In 2025, Singapore is enhancing its commitment to supporting lower-income workers through the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) Scheme. Eligible individuals can now receive up to S$3,267 annually, combining immediate financial assistance with long-term savings incentives. This initiative aims to bolster financial stability and encourage continued employment among Singaporeans facing economic challenges.
Understanding the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) Scheme
The WIS Scheme is a government initiative designed to supplement the incomes and Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings of lower-wage Singaporean workers. By providing both cash payments and CPF contributions, the scheme encourages regular employment and helps workers build up their retirement savings.
Key Enhancements in 2025
Starting from January 1, 2025, the WIS Scheme has been enhanced to offer increased support:
- Higher Maximum Annual Payout: Eligible workers can receive up to S$3,267 annually, an increase from previous years.
- Monthly Disbursements: Payments are now made monthly, providing more consistent financial support. For example, work completed in January will result in a WIS payment by the end of March.
- Increased Support for Older Workers and Persons with Disabilities: Workers aged 60 and above, as well as persons with disabilities, are eligible for the maximum payout of S$3,267.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the enhanced WIS in 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Citizenship: Must be a Singaporean citizen.
- Age: At least 30 years old by December 31, 2024. Persons with disabilities are exempt from the minimum age requirement.
- Employment: Engaged in work for at least two months in 2024.
- Income: Annual assessable income must not exceed S$70,000.
- Property Ownership: Individuals who own more than one property or whose properties have a total annual value exceeding S$13,000 (as assessed on December 31, 2024) are not eligible.
Payment Structure
The WIS payout comprises two components:
- Cash Component (10%): Credited directly to the worker’s PayNow NRIC-linked bank account. If unavailable, funds will be deposited into the registered bank account or via GovCash.
- CPF Component (90%): Deposited into the worker’s CPF accounts to support future retirement, housing, and healthcare needs.
Application Process
Eligible workers do not need to apply for WIS. The CPF Board automatically assesses eligibility based on income data provided by employers and platform operators. Workers should ensure that their income is accurately reported and that CPF contributions are made during the work period.
Importance of WIS
The enhanced WIS Scheme plays a crucial role in:
- Providing Immediate Financial Relief: Monthly cash payouts help workers manage daily expenses.
- Encouraging Long-Term Savings: CPF contributions assist in building a secure financial future.
- Supporting Continued Employment: By supplementing incomes, WIS incentivizes workers to remain employed, contributing to overall economic stability.