I have a query for my father's option (born 1955) for CPF.
He is going 65 next year before July with current RA around 39K.
This put him into the RSS Scheme which pays out $250 for 27 years (Till 92), if he were to start the payout next year.
I would double check that. CPF very recently announced that they're modifying the legacy Retirement Sum Scheme payout schedule to shorten the payout period. Shortening the payout period adds substantial longevity risk, but allegedly "It's what the people want."
Question here is whether he should opt in for CPF Life?
According to my research,
1) RSS: draw $250 till 92; Money kept in RA continue to gain interest for bequest.
2) CPF Life: draw $234-$258 (depending on Basic/Standard scheme) till death. No interest gain for bequest.
First of all, he's not
required to start payouts at age 65. He can wait longer if he wishes (and if financially able), until as late as age 70. The longer he waits to start payouts, the higher the monthly payout amount. Also, the older you are, the more information you have about your own personal health status in order to assess longevity risk.
He also has some cash in fix Deposit, should he do a top up?
A fixed deposit is earning less than 2% interest, and the effective yield on CPF top ups is considerably higher. Provided he (and/or his loved ones) have modest emergency reserve funds, yes, that'd be a very reasonable thing for him to do to earn some much better interest and boost his future monthly payout.
What if RA not enough to meet the cpf life scheme how
You're allowed to join CPF LIFE with even a very modest Retirement Account balance.