To strengthen retirement adequacy for lower-income senior Singaporeans, the government introduced the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS). In 2025, the MRSS continues to support eligible seniors by matching voluntary CPF Retirement Account (RA) top-ups dollar-for-dollar, up to a cap. This initiative encourages family members and the community to contribute towards a more secure retirement for seniors.
Matched Retirement Savings Scheme 2025
Overview
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme name | Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS) |
| Start year | 2021 |
| Matching amount | Dollar-for-dollar match, up to $600 per year |
| Target group | Lower-income Singapore Citizens aged 55 to 70 with low CPF retirement savings |
| Matching source | Singapore Government (not from CPF savings) |
| Application requirement | No application required – eligible members are auto-assessed |
| Official portal | www.cpf.gov.sg |
Purpose and Relevance in 2025
Singapore’s ageing population and rising living costs have made retirement security a national priority. While CPF provides a robust foundation, not all seniors accumulate sufficient funds by retirement age.
The MRSS was introduced to fill this gap by incentivising voluntary top-ups to CPF Retirement Accounts (RA). With rising inflation and life expectancy in 2025, this scheme ensures that more seniors can achieve higher monthly payouts during retirement.
The dollar-for-dollar government matching provides strong encouragement for family members or seniors themselves to make small top-ups that lead to a long-term impact.
Eligibility Criteria
Seniors will automatically qualify for MRSS in 2025 if they meet all of the following conditions:
- Are Singapore Citizens aged 55 to 70 (inclusive) in 2025
- Have less than the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) in their CPF Retirement Account
- Live in a residential property with an Annual Value (AV) of $13,000 or less
- Have an average monthly income not exceeding $4,000
- Own not more than one property
- Do not exceed the top-up cap of $60,000 across CPF top-up schemes
CPF Board conducts an annual review to determine who qualifies. Eligible individuals are notified via Singpass, SMS, or mail.
Breakdown of the Scheme
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum annual match | $600 (government will match up to $600 per year) |
| Matching period | From 2021 to 2025 (5 years, subject to extension) |
| Total potential match | Up to $3,000 over 5 years |
| Source of match funds | Direct contribution from the Government (not deducted from CPF balances) |
| Contribution method | Voluntary top-up via CPF’s Retirement Sum Topping-Up (RSTU) scheme |
| Who can top up | Seniors themselves, family members, employers, or community contributors |
Top-Up and Matching Process
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Step 1 – CPF assesses eligibility | CPF Board identifies eligible seniors each year |
| Step 2 – Notification | Notification sent to eligible seniors and their family via Singpass or mail |
| Step 3 – Top-up | A Top-up is made to the senior’s CPF Retirement Account |
| Step 4 – Matching | Government matches top-up up to $600 within the calendar year |
| Step 5 – Payout use | Funds enhance CPF LIFE or monthly payouts upon retirement |
No separate application is needed. Once a top-up is made, the match is automatically processed within 1–2 months.
Payment Timeline for 2025
| Milestone | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Eligibility check by CPF | January – February 2025 |
| Notification of eligibility | March 2025 |
| Voluntary top-up window | January – December 2025 |
| Matching by the government | Within 1–2 months after the top-up |
| Deadline for the 2025 match | 31 December 2025 |
Who Can Make Top-Ups?
Anyone can contribute to a senior’s CPF RA to trigger MRSS matching:
- The seniors themselves
- Children or grandchildren
- Spouse
- Friends or employers
- Community support groups
All contributions are voluntary and can be done via:
- CPF website (www.cpf.gov.sg)
- AXS machines
- CPF mobile app
- CPF Service Centres
Who Is Excluded?
| Exclusion Criteria | Reason |
|---|---|
| AV of property exceeds $13,000 | Considered higher-wealth households |
| Owns more than one property | Indicates higher net wealth |
| Monthly income exceeds $4,000 | Not classified as lower-to-middle-income |
| Already reached BRS or exceeded CPF top-up cap | Already has sufficient CPF retirement savings |
| Non-Singapore citizens | Scheme is only for Singaporeans |
Impact on CPF Payouts
The MRSS has a direct effect on improving monthly payouts through CPF LIFE:
| Top-Up Value (incl. matching) | Estimated Monthly CPF LIFE Payout Increase |
|---|---|
| $1,200 (2 years of matching) | ~$10–$15 more/month |
| $3,000 (5 years of matching) | ~$25–$30 more/month |
These amounts compound with CPF interest (up to 6%) and are especially meaningful over a retirement period of 20+ years.
How to Track Contributions and Matching
Seniors and their family members can monitor their top-up and matching progress through:
- CPF Online Services (Singpass login)
- CPF Mobile App
- CPF Yearly Statement
- SMS Notifications (for eligible users)
Tips to Maximise MRSS Benefits
To make full use of MRSS in 2025:
- Top up early in the year to ensure timely matching
- Use GIRO or one-time CPF top-up options
- Inform the family if the senior qualifies so they can contribute
- Combine with other CPF top-up incentives, like tax reliefs
- Encourage multiple years of top-up to receive the full $3,000 match over time
A Boost for Retirement Security
The Matched Retirement Savings Scheme 2025 offers seniors a simple, effective way to grow their retirement savings, especially when support comes from loved ones. By matching every voluntary dollar up to $600 annually, the government reinforces its commitment to inclusive retirement security.
This practical, targeted measure ensures that no senior is left behind, and every dollar contributed today builds confidence for tomorrow.
Common Questions
Q1: Do I need to apply for MRSS matching?
A: No. CPF automatically assesses and notifies eligible members each year.
Q2: Can the senior top up their own CPF RA to receive the match?
A: Yes. Self-contributions are allowed and will be matched by the government if eligible.
Q3: What if I miss the top-up deadline in 2025?
A: You won’t receive a match for 2025, but you may still be eligible in 2026 if the scheme is extended.
Q4: Can employers or friends top up to trigger the match?
A: Yes. Anyone can contribute to an eligible senior’s RA, and the government will match it.
Q5: How will I know if I’ve received the match?
A: The match will appear in your CPF transaction history and be reflected in your CPF balance within 1–2 months.