Singapore Dependants Protection Scheme (DPS) Guide 2026: Coverage, Premiums, and How to Claim

Last updated: July 2026 | SeaMoneyTips

What Is the Dependants Protection Scheme?

The Dependants Protection Scheme (DPS) is a basic term life insurance plan that protects your family financially if you pass away or become totally and permanently disabled. It is one of Singapore’s national insurance schemes, designed to ensure every working Singaporean and Permanent Resident has at least some life coverage.

Over two million Singaporeans and Permanent Residents are currently covered under DPS. The scheme is administered by Great Eastern Life on behalf of the Central Provident Fund Board (CPFB), and premiums are paid directly from your CPF savings – meaning no cash outlay is required.

If you have ever made a valid CPF working contribution between the ages of 21 and 65, you are most likely already enrolled. Many Singaporeans do not even know they have DPS coverage because the enrollment happens automatically.

How DPS Coverage Works

DPS provides a lump-sum payout to your nominated beneficiaries if you pass away, are diagnosed with a terminal illness, or suffer total and permanent disability during the coverage period.

Coverage Amount

The coverage amount drops at age 60 because the scheme is designed to protect dependants during your peak earning years when your family relies most heavily on your income. Once you turn 65, coverage ceases.

What DPS Covers

• Death – If you pass away during the policy term, your beneficiaries receive the sum assured
• Terminal Illness – If you are certified to have a terminal illness with life expectancy of 12 months or less
• Total Permanent Disability (TPD) – If you lose the ability to perform at least three out of six Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) permanently

It is important to understand that DPS is basic coverage. The maximum of S$70,000 may not be sufficient for families with significant financial obligations such as housing loans, children’s education costs, and daily living expenses. Most financial advisors recommend having life coverage of at least 10 times your annual income.

DPS Premium Rates by Age

One of the biggest advantages of DPS is its affordability. Premiums are tiered by age and increase as you get older. All premiums are deducted from your Ordinary Account (OA) or Special Account (SA) in your CPF.

Even at the highest tier (S$298 per year for ages 61-65), DPS remains one of the most affordable life insurance options in Singapore. Compare this to a private term life policy for the same age group, which could cost S$500 to S$1,500 per year for S$500,000 coverage.

The premium-to-coverage ratio makes DPS an excellent starting point for young professionals who want basic protection without straining their budget.

Who Is Eligible for DPS?

Eligibility for DPS is straightforward. You qualify if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You are a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident
• You are between 21 and 65 years old
• You have made at least one valid CPF working contribution

The enrollment is automatic. When you start working and your employer makes CPF contributions on your behalf, you are automatically enrolled in DPS. There is no need to apply separately, fill in forms, or undergo medical examinations.

However, automatic enrollment does not mean automatic acceptance. You need to complete a Health Declaration within the stipulated period to confirm your eligibility for coverage. If you have pre-existing conditions at the time of enrollment, the insurer (Great Eastern) may impose exclusions or decline coverage for those specific conditions.

How to Check Your DPS Coverage

You can check your DPS status through several channels:

• CPF website – Log in to your CPF account and navigate to the Insurance section
• CPF mobile app – Available on iOS and Android for quick status checks
• Great Eastern – Contact their DPS hotline at 1800-248-2888
• CPF Board hotline – Call 1800-227-1111 for general queries

It is a good idea to check at least once a year to ensure your coverage is active and your beneficiary nominations are up to date.

How to File a DPS Claim

If the need arises, filing a DPS claim involves several steps. The process is designed to be straightforward so that beneficiaries can receive the payout without unnecessary delays.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

For a death claim, you will need:

• Original DPS policy document
• Certified copy of the death certificate
• NRIC copies of the deceased and the claimant
• Claim form (available from Great Eastern or CPF website)
• Coroner’s report (if applicable)

Step 2: Submit the Claim

Claims can be submitted to Great Eastern Life either by post or in person at their service centre. You can also call their DPS hotline for guidance on the submission process.

Step 3: Processing and Payout

Great Eastern typically processes death claims within 5 to 10 business days once all documents are received and verified. For TPD and terminal illness claims, processing may take longer due to additional medical assessments.

