The Central Provident Fund (CPF) withdrawal regulations allow the withdrawal of one’s CPF money at specified ages and for specified purposes only. The framework for these withdrawals will remain unchanged in 2026, thus allowing a predictable and clear access to the members’ lifelong savings.
This is particularly important now as there is a big cohort of Singaporeans turning 55 or nearing 65. It will certainly reduce the uncertainty surrounding when and how much money you can take out, thus contributing to a professional approach to retirement finance, better housing options, and mental relief.
Aged 55: First Major Cashing Opportunity
At the age of 55, a certain amount of your CPF savings can be withdrawn. There is a system that will automatically set up a Retirement Account (RA) for you, and whose the money that corresponds to the Full Retirement Sum (FRS) or Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) will be put aside if you own a property with a sufficient period of lease.
You can take out cash from your Ordinary Account (OA) and Special Account (SA) anything that is in excess of the required amount.
Minimum Cash Withdrawal Amount
At the age of 55, everyone is allowed to receive at least S$5,000 in cash, even if they do not meet the full retirement sum requirement.
This amount acts as a safety net, so no one will be left completely empty-handed.
Option to Pledge Property
If you have an HDB flat or a private house with a sufficient remaining lease, you can pledge it instead of cashing out the full FRS amount.
By doing this, you can take out more money at 55 but still have enough to retire.
Payouts from CPF LIFE Begin at 65
You can start receiving payouts from the CPF LIFE scheme at age 65 (the age for payout eligibility has not changed in 2026).
You get a lifelong monthly income from the savings in your RA. You can start later (up to 70) for a larger monthly payment.
One-time Withdrawal at 65
At age 65, you can take up to 20% of the savings in your Retirement Account as one-time cash withdrawal.
The remaining amount will be kept in CPF LIFE to ensure a monthly income for the rest of your life.
Special Cases for Withdrawal
You can get all your money if you:
- Move permanently to another country (outside Singapore and West Malaysia)
- Are declared permanently incapacitated
- Suffer from a very serious health condition (terminal illness)
These are the main exceptions that apply.
Withdrawal Conditions at a Glance (2026)
| Age / Situation | What You Can Withdraw | Key Condition / Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Age 55 | Excess above FRS/BRS + min. S$5,000 | After RA is created |
| Age 55–64 | From OA and excess above retirement sum | Property pledge option available |
| From Age 65 | Up to 20% of RA as lump sum | Rest goes into CPF LIFE |
| CPF LIFE start | Monthly payouts begin | Default age 65 (can delay to 70) |
| Leaving Singapore permanently | Full amount | Must give up PR/citizenship status |
Singapore’s CPF withdrawal rules in 2026 are simple and safe: small cash withdrawal at 55, lifetime monthly income from 65, and one-time full withdrawals for actual needs.
Visit cpf.gov.sg to access your CPF account today, check your current balances, and use the retirement planner tool to find out the exact timing and amount of your withdrawals. The earlier you start planning, the more choices you have and the more peace of mind you enjoy.