From 2026, some Singapore seniors will receive extra MediSave top-ups from the Government — no lucky draw, no complicated forms, and no hidden catches. The only requirement? You (or your family) must make a voluntary CPF MediSave contribution first.
This initiative is called the Matched MediSave Scheme (MMSS). For eligible Singaporeans aged 55 to 70, it can mean up to S$1,000 a year in Government matching funds, credited directly into your CPF MediSave Account to support long-term healthcare financing and retirement planning.
Honestly speaking, this is one of those CPF benefits where doing nothing means leaving free money on the table.
What exactly is the Matched MediSave Scheme?
The Matched MediSave Scheme (MMSS) is designed to help older Singaporeans with lower MediSave balances strengthen their healthcare savings before medical costs rise in later life.
If you qualify, any cash top-up to MediSave made during the year will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Government, capped at S$1,000 per year. The scheme is scheduled to run from 2026 to 2030, with eligibility assessed annually by CPF.
This makes MMSS one of the most generous CPF matching schemes currently available, especially for seniors who may not have large retirement savings or private health insurance coverage.
Quick snapshot of how MMSS works
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme start | January 2026 |
| Eligible age | 55 to 70 years old (inclusive) |
| Matching rate | Dollar-for-dollar |
| Annual cap | S$1,000 per person |
| Application needed | ❌ No |
| Who can top up | Self, family members, or employer |
| Where money goes | MediSave Account (MA) |
Key dates and when the money comes in
MMSS officially begins in January 2026. CPF will automatically assess eligibility at the start of each calendar year and notify members who qualify — no manual application required.
One important detail many people miss when planning their CPF contributions:
The Government’s matching amount is credited the following year, not immediately.
So, MediSave top-ups made in 2026 will typically see the matching funds credited in early 2027, following CPF’s usual grant disbursement timeline.
No need to chase or appeal — just check your CPF transaction history.
Who qualifies for MMSS? (Simple checklist)
Eligibility is reviewed yearly, and CPF is the final authority. Based on publicly available criteria, you generally need to meet all of the following:
- Singapore Citizen
- Aged 55 to 70 (inclusive)
- MediSave balance below half of the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) for your age group
- Subject to means-testing, including income level and property ownership limits
If you’re wondering about exact income thresholds or property rules, CPF will notify eligible members directly. If you don’t receive a notification, assume you’re not eligible for that year.
How much can you get matched?
The matching formula is refreshingly simple — no tiering, no complicated calculations.
- Top up S$300 → Government matches S$300
- Top up S$800 → Government matches S$800
- Top up S$1,500 → Government matches S$1,000 (annual cap reached)
That’s effectively a 100% guaranteed return, credited into your MediSave, where it earns CPF interest and can be used for approved medical expenses, including hospitalisation and approved insurance premiums.
For most Singaporeans, that’s extremely hard to beat from a financial planning perspective.
Do you need to apply?
Short answer: No.
CPF automatically checks eligibility every year. If you qualify, all you need to do is ensure a cash MediSave top-up is made during that calendar year.
Top-ups can come from:
- Yourself
- Family members (children supporting parents)
- Employers (as goodwill or benefits support)
No forms. No approvals. No paperwork.
How to top up MediSave (step-by-step)
One-time cash top-up
- Log in to myCPF at cpf.gov.sg
- Select Cash Top-Ups & CPF Transfers
- Choose MediSave Account (MA)
- Enter the amount and complete payment
Done. Your CPF MediSave contribution is immediately recorded.
Monthly GIRO top-ups (hands-off option)
If you prefer a more disciplined retirement and healthcare savings strategy, setting up a monthly GIRO works well. Smaller amounts spread across the year still count toward the S$1,000 annual matching cap.
This is especially useful for families supporting ageing parents without a large one-time cash outlay.
Example scenarios (so you can visualise it)
Example 1:
You’re 60, and your children top up S$500 to your MediSave in 2026.
→ Government matches S$500 in 2027.
Example 2:
You’re 65, and total MediSave top-ups reach S$1,200 in 2026.
→ Government match capped at S$1,000.
Simple, predictable, and fully transparent — no fine print.
Why the Basic Healthcare Sum matters
MMSS eligibility depends on whether your MediSave balance is below half the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS).
For 2026, the BHS is S$79,000. This means your MediSave needs to be below S$39,500 to potentially qualify (exact thresholds depend on CPF cohort rules).
If your MediSave balance is already high, MMSS won’t apply — which is fair, as the scheme is targeted at seniors who need additional healthcare financial support.
What Singapore seniors should do now
Even though MMSS starts in 2026, financial preparation should start earlier.
Check your MediSave balance, discuss planned CPF top-ups with your family, and decide whether a one-time or monthly approach fits your cash flow best. From a retirement planning and healthcare cost standpoint, the key is simple: don’t miss the calendar year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I qualify if I’m already 71?
No. MMSS currently applies only to Singapore Citizens aged 55 to 70, inclusive.
Do Permanent Residents qualify?
No. Based on current guidelines, MMSS is available to Singapore Citizens only.
If I top up in December 2026, does it still count?
Yes. As long as the MediSave cash top-up is made within the 2026 calendar year, it counts toward that year’s matching amount.