requests” → “Nominations”. Select nominees, specify proportions, choose cash or ENS transfer. A witness (not a beneficiary) is required — this can be done digitally via Singpass on the same platform. Updates are free and can be made at any time. CPF Board recommends reviewing nominations every 3–5 years or after major life events.