Use of CPF Retirement Account Funds for Haj

Ms Lee Li Lian asked the Acting Minister for Manpower whether Muslims who are above 55 years of age can be allowed to use part of their CPF Retirement Account for Haj pilgrimages.

Mr Tan Chuan-Jin: The primary objective of the CPF is to help members save for their basic retirement needs. Members can only withdraw amounts from retirement accounts in excess of the Minimum Sum (MS) and MediSave Required Amount (MRA). As a concession, members who are not able to set aside the full MS and MRA may still withdraw $5,000 when they turn 55. Members also have the option to pledge their property for withdrawal of Retirement Account savings in excess of half the MS. Other than withdrawals in these instances, Retirement Account savings are reserved for payouts in retirement and cannot be withdrawn for other purposes including Haj pilgrimages.