CPF minimum sums for retirement and Medisave contribution ceiling raised

SINGAPORE - Account holders who turn 55 between July 1 and June 30 next year will need to set aside a minimum sum of $148,000 in their CPF retirement account. This is up from the $139,000 required last year.

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Here is the press release from CPF:

CPF members who turn 55 between July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2014 will need to set aside a Minimum Sum (MS) of $148,000 in their Retirement Account (RA). The MS for 2012 was $139,000.

The MS has been adjusted over the years to account for inflation, longer life expectancies and Singaporeans' rising expectations of their quality of life post-retirement. The MS is targeted to reach $120,000 (2003$) in 2015.

Medisave Minimum Sum and Medisave Contribution Ceiling

The Medisave Minimum Sum (MMS) is the amount that a person turning 55 needs to set aside in his old age for his own or his dependants' healthcare expenses and basic MediShield and ElderShield premiums. Regular MMS adjustments are necessary to help Singaporeans meet their long-term healthcare needs.

From 1 July 2013,

a. The Medisave Minimum Sum (MMS) will be raised to $40,500 from $38,500. Members will be able to withdraw their Medisave savings in excess of the MMS at or after age 55.

b. The maximum balance a member may have in his Medisave Account, known as the Medisave Contribution Ceiling (MCC), is set at $5,000 above MMS and this would be increased correspondingly to $45,500, from $43,500.

Any Medisave contribution in excess of the current MCC will be transferred to the member's Special Account if he is below age 55 or to his RA if he is above age 55 and has a MS shortfall.

For more information, please visit www.cpf.gov.sg or call the CPF Call Centre at 1800-227-1188.