Can a will override a CPF nomination in Singapore?

CPF Nomination vs. Will: Which Overrides?

A CPF nomination made by a CPF member overrides any instructions in a Will or Trust regarding the distribution of CPF savings. This is a fundamental rule of CPF distribution, as stipulated by the CPF Board.

CPF Nomination Supremacy

According to CPF nomination rules, the nomination takes precedence over all other testamentary documents. This means that even if your Will explicitly states that your CPF savings should go to a specific beneficiary, the CPF Board will distribute the funds according to the valid CPF nomination you have in place (Source: CPF Board).

Exceptions to CPF Nomination

While the nomination overrides the Will for the bulk of the CPF savings, there are specific assets that are not covered by a CPF nomination and must be handled via a Will or separate nomination:

• CPF Investments Scheme (CPFIS) monies: These funds must be included in your Will for distribution.
• CPF-related insurance policies (e.g., Dependants’ Protection Scheme (DPS) with Great Eastern): These require a direct nomination with the insurer.
• Properties bought using CPF: The distribution of ownership rights over property purchased with CPF savings follows the instructions in your Will or intestacy laws.

Practical Implications

For a Singaporean, ensuring your CPF savings are distributed as intended requires a valid CPF nomination. If you have a Will, you must ensure the CPF nomination aligns with it, or be aware that the nomination will dictate the outcome for the main CPF balances (OA, SA, RA, MA).

Furthermore, a CPF nomination is automatically revoked upon marriage. It is not automatically revoked upon divorce, meaning manual updating is required after divorce to reflect new wishes. The CPF Board emphasizes having a backup nominee in case the primary nominee predeceases the member.