What is CPF (Central Provident Fund – Singapore)?

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) in Singapore is a comprehensive social security savings plan that has been fundamental to Singapore’s social security system. It requires both employers and employees to make monthly contributions to fund the retirement, healthcare, and housing needs of citizens. 

The CPF helps Singaporeans save for retirement in addition to providing financial means to own a home and cover medical expenses. Contributions to the CPF are split into three accounts: Ordinary Account (OA), Special Account (SA), and Medisave Account. 

The amounts that go into each account depend on the individual’s age bracket.

CPF savings earn a minimum interest rate that is regularly reviewed by the government and is meant to keep up with the cost of living. Upon reaching the age of 55, a member’s OA and SA funds are combined to form the Retirement Account (RA), which then helps to provide for the member’s basic needs during old age. 

The scheme ensures that residents have the means to fend for themselves financially after retirement and can afford a place to live and medical care throughout their lives, reducing dependency on government subsidies.

Understanding How CPF Functions

Discussed below are some of the critical aspects associated with CPF.

Eligibility and Contribution Rates

All employed Singapore citizens and permanent residents are required to contribute to the CPF if they are over 21 years old and earn more than a specified amount monthly. There are also contribution requirements for those who are between 18 and 21 years old, both for full-time work and those working part-time or on a casual basis. 

The rates of contribution vary depending on the employee’s age, with higher rates for younger workers and gradually decreasing as the employee ages.

Employee and Employer Contributions

CPF contributions are split between the employee and the employer. The employee’s contribution is deducted from their monthly salary, while the employer pays their portion directly into the employee’s CPF account. 

The total contribution rate is the sum of the employee’s and employer’s contribution rates, which can amount to around 37% of the employee’s wages for younger workers, with the percentage decreasing for older workers.

Distribution Across CPF Accounts

Contributions made to CPF are allocated among three key accounts:

• Ordinary Account (OA), used for housing, investment, education, and insurance.
• Special Account (SA), primarily for old age and retirement-related savings.
• MediSave Account (MA), Set aside for medical savings to cover hospitalization costs and approved medical insurance premiums.

Additional Medisave Contributions

In addition to the contributions to the OA, SA, and MA, a portion of the contribution is allocated specifically to the MediSave Account once an individual’s Special and Ordinary Accounts reach the prevailing CPF Minimum Sum (a predetermined amount meant to provide for basic needs in retirement).

Contribution Ceiling

There is a cap on the amount of income subject to CPF contributions, known as the wage ceiling. Contributions are only required on income up to this ceiling. There’s also an Additional Wage (AW) Ceiling for bonuses, overtime pay, and other additional wages, to limit the total annual contribution amount.

Graduated Contribution Rates for New Hires and Older Employees

Newly hired and older employees may be eligible for graduated CPF contribution rates that are lower than the normal rates, providing some level of savings for employers and improving the employability of these groups of workers.

It’s important to note that the CPF contribution rates and rules can change depending on updates to government policy and economic conditions. For the most current and detailed information on CPF contributions, one should refer to the official CPF website or government sources.

The CPF Interest Rates

CPF savings earn a minimum interest rate that is often higher than that of bank savings accounts, providing a risk-free return on the members’ savings. The government guarantees the CPF interest rates, and the Special, MediSave, and Retirement Accounts have an additional extra interest rate to enhance retirement savings.

Understanding CPF LIFE: The Lifelong Income for the Elderly

To address longevity risk and ensure that Singaporeans do not outlive their savings, CPF also includes a life annuity scheme known as CPF LIFE (Lifelong Income for the Elderly). CPF LIFE converts a member’s retirement savings into a monthly payout that lasts for life, providing a steady income stream in their golden years. Members can choose from different CPF LIFE plans, which vary in terms of the payouts and bequest benefits.

Using CPF for Housing

One of the unique aspects of CPF is its flexibility in allowing members to use their funds for purchasing a home under the Public Housing Scheme or for paying the mortgage of private properties. This ability to use the Ordinary Account for housing has helped Singapore attain one of the highest homeownership rates in the world.

Healthcare and CPF

Through the Medisave account, CPF members can pay for hospitalization, day surgery, certain outpatient expenses, and the premiums for MediShield Life, a basic healthcare insurance plan. This reduces out-of-pocket healthcare costs for individuals and their dependents, ensuring that medical care is affordable and accessible.

Singapore’s Integrated Approach to Retirement, Healthcare, and Housing

The Central Provident Fund is a key component of Singapore’s social safety network, providing citizens and permanent residents not only with a means to save for retirement but also offering financial mechanisms for healthcare and housing. 

It represents a forward-thinking approach to social security, integrating savings, healthcare, and home ownership into one comprehensive scheme. As economies and societies evolve, CPF continues to adapt, ensuring that it remains relevant and beneficial for future generations. 

Whether you are a young professional starting your first job or approaching your golden years, understanding and maximizing your CPF can significantly impact your financial well-being in Lion City.