Settle deceased’s CPF savings

Find out how the deceased's CPF savings will be distributed, depending on whether they made a CPF nomination.

Overview

When a Singapore citizen or permanent resident passes away in Singapore, the relevant agencies will inform CPF Board of the death, so you do not need to do so. The distribution of the deceased's CPF savings will depend on whether they have made a CPF nomination before their death.

If the person has made a valid CPF nomination

Nominees will be contacted within 10 working days from the date that the CPF Board is notified of the death of a CPF member. They’ll be informed on how they’ll receive the deceased CPF member’s CPF savings.

The deceased’s remaining CPF savings will be distributed in cash to their nominees according to their CPF nomination. It will be paid either through:

  • PayNow to a PayNow NRIC-linked bank account

  • bank transfer via Interbank GIRO to bank account

If the deceased made a valid nomination with their discounted Singtel shares, the nominee can instruct CPF Board to either:

  • sell the shares

  • transfer the shares to their Central Depository (Pte) Ltd securities account

Read more about what happens to a deceased’s discounted Singtel shares

In some rare cases, there may be ongoing investigations related to a member’s nomination. The Board will require additional time before contacting the nominees. Write in to find out the status of the case.

If the person did not make a valid CPF nomination

The deceased's CPF savings will be transferred to the Public Trustee's Office (PTO) for distribution to family members according to the Intestate Succession Act or the Inheritance Certificate for Muslims.

Eligible beneficiaries will need to provide documentation to prove their familial relationship with the deceased member. As time and effort is required to identify and verify the eligible beneficiaries, the entire process may take up to six months.

If the deceased member had discounted Singtel shares, find out how to claim them if you’re a family member or estate executor or administrator .

There is an administration fee incurred and PTO will deduct this fee from the deceased’s savings.

Apply for claim to deceased’s un-nominated CPF Monies

For more information, read Information for Next-of-Kin (CPF Monies) on MinLaw's website.

If you have further questions, read frequently asked questions or submit an enquiry to CPF.

Getting help

Eligible family members who are not named as nominees can also request to access the nomination details and CPF account information to facilitate post-demise matters.

They may submit a request to access the information around 4 weeks after the date of demise of the deceased CPF member:

If you have further enquiries, you may reach out to CPF Board directly.

Central Provident Fund Board

CPF hotline: 1800 227 1188

Calling from overseas: +65 6227 1188

Service Centres are only available by appointment only. You’ll need are encouraged to make an appointment at least one working day before heading down.