Should I do a transfer or charging order for my CPF savings?

It depends on the intent of you and your ex-spouse, for the purpose of the division of CPF assets.

Transfer order

• You and your ex-spouse don't need to wait until you are eligible to withdraw your CPF savings before they can receive her entitlement of your CPF savings.
• You are not required to set aside your Full Retirement Sum.
• Your ex-spouse can obtain a court order for a transfer of your CPF savings from any of your CPF accounts.
• Your ex-spouse must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident at the time of the court order to be eligible for a transfer order.

Charging order

• Your ex-spouse can be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident, or a foreigner as at the time of the court order to be eligible for a charging order.
• Payments can only be made to your ex-spouse when you become eligible to withdraw your CPF savings, typically when you turn 55.

If your ex-spouse is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident: 

• You need to set aside your Full Retirement Sum before we can make payment. 
• The charge can only be imposed on the savings in your Ordinary and Special Accounts. 
• If you have not set aside your Full Retirement Sum, the Board will only make payment of the Charged Amount or any part thereof to your ex-spouse. 

If your ex-spouse is a foreigner: 

• You need not to set aside your Full Retirement Sum before we can make payment. 
• The charge can be imposed on the savings in all your CPF accounts. 

You may refer to more information relating to transfer and charging orders.

This information provided here is sourced from the CPF website.