In a major shift designed to reflect Singapore’s aging yet capable workforce, the government has raised the statutory retirement age to 64 (up from 63) and increased the re-employment age to 69 (up from 68), effective from 2025.
These changes align with Singapore’s long-term vision of gradual age adjustments until 2030, when the retirement age is expected to hit 65 and the re-employment age to 70.
This move allows older employees to remain in the workforce longer—something that nearly 90% of senior employees have expressed interest in—while boosting long-term savings and contributing to the national economy.
New Retirement Age vs. Re-employment Age
| Category | Previous Age | New Age (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory Retirement Age | 63 | 64 |
| Re-employment Age | 68 | 69 |
This step-by-step approach ensures older workers can remain active, while businesses gradually adapt to the evolving employment landscape.
Who Is Affected by the New Retirement Age?
The retirement age adjustment is not universal. Several groups are exempt due to the unique nature of their roles or contracts:
- Uniformed personnel: Police, SAF, Narcotics Bureau, Civil Defence, and Prison Services
- Commercial airline crew
- Workers with weekly work hours under 20
- Short-term employees (less than 2 years in service)
These exceptions are made to maintain performance standards in physically demanding or sensitive roles.
Eligibility to Continue Working Beyond Retirement Age
Senior workers who wish to continue working must meet the following entitlement conditions:
- Must be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident
- Must have started employment before turning 55
- Must have worked for the same employer for at least 2 years before turning 63
- Must be medically fit to continue working
- Must have work performance evaluated as satisfactory by the employer
Employers are legally not allowed to terminate senior employees before they reach retirement age, as stated under the Retirement and Re-employment Act.
Impact of Retirement Age Adjustment on Singapore’s Workforce
While the updated retirement age helps many seniors maintain financial independence, it also introduces new dynamics into the workforce:
Positive Outcomes
- Longer income-earning years for older citizens
- More time to grow CPF savings
- Reduces reliance on state welfare
- Encourages age diversity in the workforce
Challenges
- Generational divide between younger and older employees
- Potential technology adaptation gap
- Need for age-inclusive workplace policies
To address these concerns, Singapore has proposed the Workplace Fairness Legislation, aimed at promoting equal opportunities and reducing age-related discrimination.
Government Support Grants for Senior Workers
The government offers several grants and schemes to assist senior citizens during and after their working years:
- Senior Employment Credit (SEC): Employers receive wage offsets for hiring seniors.
- CPF Top-Up Grants: Additional CPF contributions to boost retirement savings.
- Healthcare Subsidies & Silver Support Scheme: For low-income seniors.
- Age Pension Scheme (proposed for 2026): To provide monthly income for retirees based on their contribution history.
| Support Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Senior Employment Credit | Up to 8% wage offset for hiring senior workers |
| Healthcare Grants | Subsidies for medical bills and long-term care |
| Silver Support Scheme | Quarterly payouts for low-income elderly |
| CPF Top-Ups | Extra contributions from the government or employers |
| Pension Scheme (2026) | Expected to offer monthly payouts post-retirement |
Senior employees in the public sector or armed forces may also qualify for non-contributory pensions or provident fund withdrawals based on their career duration and job nature.
Read More: CPF Contribution Table 2025: New Rates by Age
FAQs
What is the current retirement age in Singapore in 2025?
The retirement age in Singapore has increased to 64 years, while the re-employment age is now 69 years.
When will the retirement age increase again?
Singapore plans to gradually increase the retirement age to 65 and re-employment age to 70 by 2030.
Who is exempt from the new retirement age rules?
Uniformed service members, flight crew, part-time workers (under 20 hours/week), and those with short-term contracts are exempt.
Can employers terminate seniors before retirement age?
No. Under the Retirement and Re-employment Act, early termination based on age is not permitted.
Are there any health checks required for re-employment?
Yes, employees must be medically fit and must have a satisfactory performance record.
Do these changes affect CPF contributions?
No change to the structure, but seniors can accumulate more CPF with extended work years.
What if I want to retire before 64?
You can still retire early, but CPF withdrawals and government benefits may be affected or delayed.
What support does the government offer post-retirement?
Seniors can receive Silver Support payouts, CPF Life payments, healthcare subsidies, and upcoming pension schemes from 2026.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.