As living costs continue to rise, the Singaporean government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting lower-wage workers through a strengthened Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme in 2025. Tailored to help both employed residents and self-employed contributors, WIS offers meaningful assistance in the form of cash and CPF contributions empowering individuals to manage day-to-day expenses while bolstering their retirement savings.
What Is the 2025 WIS?
WIS is a long-standing income support initiative aimed at uplifting lower-wage Singaporeans by enhancing both their immediate financial capacity and long-term savings. With the 2025 enhancements, eligible individuals aged 60 and above can now receive up to $3,267, combining both cash and MediSave contributions marking the highest tier of support in this upgraded scheme.SupportGoWhereCentral Provident Fund
Who Qualifies?
To benefit from the WIS in 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a Singapore Citizen.
- Be 60 years old or older by the end of the work year. (Persons with disabilities also qualify for this top-tier support regardless of age.)
- Have an average monthly income of $3,000 or less, based on the past 12 months (from work year 2025 onward).
- Reside in a property with an Annual Value (AV) of $21,000 or below, as at end of the preceding year, and own no more than one property.
- If married, both spouses must collectively own no more than one property, and the spouse’s assessable income must not exceed $70,000.
These eligibility criteria are evaluated automatically most recipients won’t need to apply manually.Central Provident Fund
What’s the Payout Structure?
WIS benefits are split into two parts:
- 10% in cash
- 90% in MediSave (CPF savings)
For instance, a recipient eligible for the full $3,267 would receive approximately $326.70 in cash, with the remaining $2,940.30 credited to their MediSave account.
When and How Are Payments Made?
Starting in March 2025, platform workers will begin receiving WIS monthly, based on CPF contributions remitted by platform operators. For others, payouts remain annual, typically disbursed once their eligibility is confirmed.
Recipients with PayNow (NRIC-linked) accounts will get the cash portion directly deposited. Otherwise, the payment will be credited to the bank account registered with the government, or issued via GovCash if no bank details are on file.
Key Benefits of the 2025 WIS
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Dual-purpose support | Offers immediate financial relief through cash and bolsters long-term savings via MediSave |
| Targeted inclusivity | Tailored for lower-income seniors and persons with disabilities |
| Hassle-free distribution | Automatic assessment and disbursement mean minimal administrative burden |
| Immediate access for platform workers | Monthly payouts reduce financial gaps for gig economy contributors |
A Few Clarifications
While the notion of a flat $3,267 one-time payout for all workers:- regardless of their personal circumstances may sound appealing, the actual WIS scheme is more finely calibrated. The amount varies based on age, income, and living arrangements, and involves ongoing MediSave contributions, rather than just a lump-sum cash gift.
Closing Thoughts
Singapore’s 2025 Workfare Income Supplement embodies a smart, sustainable approach to social welfare: it aids immediate needs while reinforcing financial resilience. It particularly benefits seniors and individuals with disabilities, especially those in lower-wage brackets. As with all government support schemes, accurate understanding and timely verification are key so it always pays to check eligibility through official channels.