Written Answer to PQ on Housing Refunds to Retirement Accounts

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1051 OF 2026 FOR THE SITTING ON OR AFTER 12 JANUARY 2026
QUESTION NO. 87 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: DIANA PANG LI YEN

To ask the Minister for Manpower whether targeted policy exceptions can be introduced for older divorcees whose HDB sale proceeds are credited into CPF Retirement Accounts, leaving insufficient Ordinary Account funds to buy another home, following a court-ordered sale of their matrimonial flat, particularly where the divorce has not been initiated by them.

Answer:

1. When a CPF member sells a property purchased with CPF savings, the net proceeds will be used to return the withdrawn CPF amount, plus accrued interest, back to their CPF accounts. For CPF members aged 55 and above, housing refunds to their CPF accounts will first be used to top up their Retirement Accounts (RA) to meet their Full Retirement Sum. Any remaining balance is credited to their Ordinary Accounts and can be used for subsequent housing purchases.

2. The different CPF accounts ensure that members’ CPF savings are spread out to meet their retirement, housing and healthcare needs. RA savings are primarily intended to provide members with monthly payouts during their retirement. However, CPF members, including divorcees, can use housing refunds credited to their RA that exceed their Basic Retirement Sum to purchase a 3-room or smaller HDB flat, if qualifying conditions are met. Members can check the amount available for use via their Home ownership dashboard on the CPF website.

3. The CPF Board considers appeals, on a case-by-case basis, by members to use more of their RA savings for flat purchases or to buy larger flats, taking into account their financial and household circumstances. When the Board encounters cases with genuine needs, we would work with other relevant agencies to provide tailored assistance. This approach balances housing needs with safeguarding retirement adequacy.

4. Divorcing couples can explore post-divorce housing options through the Housing Options Explorer on the Ministry of Social and Family Development's Family Assist Portal, or by approaching the Housing Development Board for advice and assistance.