What happens to CPF money after death?

Aside from the money you have in your banking and investment accounts, there is another fund you can pass on to your surviving family members after your death. In Singapore, the Central Provident Fund or CPF is a key pillar of the government’s comprehensive social security system. Although it does not form part of a deceased’s estate, it should still be considered in estate planning.

As an asset that you can pass to a beneficiary upon your death, your CPF money is part of estate planning in Singapore. Although it does not form part of the estate, an understanding of where does CPF money go after death allows you to ensure that your fund goes to your intended nominee.

What is CPF money?

Providing retirement earnings and healthcare for Singaporeans, the CPF is a mandatory social security savings scheme funded by contributions from employers and employees. If you are a working Singaporean, you and your employer make monthly contributions to the fund. These contributions go into 3 accounts that are designed to take care of your retirement, housing and healthcare needs.

Ideally, you would be able to withdraw your CPF savings at a certain age, or take advantage of monthly payouts when you reach 65 years old.

Where does CPF money go after death?

In the event that you die, your CPF money will be dealt with in accordance to whether you have made a CPF nomination before your passing.

Scenario 1: You made a CPF nomination before your passing

In this case, your CPF money after death will be distributed in cash (via cheque or GIRO) to the nominees in the percentage proposed in your nomination.

Scenario 2: You were not able to make a CPF nomination before your passing

The CPF savings will be forwarded to the Public Trustee for distribution in accordance with the Intestate Succession Act. For Muslims, the CPF savings will be distributed in accordance with the Administration of Muslim Law Act.

Through proper estate planning in Singapore, you will be able to consider who will be the recipient of your CPF money after death.

How do I make a CPF nomination?

Regardless if you are into estate planning or not, it is best that you make a CPF nomination as soon as you start accumulating savings in your CPF accounts. Here are some things to consider first:

  1. Who should receive your CPF savings after you die and what percentage should each nominee receive?
  2. Do you wish to authorise a specific person(s) to obtain your CPF account information after your passing? The Board, upon your request, will disclose your CPF statement(s) of account and your nomination details to this authorised person.
  3. Select two witnesses and inform them of the appointment.

Once you are done with these decisions, you can make your CPF nomination online, or at CPF Service Centres. If you will be visiting the centres, you will have to complete the CPF Nomination Form in the presence of Customer Service Executives who can act as your witnesses.

What do surviving family members need to do to receive my CPF money?

If you are a Singapore citizen or permanent resident, the CPF Board will be notified of your passing by the relevant public agency. The  CPF Board will then distribute the CPF money after death accordingly.

For foreigners, the death needs to be reported to the CPF Board either through the mail or through the CPF Service Centres. The mailing address is:

Central Provident Fund Board

Withdrawal Schemes Department (WSD)

238B Thomson Road

#08-00 Tower B Novena Square

Singapore 307685

Note that your loved ones would have to present certain documents to facilitate the claim of the CPF money after death.

Even though your CPF money is not part of your estate, it is important that you take time to make sure that this fund will go to the right persons after you die.

CPF savings should still be noted in estate planning and wealth preservation strategies and solutions so the fund is also considered when you distribute your other assets.

Estate planning in Singapore also allows you to double-check whether you have named the beneficiaries for your possessions to avoid an added inconvenience to your loved ones. If you have children, it is essential you have proper estate planning for parents to provide for your family’s needs upon your demise.

That said, identifying and making action plans for your assets is a good start towards your estate planning process. If you would like to ensure a comprehensive plan for all areas of your estate, it is best to consult with an estate planning lawyer.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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