The Singapore Government has announced that eligible lower-wage workers will receive up to $3,267 in Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) payments in 2025. This payout is designed to boost incomes, help cover living expenses, and strengthen retirement savings for older workers. Alongside the core payout, some workers may also benefit from additional bonuses introduced to provide extra financial relief.
What Is the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)?
The Workfare Income Supplement is a targeted wage support scheme that:
- Tops up salaries for lower-income Singaporeans.
- Encourages continued work participation, particularly among older workers.
- Enhances CPF savings to improve retirement readiness.
For 2025, the WIS scheme will continue to be a critical part of Singapore’s social safety net, delivering both cash and CPF top-ups.
2025 Payment Breakdown – How Much Can You Get?
Eligible workers can receive up to $3,267 in total benefits for the year. This includes both the cash payout and the CPF component, depending on the worker’s age and income level.
Example of Maximum Annual Benefit for Full-Time Workers:
- Total WIS: $3,267 (Cash + CPF)
- Cash portion: To help with daily expenses.
- CPF portion: Boosting retirement, housing, and healthcare savings.
Eligibility Criteria for WIS in 2025
To receive the Workfare payout, workers must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a Singapore Citizen.
- Age:
- 30 years or above for general workers.
- 13 years or above for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
- Income Level: Gross monthly income must be within the WIS income cap.
- Employment Type:
- For employees: Must have worked at least 3 months in the preceding year.
- For self-employed persons: Must have declared income and made required MediSave contributions.
- Property Ownership: Cannot own more than one property.
Payment Schedule for 2025
The WIS payments are made quarterly to help workers manage expenses more smoothly.
2025 Payout Schedule:
- March – First payout.
- June – Second payout.
- September – Third payout.
- December – Final payout.
Workers do not need to apply separately for these quarterly payments; eligibility is assessed automatically based on CPF and income records.
How Payments Are Delivered
- Bank Transfer: Fastest and most secure method for those with registered bank accounts.
- GovCash: Available for recipients without bank accounts, allowing withdrawals from designated ATMs.
- CPF Contributions: For the CPF portion of WIS, credited directly into the respective accounts (Ordinary, Special, and MediSave).
Additional Bonus Benefits in 2025
Apart from the standard $3,267, some eligible workers will also receive special bonuses to cushion the impact of higher living costs. These may include:
- One-time cash payouts for targeted groups.
- CDC vouchers to reduce household expenses.
- Utility rebates under the U-Save scheme.
These extras are part of a larger cost-of-living support package for Singaporeans.
Overview Table – 2025 Workfare Payment
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Annual Amount | $3,267 (Cash + CPF) |
| Payment Frequency | Quarterly (Mar, Jun, Sep, Dec) |
| Eligible Age | 30+ years (13+ for PWDs) |
| Income Cap | Within WIS limit |
| Property Rule | Own 1 property or less |
| Bonus Benefits | Extra cash, CDC vouchers, U-Save rebates |
Why the WIS Is Important in 2025
The WIS is not just an income supplement—it’s a dual-purpose scheme that addresses both immediate needs and long-term security:
- Short-term: Cash payouts help workers pay for food, utilities, and daily essentials.
- Long-term: CPF top-ups support retirement readiness and healthcare coverage.
In 2025, with rising inflation and higher household costs, the WIS and associated bonuses serve as crucial financial lifelines for vulnerable workers.
Tips to Ensure You Receive Your WIS Payments
To avoid delays or missed payments, workers should:
- Keep CPF and contact details updated.
- For employees: Ensure employers make timely CPF contributions.
- For self-employed persons: File income tax returns accurately and make full MediSave payments.
Broader Support for Lower-Income Singaporeans in 2025
Alongside the WIS, the Government is rolling out multiple support measures for lower-income households:
- CDC Vouchers worth hundreds of dollars per household.
- Public transport subsidies for concession cardholders.
- GST Vouchers to offset tax-related expenses.
These complement the WIS, creating a more comprehensive safety net. Go through their official website.
FAQs
1. Do I have to apply for WIS payments?
No, payments are automatic if you meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Is the $3,267 the same for everyone?
No, the exact amount depends on your income, age, and employment type.
3. Will the bonus benefits be given to all WIS recipients?
Not necessarily—some are targeted at specific groups or income levels.