Overview
CPF Nomination
When someone passes away, the distribution of the deceased's CPF savings will depend on whether they have made a CPF nomination before their death. Do note that CPF savings are excluded from the estate and therefore cannot be covered by a will.
​​
First Steps
Was there a nomination done?
First and foremost, You will need to check with the CPF Board whether the deceased had made a valid nomination for their CPF money.
If they had, the CPF Board will pay the money direct to the person or people they nominated (for beneficiaries above the age of 18).
If the person who has died did not make a valid nomination, the CPF Board will transfer the deceased's CPF savings to the Public Trustee's Office (PTO), as required by law.
Seperately, CPF Board will also send the deceased's CPF savings to the PTO if the person chosen to receive that money is under 18 years old (unless she is a widow).
With CPF Nomination
If the deceased had made a CPF nomination, the CPF Board will contact the nominee(s) named about the distribution of the deceased's CPF savings within 15 working days. If you are a nominee, you will receive a letter from the CPF Board with instructions on what you need to do:
-
Log in to your CPF account with Singpass to complete the Application to Withdraw Deceased Member's CPF
-
You will need to provide information about:
-
the deceased's name and CPF account number
-
the deceased's date of nomination and date of death
-
your bank account details
-
your CDP account number (if the deceased has discounted Singtel shares)
-
​
You may contact the CPF Board directly if you need assistance for the withdrawal of CPF savings of the deceased.
Without CPF Nomination
If the deceased had not made a CPF nomination, the deceased's CPF savings will be entrusted to the Public Trustee's Office (PTO), as required by law.
The PTO will distribute the deceased's CPF savings in accordance with the Intestate Succession Act, or the Inheritance Certificate for Muslims. You will need to:
-
make an online application “Administration of CPF / Baby Bonus / Edusave / PSEA Monies” at https://go.gov.sg/pto using your Singpass
- Documents usually required:
​-
Death certificate of the person who has died (the deceased)
-
Birth certificate of the deceased
-
Marriage certificate of the deceased
-
Decree nisi absolute (if the deceased was divorced)
-
Birth certificate of beneficiary
-
NRIC of beneficiary
-
Death certificate of beneficiary (if the beneficiary has died)
-
Marriage certificate of the deceased’s parents
-
Death certificate of parents (if they have died)
-
Certificate of inheritance (for Muslims only)
-
​
If the person who has died was a Muslim, apply for the Certificate of inheritance.
There is an administration fee charged by the PTO, for the distribution of the deceased's savings without a nomination.
-
For the first $1,000 2.400%
-
For the next $9,000 1.500%
-
For the next $240,000 0.750%
-
For the next $250,000 0.450%
-
More than $500,000 0.300%
These fees, which will be taken from the CPF money, include GST and cannot be waived. You will have to pay a minimum fee of $15.
Final Notes:
If a loved one has just passed on, it can be an overwhelming and emotionally difficult task for the family members to deal with the deceased’s estate. If you require further assistance, you may enquire our service to get in touch with a law firm. The law firms will strive to provide a a professional and compassionate service to clients clients who have lost loved ones, and require legal assistance with applications to obtain a Grant of Probate or a Letter of Administration.
​