CPF LIFE Basic vs Standard vs Escalating, how do I choose?

Helped my parents choose and studied it hard for myself, so here's the plain-English version. All three pay you for life, the difference is the shape. Standard: higher, level monthly payout, smaller bequest to your heirs, most people's default. Basic: slightly lower payouts but leaves a larger bequest, suits those who prioritise leaving money to family. Escalating: starts noticeably lower (around 20% less) but the payout rises about 2% a year to fight inflation, so it crosses over and pays more in your later years. How to decide: if you want maximum money in your own pocket and don't care much about bequest, Standard. If leaving an inheritance matters more, Basic. If you're healthy, expect a long life, and worry about inflation eroding a fixed payout over 25+ years, Escalating is genuinely smart because your 85-year-old self will thank you. There's no wrong answer, it depends on your health outlook, other income, and whether bequest matters. Use the CPF LIFE Estimator with your actual RA balance, seeing your own numbers makes it click. And you can take your time, the choice is made closer to payout age, not at 55.