Free Singapore CPF LIFE calculator. Estimate your monthly payout from CPF LIFE based on your Retirement Account balance, plan choice, and payout start age.
Estimate your CPF LIFE monthly payout from your Retirement Account balance.
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How CPF LIFE payouts are estimated
CPF LIFE is a lifelong annuity scheme funded by your Retirement Account balance. The CPF Board uses actuarial tables to convert your RA into monthly payouts, factoring in projected investment returns, mortality rates, and administrative costs. This calculator applies published reference rates: at the Full Retirement Sum of S$213,000 under the Standard Plan starting at 65, the monthly payout is approximately S$1,630 to S$1,760 based on 2025 CPF LIFE estimates. These figures change each year as interest rates and longevity projections are updated.
The calculation scales proportionally with your RA balance. If you have half the FRS, the estimated payout is roughly half. If you top up to the Enhanced Retirement Sum of S$426,000, the payout roughly doubles. The proportional scaling is an approximation; the actual CPF LIFE premium schedule is non-linear at very low balances.
Plan comparison: Standard, Basic, and Escalating
The Standard Plan is the default for most CPF members and provides the highest constant monthly payout. The Basic Plan pays roughly 15 to 20 percent less per month but retains a larger unused premium balance for your beneficiaries if you die early. The Escalating Plan starts at payouts about 20 percent lower than Standard but rises by 2 percent a year, so by age 80 the escalating payout overtakes a fixed Standard payout in real terms. CPF members who expect to live a long time and fear inflation often prefer the Escalating Plan, while those with health conditions or estate planning priorities may prefer Basic.
The deferral premium: why starting at 70 pays more
Every year you defer the start of CPF LIFE payouts beyond 65, your eventual monthly payout rises by approximately 6 to 7 percent because the premium pool accumulates interest and the pool is spread over fewer expected payment years. Deferring from 65 to 70 adds roughly 35 to 38 percent to the monthly amount. To bridge the five-year gap, you would need other income: SRS drawdowns, rental income, savings, or continued employment. Members in good health with other income sources typically benefit from deferral; the break-even point compared with starting at 65 is usually around age 80 to 82.
Frequently asked questions
What are the three CPF LIFE plans?
The Standard Plan provides higher monthly payouts throughout your retirement and leaves a smaller bequest to beneficiaries when you pass away. The Basic Plan has lower monthly payouts but preserves a larger unused premium balance for your estate. The Escalating Plan starts at payouts that are roughly 20 percent lower than the Standard Plan but increases by 2 percent each year to help counter inflation. Most CPF members default to the Standard Plan, which CPF Board has determined gives the highest expected lifetime payout for most people.
Can I defer my CPF LIFE payout beyond age 65?
Yes. You can defer the start of your CPF LIFE monthly payout to any age up to 70. Deferring by one year increases the eventual monthly payout by approximately 6 to 7 percent. Deferring from 65 to 70 therefore lifts the monthly payout by around 35 percent. The tradeoff is that you forgo five years of payments and draw on other savings or income in the meantime. CPF Board recommends considering your health, other income sources, and savings buffer before deciding on the deferral period.
What happens if I have more than the Full Retirement Sum?
If your RA balance at 65 exceeds the Full Retirement Sum (FRS), the excess over the FRS does not go into CPF LIFE. It is returned to you as a lump sum at 65. Only the FRS or Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS) amount, whichever applies, is used to compute the CPF LIFE premium. If you opt for the ERS at S$426,000, the monthly payout is proportionally higher. The FRS for members turning 55 in 2025 is S$213,000.
How does CPF LIFE differ from a regular annuity?
CPF LIFE is a government-administered lifelong income scheme that pools longevity risk across all members. Unlike a commercial annuity, CPF LIFE is backed by the Singapore government and cannot be surrendered for a cash value. It pays for as long as you live, regardless of whether you outlive the average life expectancy. A commercial annuity from an insurer can be surrendered but comes with surrender charges and counterparty risk. CPF LIFE is generally considered the lower-risk option for the base layer of retirement income.