On 1 July 2026, Singapore raised its minimum retirement age to 64 and re-employment age to 69. On 26 October 2026, the Government accepted the recommendation to raise these ages further to 65 and 70 respectively from 1 January 2029, ahead of the previous 2030 schedule.
For many, working beyond 64 isn’t a choice. Retirement savings may not stretch far enough, healthcare costs continue to rise, and family responsibilities often remain pressing. The law therefore ensures that workers are not forced out of employment prematurely due to age.
Who Does The Retirement Age Apply To
The Retirement and Re-employment Act (RRA) provides retirement and re-employment protections for covered Singapore citizen and permanent resident employees.
Turning 64 does not automatically mean you are retired. Employers cannot retire covered employees on grounds of age before their applicable retirement age. At that age, eligible workers who want to continue working must be offered re-employment.
What Happens When You Turn 64
Reaching 64 does not mean you have to stop working. With the rising cost of living in Singapore, coupled with longer lifespans, you may still wish to continue contributing to your CPF savings to sustain a comfortable retirement.
In 2026, the total CPF contribution rate for workers aged above 60 to 65 is 25%, comprising 12.5% each from employer and employee. For those above 65 to 70, the total is 16.5%, while those above 70 contribute a total of 12.5%. These full rates apply to Singaporeans and permanent residents from their third year of PR status, earning monthly wages above $750.
From 1 January 2027, the total rate for workers aged above 60 to 65 will increase to 26%, split equally between employer and employee at 13% each.
CPF LIFE payouts can start between ages 65 and 70. Continuing to work does not require you to defer them. If you choose to start later, your monthly payout can increase by up to 7% for each year deferred. Payouts automatically begin at 70 if you have not instructed CPF Board to start them earlier.
Employers must currently offer eligible employees re-employment up to 69. This ceiling will rise to 70 from 1 January 2029. These are employment protections, rather than a requirement for everyone to keep working until those ages.
Read Also: Singapore’s Retirement Age Will Rise To 65 And Re-Employment Age To 70 In 2029
How Re-Employment Works In Practice
Re-employment can continue on existing terms or involve a new contract. Eligible employees must have satisfactory performance and be medically fit for suitable work. Those hired at 55 or older must have at least two years’ service before reaching the applicable retirement age.
Employers should begin discussions at least six months beforehand and offer a contract at least three months before retirement. Any wage adjustments should reflect reasonable factors, including productivity, duties and responsibilities.
In a 2022 parliamentary reply, Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng said more than 95% of employees re-employed in the same job had no cuts to basic wages and benefits. Among the 5% who experienced wage cuts, the median reduction was about 10%. These are historical figures, rather than a guarantee of an individual worker’s terms.
Where suitable re-employment is unavailable, employers must offer an Employment Assistance Payment (EAP), or arrange an agreed transfer of their re-employment obligations.
The current recommended regular EAP is 3.5 months’ salary, subject to a $6,250 minimum and $14,750 maximum. A stepped-down payment can apply later in the re-employment period.
The Government has accepted a recommendation to increase the recommended EAP minimum and maximum amounts. Revised figures have not yet been announced, with further details of the measures expected in the first half of 2027.
The Realities Of Continuing Work
For some, continuing work beyond 64 is a welcome opportunity. It provides structure, social engagement, and additional income. For others, it is a reluctant necessity. The raised retirement age protects workers from being forced out prematurely, but it also reflects the reality that many cannot afford to stop working in Singapore.
Singapore’s ageing population means that older workers will make up a larger share of the labour force in the coming decades. Raising the retirement age is part of a broader strategy to keep the economy resilient.
Read Also: BRS, FRS, ERS: Why There Are 3 CPF Retirement Sums & Why They Increase Every Year
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