Handling The Deceased’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) Monies

Handling The Deceased’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) Monies

In this article, we will run through some frequently asked questions touching on the CPF monies of a deceased Muslim.

What Is The CPF?

The CPF is a compulsory social security savings system set up to meet our healthcare, housing and retirement needs in Singapore. It is funded by contributions from both our incomes and our employers. Almost all Singapore citizens and permanent residents have CPF accounts with savings and often leave behind these savings upon their passing.

What Happens To The CPF Monies Of A Deceased Muslim?

The CPF monies of a deceased Muslim do not form part of his/her estate and are not subject to his/her Will or Wasiat. However, if a Muslim wishes to specify who gets his/her CPF monies upon his/her death, and how much of it, he/she can make a CPF nomination. In 2010, the Fatwa Committee of the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura decreed that CPF nominations are akin to gifts (hibah) and are permitted under Muslim law, see: https://www.muis.gov. sg/officeofthemufti/Fatwa/CPF-Nomination. Unnominated CPF monies of a deceased Muslim must be distributed to his/her heirs (waris) in accordance with the Muslim law of inheritance or Faraid.

How Can You Make A CPF Nomination?

To specify who you want to receive your CPF monies after your passing, and how much of it, you can make a CPF nomination. For this, you are encouraged to visit a CPF Service Centre or do the nomination online at: https://www.cpf.gov.sg/Members/Schemes/schemes/other-matters/cpf-nomination-scheme.

Important Facts About CPF Nominations

It is important to note the following facts about CPF nominations:

  1. While a marriage automatically revokes a previous nomination, a divorce does not.
  2. CPF monies are not subject to Wills. Therefore, Wills do not revoke any earlier CPF nomination.
  3. The share of a nominee who is under 18 years of age will be forwarded to and kept by the Public Trustee (PT) in trust for the benefit of that nominee. This is in accordance with Section 25 of the Central Provident Fund Act (Cap. 36).
  4. The share of a nominee who is an undischarged bankrupt will be handed over to the Official Assignee (OA) as the property of a bankrupt is vested in the OA by law.

The Role Of The PT In Handling The CPF Monies Of A Deceased Muslim

Upon being notified of the death of a Muslim CPF member, the CPF Board will close the deceased member’s CPF account and transfer the balance remaining in the account to the PT. The PT will thereafter administer and distribute the deceased member’s CPF monies in accordance with the law.

How Do You Claim A Deceased’s CPF Monies From the PT?

You can make an online application with your SingPass. The Public Trustee will require the following documents from you, such as:

  1. The death certificate of the deceased CPF member;
  2. The birth certificate of the deceased CPF member;
  3. The divorce certificate of the deceased CPF member;
  4. The marriage certificate of the deceased CPF member;
  5. The birth certificate and NRIC of the claiming beneficiary; and
  6. The Inheritance Certificate for the deceased CPF member’s estate issued by the Syariah Court of Singapore.

Further Information

For more information on CPF nominations, please visit the CPF Board’s website at www.cpf.gov.sg.

Updated: 14.4.2020

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