CPF LIFE is Singapore’s lifelong annuity that pays you every month for as long as you live.
In 2026, key reference amounts—the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS), Full Retirement Sum (FRS) and Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS)—are higher for those turning 55 in 2026, which generally supports stronger future payouts.
Below is a clear, up-to-date guide on monthly payout ranges, retirement sums, and ways to maximise your income.
What Is CPF LIFE?
CPF LIFE offers three plan types—Standard, Escalating, and Basic—so you can choose how payouts behave over time.
- The Escalating Plan increases payouts by 2% per year, helping your income keep pace with inflation.
- The Standard Plan provides level payouts for life.
- The Basic Plan starts with lower payouts and tapers later in life.
You can start your payouts any time from age 65 to 70. Deferring your start age can increase your monthly payout (each year of delay typically boosts payouts).
2026 Retirement Sums And Indicative Payouts
For members who turn 55 in 2026, these are the reference sums and illustrative monthly payouts at age 65 on the Standard Plan.
Actual payouts depend on factors like gender, interest rates, cohort, start age, plan type, and your Retirement Account (RA) balance.
- BRS — S$110,200 (at 55)
Indicative payout at 65: S$900–S$1,000 per month
Note: Geared for basic needs; may be used if you meet property pledge rules. - FRS — S$220,400 (at 55)
Indicative payout at 65: S$1,700–S$1,900 per month
Note: The default reference amount for most members. - ERS — S$440,800 (at 55)
Indicative payout at 65: S$3,100–S$3,300 per month
Note: A higher RA balance that supports significantly higher lifelong payouts.
Figures are illustrative ranges for a member starting payouts at 65 on the Standard Plan. Your actual payout will depend on your personal circumstances.
When Your Payouts Start (And How To Make Them Bigger)
- Start Window: Begin anytime from 65 to 70. If you don’t choose, payouts typically auto-start by 70.
- Defer For More: Deferring the start age can raise monthly payouts, with a sizeable uplift if you start closer to 70.
- Choose The Right Plan:
- Escalating Plan (2% yearly increase) favours long retirements and inflation protection.
- Standard Plan suits those who prefer steady, predictable income.
- Basic Plan suits those comfortable with lower payouts that may reduce later.
- Top Up Your RA: Voluntary top-ups (e.g., cash top-ups or CPF transfers within scheme rules) up to ERS can materially increase monthly payouts.
- Start Later In The Year: If you are near your birthday month, waiting until you’ve added more interest or top-ups can sometimes nudge payouts higher (case-by-case).
What Changed For 2026?
- Higher Sums: For the 2026 cohort at age 55, the BRS is S$110,200, the FRS is S$220,400, and the ERS is S$440,800.
- Stronger Income Potential: The higher reference sums translate into higher indicative payouts at 65, especially if you top up towards ERS.
- Flexible Start Age: The 65–70 window continues to give members control over when to begin, allowing strategic deferral for bigger payouts.
CPF LIFE in 2026 gives Singaporeans a reliable, lifelong income with more headroom to build higher payouts.
As a quick benchmark, the FRS (S$220,400) can deliver roughly S$1,700–S$1,900/month at 65 on the Standard Plan, while topping up towards ERS (S$440,800) can lift payouts into the S$3,100–S$3,300 range.
Your final numbers depend on your plan, start age, and RA balance, so review your options and run your own scenario using the official estimator before locking in your start date.
FAQs
What are the official 2026 retirement sums?
For those turning 55 in 2026: BRS S$110,200, FRS S$220,400, and ERS S$440,800. These guide how much you set aside and the payouts you can expect.
Which CPF LIFE plan should I choose?
Pick Standard for steady payouts, Escalating if you want 2% yearly increases to help offset inflation, or Basic if you accept lower payouts that may taper later.
How can I increase my monthly payout?
Defer your start age toward 70, make top-ups to your Retirement Account (up to ERS), and consider the Escalating Plan if you expect a longer retirement and want payouts that grow over time.
