The Assurance Package (AP) Cash is a financial support measure introduced by the Government of Singapore to help citizens adapt to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase. It forms part of the wider Assurance Package, which also includes MediSave top-ups, U-Save rebates, CDC vouchers, and seniors’ bonuses.
From 2022 to 2026, eligible Singapore citizens aged 21 years and above will receive annual cash payouts ranging from S$700 to S$2,250 in total, depending on income level and property ownership. This tiered design directs greater support to lower- and middle-income groups most affected by rising living costs.
Objectives of AP Cash Scheme
The government designed the AP Cash scheme with three main objectives:
- To provide direct financial cushioning against the GST hike through predictable yearly payouts.
- To ensure equity and fairness by tiering support so that citizens with lower incomes and fewer assets receive more help.
- To adopt an automatic disbursement model, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring that all eligible citizens are covered without requiring applications.
This structured design ensures the payouts are timely, targeted, and inclusive.
Eligibility Framework
Eligibility for AP Cash is automatically assessed using official records from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and property ownership databases. No separate application is required.
The framework is based on three key conditions:
- Must be a Singapore citizen aged 21 or above.
- Assessable income (AI) must fall within the defined thresholds. Higher payouts are allocated to those earning up to S$34,000 annually.
- Property ownership matters: owning more than one property places the individual in the lowest payout tier.
This framework ensures the payouts are targeted at Singaporeans with greater financial need.
Payout Distribution by Year
The AP Cash payouts are tiered by income and property ownership. Citizens receive their payments automatically in December each year.
Annual Cash Support by Category
| Year of Disbursement | AI ≤ S$34,000, ≤1 Property | AI S$34,001–S$100,000, ≤1 Property | AI > S$100,000 or >1 Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | S$200 | S$150 | S$100 |
| 2023 | S$600 | S$350 | S$200 |
| 2024 | S$600 | S$350 | S$200 |
| 2025 | S$600 | S$350 | S$100 |
| 2026 | S$250 | S$150 | S$100 |
The scheme peaks in the middle years, offering the largest relief when households are expected to feel the most impact from the GST adjustment.
Total Entitlement Across Five Years
When added together, the five-year total payout is as follows:
- AI ≤ S$34,000 and Owns ≤1 Property: S$2,250
- AI S$34,001–S$100,000 and Owns ≤1 Property: S$1,350
- AI > S$100,000 or Owns >1 Property: S$700
This clear tiering demonstrates how the government is directing greater resources to the lower- and middle-income categories, ensuring fairness across households.
Disbursement Mechanisms
To ensure smooth delivery, the AP Cash scheme uses three payment channels:
- PayNow-NRIC – Funds are credited directly to NRIC-linked bank accounts, the preferred method.
- Direct Bank Transfer – For those who have registered bank details but are not linked via PayNow.
- GovCash – For citizens without bank accounts, withdrawals can be made at Singapore Post outlets with NRIC verification.
This inclusive system guarantees that both digitally connected and unbanked citizens are covered.
Complementary Measures under the Assurance Package
The AP Cash payouts are part of a broader relief package that provides additional support in other essential areas:
- MediSave Top-Ups credited to CPF accounts for healthcare needs.
- U-Save Rebates to reduce household utility bills.
- CDC Vouchers worth hundreds of dollars, redeemable at hawker centres, supermarkets, and local shops.
- Seniors’ Bonus, additional cash payouts for older citizens.
Together, these measures create a comprehensive safety net, ensuring that households benefit not only from direct cash relief but also from reduced daily expenses.
Why the Assurance Package Cash Matters
The AP Cash is more than just a payout—it represents the government’s commitment to protecting citizens during periods of rising costs. By targeting support to those most affected by the GST hike, the scheme strengthens social stability and economic resilience.
The inclusion of seniors’ bonuses and MediSave top-ups ensures that older Singaporeans, who face higher healthcare expenses, are not left behind. Meanwhile, younger adults receive steady support to offset higher living costs. This balanced and targeted strategy reflects Singapore’s long-standing policy of inclusive growth.
FAQs on Singapore’s AP Cash Scheme
Q1. Who is eligible for AP Cash payouts?
All Singapore citizens aged 21 and above, with eligibility determined by income levels and property ownership records.
Q2. How much can I receive in total?
Depending on your category, you may receive between S$700 and S$2,250 over five years (2022–2026).
Q3. Do I need to apply for AP Cash?
No. Payouts are automatic, determined by official government records, with no application required.
Q4. How will the payments be made?
Through PayNow-NRIC, direct bank transfers, or GovCash at Singapore Post outlets.
Q5. What other support is included in the Assurance Package?
Apart from AP Cash, citizens will receive MediSave top-ups, U-Save rebates, CDC vouchers, and seniors’ bonuses.