The payout is made directly to your nominated beneficiaries. If no nomination exists, the payout will be distributed according to the Intestate Success Act, which may not align with your wishes. This is why keeping your CPF nomination up to date is critical.

DPS vs Enhanced DPS: What Is the Difference?

In addition to the standard DPS, there is an Enhanced DPS option that provides higher coverage. The key differences are:

Enhanced DPS costs approximately double the standard premium but provides nearly double the coverage. If you have dependants who rely on your income, Enhanced DPS is worth considering as it closes the gap between basic DPS coverage and actual financial needs.

Key Limitations of DPS

While DPS is a valuable safety net, it has several limitations that Singaporeans should be aware of:

• Low coverage amount – S$70,000 is far below what most families need. A typical housing loan in Singapore exceeds S$500,000.
• No cash value – DPS is pure term insurance. There is no savings component or investment element.
• No critical illness coverage – DPS only covers death, terminal illness, and total permanent disability. It does not cover major illnesses like cancer, heart attack, or stroke.
• Decreasing coverage at 60 – The sum assured drops from S$70,000 to S$55,000 at age 60, precisely when health risks increase.
• Coverage ends at 65 – Once you turn 65, DPS coverage ceases entirely, leaving you unprotected in your senior years.
• Cash premiums may apply – If your CPF OA and SA balances are insufficient to cover premiums, you will need to pay by cash.

Should You Keep DPS or Cancel It?

Given its limitations, some Singaporeans wonder whether they should cancel DPS and rely entirely on private insurance. The short answer is: keep it.

DPS premiums are extremely low relative to the coverage provided. Even if you have comprehensive private life insurance, DPS acts as a supplementary layer of protection at minimal cost. At S$18 to S$298 per year, it is essentially pocket change compared to the peace of mind it offers.

The only scenario where cancelling DPS might make sense is if you are facing severe financial hardship and need to free up every dollar of CPF savings. In that case, you can opt out by contacting Great Eastern directly.

DPS and CPF Nomination

A common misconception is that DPS payouts automatically go to your next of kin. In reality, DPS payouts follow your CPF nomination. If you have not made a CPF nomination, the payout will be distributed through the intestacy laws, which may not reflect your wishes.

Make sure to:

• Update your CPF nomination whenever your family situation changes (marriage, divorce, new children)
• Nominate your intended beneficiaries clearly with percentage allocations
• Keep a copy of your nomination form for your records

You can update your CPF nomination online through the CPF website or visit a CPF Service Centre in person.

DPS vs Private Term Life Insurance

Here is a practical comparison to help you decide how much private coverage you might need on top of DPS:

The optimal approach for most working Singaporeans is to maintain DPS as your baseline coverage and supplement it with a private term life policy that provides adequate coverage for your family’s needs.

Related: Singapore Critical Illness Insurance Guide 2026: Best CI Plans Compared

Key Takeaways

• DPS provides up to S$70,000 in life coverage for CPF members aged 21 to 65, administered by Great Eastern Life
• Premiums start from S$18 per year and are paid from CPF savings, making it one of the most affordable life insurance options in Singapore
• The scheme covers death, terminal illness, and total permanent disability – but not critical illness
• Over two million Singaporeans and PRs are currently covered, with automatic enrollment upon CPF working contribution
• DPS should be viewed as a basic safety net – supplement it with private term life insurance for comprehensive coverage
• Keep your CPF nomination updated to ensure payouts go to your intended beneficiaries

Conclusion

The Dependants Protection Scheme is one of Singapore’s most valuable yet underappreciated national insurance schemes. At minimal cost, it ensures that every working Singaporean has at least basic life coverage to protect their family. While the coverage amount of S$70,000 is not sufficient on its own for most families, it forms an important foundation layer of protection.

Take a few minutes today to check your DPS status on the CPF website, verify your beneficiary nominations, and assess whether you need additional private life insurance to fully protect your loved ones. The peace of mind is worth far more than the small annual premium.

Related article: ILP vs Term Life vs Whole Life in Singapore 2026: Which Insurance Plan Is Right for You?