Thursday, November 15, 2007

Recap of changes to CPF system

Ongoing & many changes on queue happening in this planet earth, I maybe getting older and no kids to take care of me, so this is an extract from my readings to store in my memory bank

DELAY in Draw Down (NOW: you withdraw your CPF savings at 55 and start getting monthly payouts from your minimum sum when you hit 62). WHAT will change : (you still withdraw your CPF at 55. But you have to wait longer before getting your monthly payouts from your Minimum Sum. The age will be gradually increased from 62 to 65, all those 53 or younger this year having to wait the full three years).
HIGHER Interest : (NOW:- Ordinary Acct earns 2.5% and 4% in Special, Medisave & Retirement Accts (SMRA). What will change : ( Firstly from next yr 2008, combined balances in all accounts of up to $60,000 will give you 1 percentage point more in interest. BUT only the 1st $20,000 in your OA will earn 3.5%. Secondly the 4% fixed interest on your SMRA will be replaced with a rate that is the return on 10year Singapore Government Securities plus 1% point (10-year SGS + 1). For the next two years, Govt has kept the floor at 4%.
Some form of Annuity for those aged 50 or younger :-
NOW:- you get your monthly payouts from Minimum Sum at age 62. After 20yrs, the sum runs out, you are on your own. WHAT will change: (you must buy some form of annuity, or longevity insurance, if you are 50 or younger. It will pay you monthly for life, after you hit 85. Details are being worked out. But it could involve paying a small portion of your Minimum Sum to buy..)

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