What is CPF and how does it work?

CPF (Central Provident Fund) is Singapore's mandatory social security savings scheme. Both employers and employees contribute monthly to three accounts: Ordinary Account (OA) for housing and investments, Special/Retirement Account (SA/RA) for retirement, and MediSave Account (MA) for healthcare. The allocation rates vary by age to optimize retirement adequacy.

What are the CPF allocation rates for 2026?

From 1 January 2026, CPF contributions are allocated differently based on age. For those 35 and below, allocations are: 62.17% to OA, 16.21% to SA, and 21.62% to MA. For ages 55+, the Special Account becomes the Retirement Account with increased allocations to strengthen retirement savings. For example, ages 55-60 get 35.3% to OA, 33.82% to RA, and 30.88% to MA.

How is my CPF contribution calculated?

CPF contribution is calculated based on your gross monthly wages. For private sector employees, the total contribution rate is 37% of wages (employer: 17%, employee: 20%). This amount is then allocated to your three CPF accounts (OA, SA/RA, MA) based on your age using the official allocation rates. MediSave is allocated first, followed by Special/Retirement Account, with the remainder going to Ordinary Account.

What is the difference between Special Account and Retirement Account?

For CPF members aged below 55, contributions go to the Special Account (SA). Upon turning 55, the Special Account is closed and merged into the Retirement Account (RA). The RA holds savings for monthly payouts during retirement under CPF LIFE. Members aged 55+ receive higher allocations to the RA to build up their Full Retirement Sum (FRS).

Can I use my CPF for housing?

Yes, you can use your Ordinary Account (OA) savings to pay for your HDB flat or private property purchase, monthly mortgage installments, and stamp duty. However, you'll need to refund the principal amount plus accrued interest when you sell the property or transfer ownership. This ensures your retirement savings are preserved.

What happens to my CPF when I turn 55?

At 55, your Special Account is closed and combined with your Ordinary Account savings to form your Retirement Account (RA). A portion is set aside to meet your Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) or Full Retirement Sum (FRS). Any excess above the FRS goes to your Ordinary Account. From this age, CPF allocation rates change to channel more to your RA and MediSave for retirement and healthcare.

How much should I have in my CPF for retirement?

The Full Retirement Sum (FRS) for 2026 is around $213,000 (subject to annual revision). If you set aside the FRS in your RA by age 55, you'll receive monthly payouts for life under CPF LIFE starting from your payout eligibility age (currently 65). Higher retirement sums like Enhanced Retirement Sum (ERS) provide higher monthly payouts.

Can I make voluntary contributions to CPF?

Yes, you can make voluntary contributions to boost your retirement savings. Cash top-ups to your own or family members' Special/Retirement Accounts qualify for tax relief up to $8,000 for self and $8,000 for family per year. Voluntary contributions earn the same attractive interest rates as mandatory contributions.

What are the CPF interest rates?

CPF accounts earn attractive risk-free interest: Ordinary Account earns 2.5% p.a., Special Account and MediSave Account earn 4% p.a., and Retirement Account earns 4% p.a. Additionally, the first $60,000 of combined CPF balances (with up to $20,000 from OA) earns an extra 1% interest for members aged 55 and above.

How does CPF help reduce my income tax?

Your mandatory employee CPF contributions are tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income. For example, if you earn $80,000/year and contribute $16,000 to CPF, your taxable income becomes $64,000. Voluntary CPF cash top-ups also qualify for tax relief, helping you save even more on income tax while building retirement savings.

CPF Contribution Calculator 2026

Updated for January 2026 allocation rates

Calculate your monthly CPF contributions and see how they're allocated across your Ordinary Account (OA), Special/Retirement Account (SA/RA), and MediSave Account (MA). For private sector and non-pensionable employees.

Employee Information

Monthly Wages (SGD)

500

-500

Enter your gross monthly wages (Ordinary Wages + Additional Wages)

Employee's Age

CPF allocation rates vary by age bracket

Your Age Bracket

35 and below

Account type: Special Account

Total CPF Contribution Rate (2026)

• Employer contribution: 17%
• Employee contribution: 20%
• Total: 37% of monthly wages

Note: Rates shown are for private sector employees. Contribution rates may vary based on age and citizenship status.

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Understanding CPF Contributions in Singapore

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) is Singapore's comprehensive social security system that helps Singaporeans and Permanent Residents save for retirement, healthcare, and housing. Both employers and employees make monthly contributions, which are allocated to three accounts based on the member's age.

From 1 January 2026, CPF contribution rates for employees aged 55 to 65 have been increased to strengthen retirement adequacy. The allocation rates are designed to balance immediate needs (housing) with long-term security (retirement and healthcare).

CPF Allocation Rates from 1 January 2026

For Private Sector / Non-Pensionable Employees (Ministries, Statutory Bodies & Aided Schools)

Employee's Age	Ordinary Account	Special/Retirement Account	MediSave Account
35 & below	62.17%	16.21%	21.62%
Above 35 – 45	56.77%	18.91%	24.32%
Above 45 – 50	51.36%	21.62%	27.02%
Above 50 – 55	40.55%	31.08%	28.37%
Above 55 – 60	35.30%	33.82%	30.88%
Above 60 – 65	14.00%	44.00%	42.00%
Above 65 – 70	6.07%	30.30%	63.63%
Above 70	8.00%	8.00%	84.00%

Important Note on Account Types

Upon the closure of the Special Account for CPF members aged 55 and above, contributions for members aged 55 and above will be fully allocated to the Retirement Account (RA), up to the Full Retirement Sum (FRS). For members who have set aside the FRS in their RA, these contributions will be channelled to their Ordinary Account.

How CPF Allocation is Calculated

The CPF allocation is calculated in a specific order to ensure healthcare and retirement needs are prioritized:

MediSave Account (MA): Allocated first based on the applicable percentage
Special/Retirement Account (SA/RA): Allocated second based on the applicable percentage
Ordinary Account (OA): Receives the remainder after MA and SA/RA allocations

Example 1: Age 30

CPF Contribution:$100.00

MediSave (21.62%):$21.62

Special Account (16.21%):$16.21

Ordinary Account:$62.17

Calculation: OA = $100 - $21.62 - $16.21 = $62.17

Example 2: Age 57

CPF Contribution:$100.00

MediSave (30.88%):$30.88

Retirement Account (33.82%):$33.82

Ordinary Account:$35.30

Calculation: OA = $100 - $30.88 - $33.82 = $35.30

Understanding Your CPF Accounts

Ordinary Account (OA)

Interest: 2.5% per annum

For housing, insurance, investment, and education

• Buy or build HDB/private property
• Pay monthly mortgage installments
• CPF-approved investments
• Children's education

Special/Retirement Account

Interest: 4% per annum

For old age and retirement needs

• Builds retirement savings
• CPF LIFE monthly payouts from age 65
• Voluntary top-ups earn tax relief
• Becomes RA at age 55

MediSave Account (MA)

Interest: 4% per annum

For hospitalization and approved medical expenses

• Pay for hospital bills
• MediShield Life premiums
• Outpatient medical expenses
• Chronic disease management

What's New in 2026?

Increased Contributions for Ages 55-65

From 1 January 2026, CPF contribution rates for employees aged above 55 to 65 have been increased to strengthen their retirement adequacy. This means workers in this age group will see higher allocations to their Retirement Account and MediSave Account.

Age 55-60:

• RA allocation increased to 33.82%
• MA allocation increased to 30.88%
• Builds stronger retirement base

Age 60-65:

• RA allocation increased to 44%
• MA allocation increased to 42%
• Enhanced healthcare coverage

Common Questions About CPF Contributions

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