MRSS & MMSS Explained: Double Your CPF Top-ups with Government Matching
Published: 27 Jan 2026 | Source: CPF Board
If you’ve been looking for a low-effort way to stretch your or your loved ones’ CPF top-ups, the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS) and Matched MediSave Scheme (MMSS) are worth a second look. They basically let the Government match cash top-ups dollar-for-dollar — so every dollar you or someone else adds to the right CPF account becomes two bucks. Sounds good, right? Let me break it down in plain English and show how to make the most of them.
MRSS and MMSS: what they do (short version)
Both schemes give dollar-for-dollar matching grants when eligible cash top-ups are made:
- MRSS: matches top-ups to Retirement Account (RA) or Special Account (SA) — up to $2,000 per year, lifetime cap $20,000.
- MMSS: matches top-ups to MediSave Account (MA) — up to $1,000 per year (pilot from 2026).
These top-ups can be made by the member, family, or friends — which means you can be the person who gives your parents or grandparents a nice boost.
Why this matters
Because matching grants + CPF interest = compounding magic. Small regular contributions can grow into meaningful increases in retirement payouts or Medisave cushions for healthcare bills. The best part: the matching makes every dollar count twice.
MRSS — a closer look
MRSS is aimed at CPF members with lower retirement savings. The Government matches dollar-for-dollar on eligible cash top-ups to the RA/SA up to $2,000 a year, with a $20,000 lifetime cap. From 1 Jan 2026, the scheme was expanded to include eligible Singaporeans with disabilities of all ages, so more people can benefit over a longer period.
Who is eligible for MRSS?
- Singapore Citizen residing in Singapore
- Age 55 or above as of 31 Dec of the year; or below 55 with disability status verified by MSF
- RA savings (cash set aside in RA) less than the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) — for 2026 that’s $110,200
- Average monthly income not more than $4,000
- Annual value of residence not more than $21,000
- Own no more than one property
Eligible members will be notified by CPF Board and can also check their status on the personalised Retirement Dashboard under the “Matching grant for cash top-ups” section.
How much difference can MRSS make?
Example time: if someone aged 55 tops up $2,000 a year until 65 and gets the MRSS match plus CPF interest, their RA could increase by roughly $48,000 — and that might translate to about $260 more per month in CPF LIFE standard payouts. If an eligible person with disabilities starts earlier (say age 25) and tops up $2,000 annually, the effect by 65 could be around $110,000, or roughly $800 extra monthly payout. Numbers depend on interest and plan, but the idea is clear: early and steady helps a lot.
How to top up for MRSS
You can do one-off top-ups or set up GIRO standing instructions to make small regular contributions. If you plan to top up for a loved one, this is an easy way to spread the cost and maximise matching over time. Note: cash top-ups that get the MRSS grant are not eligible for tax relief; different caps apply to tax-deductible top-ups.
Step-by-step guides are available on the CPF website to walk you through the process.
MMSS — what’s different?
MMSS is similar in spirit to MRSS, but it targets MediSave balances to help with healthcare needs. Introduced as a pilot in 2026, MMSS offers dollar-for-dollar matching of up to $1,000 per year for eligible members. These matched funds sit in MediSave and can be used for approved medical treatments and premiums (e.g., MediShield Life).
Who is eligible for MMSS?
- Singapore Citizen
- Age between 55 and 70
- MA savings below the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) — for those turning 65 in 2026 the BHS is $79,000
- Average monthly income not more than $4,000
- Annual value of residence not more than $21,000
- Own no more than one property
- Self-employed persons must have fully settled or be on instalments for MediSave payable
CPF Board will notify eligible members in early 2026. Again, check the CPF site or your account dashboard for the latest status.
How much can MMSS help?
Top up $1,000 a year for five years and you could get up to $11,000 in Medisave growth (including matching). That’s a tidy boost to your health safety net.
Choosing between MRSS and MMSS
If you’re eligible for both, think about priorities:
- Want more retirement income later? Lean towards MRSS.
- Concerned about medical costs or insurance premiums now? MMSS gives immediate healthcare value.
- No need to pick one only — splitting top-ups across both accounts is a smart, balanced approach.
Quick tips
- If your parents or grandparents are eligible, you can top up their RA or MA to trigger matching — a practical way to help.
- Consider recurring GIRO top-ups so you can contribute smaller amounts regularly and still capture the full annual match.
- Remember: matched top-ups usually don’t qualify for tax relief, so weigh that when planning tax-deductible top-ups vs. matched top-ups.
- Check your eligibility on the CPF Retirement Dashboard regularly — CPF Board will notify eligible members too.
Where to go next
Want the official details or ready to top up? Visit the CPF pages for MRSS and MMSS:
Bottom line: MRSS and MMSS are simple, powerful ways to multiply the impact of cash top-ups. Whether it’s a small monthly GIRO to your loved one’s account or a one-off lump sum, the Government matching and CPF interest really amplify the effect. Start small if you need to — compound interest and consistent top-ups tend to surprise you over the years.
