Singapore Confirms $3,267 Workfare Income Supplement – Key Rules for Platform and Self-Employed Workers

In 2025, Singapore’s Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme is undergoing a major revamp to better support platform workers and self-employed individuals. With annual payouts of up to $3,267, the updated model introduces monthly disbursements instead of lump sums, providing greater financial stability while reinforcing long-term savings through CPF MediSave.

As the gig economy expands, this initiative is vital in sustaining lower-income Singaporeans, particularly those who lack the employer-funded benefits that traditional employees enjoy.

Why Workfare 2025 Matters

The new Workfare model addresses the growing reliance on gig work, including food delivery riders, private-hire drivers, and freelancers. By shifting to monthly payouts, the scheme ensures consistent financial aid and helps workers manage short-term living costs while building a secure healthcare safety net.

This update reflects the government’s recognition of the changing workforce structure and its effort to provide fairer support to those outside standard employment.

Overview of the 2025 Workfare Scheme

The revamped scheme offers clearer structures and predictable benefits.

Key Details:

• Maximum Annual Benefit: $3,267
• Disbursement: Monthly payouts
• Cash Component: 10% (via PayNow)
• MediSave Component: 90% (credited to CPF MediSave)
• Eligibility Age: 30 years and above (no minimum age for persons with disabilities)
• Monthly Income Range: Between $500 and $3,000

Eligibility Criteria for Workfare 2025

The scheme is designed to target genuine low-income earners while encouraging responsible savings. To qualify, individuals must:

• Be a Singapore citizen.
• Be aged 30 years or older (no age limit for those with disabilities).
• Earn a monthly income between $500 and $3,000.
• Own no more than one property.
• Live in a home with an annual value below $21,000.
• Make compulsory MediSave contributions regularly.

These criteria ensure assistance is focused on those most in need while promoting consistent contributions to healthcare funds.

Payment Structure and Distribution

The monthly payouts are split into two components:

• 10% cash via PayNow, offering immediate financial relief for essential needs such as groceries, utilities, and transport.
• 90% credited to CPF MediSave, building long-term reserves for medical expenses.

This dual approach ensures that beneficiaries receive short-term financial help and future healthcare protection simultaneously.

No Applications Required

One of the most important features of Workfare 2025 is automatic enrollment. Eligible individuals do not need to submit applications. Instead, enrollment is based on:

• Data from CPF Board records
• Income submissions by platform operators

However, accuracy is crucial. Workers are encouraged to:

• Monitor CPF contributions regularly.
• Ensure income details are correctly reported by employers or platforms.
• Contact the CPF Board if discrepancies persist.

Being proactive prevents missed or delayed payments.

Tips to Secure the Full $3,267

To maximise annual Workfare payouts, individuals must consistently meet eligibility requirements. Here are practical steps:

• Keep monthly earnings within the $500–$3,000 threshold.
• Ensure MediSave contributions are made accurately and on time.
• Avoid frequent switching between platforms, as this may create delays in CPF reporting.

By staying consistent, workers can secure the full entitlement of $3,267 per year.

Broader Impact of the Revamp

The updated Workfare scheme is part of Singapore’s wider strategy to:

• Support financial resilience among lower-income groups.
• Recognise the growing role of non-traditional employment.
• Strengthen the link between income support and long-term healthcare savings.

In doing so, the government aims to create a fairer system that balances immediate needs with future security.

FAQs on Workfare Income Supplement 2025

Q1. Do I need to apply for Workfare 2025?
No, applications are not required. Eligible citizens are automatically enrolled based on CPF and income records.

Q2. Will I still qualify if my income varies each month?
Yes, as long as your average monthly income falls between $500 and $3,000, you remain eligible.

Q3. What happens if my CPF contributions are missing?
You should first check with your platform operator. If issues remain unresolved, contact the CPF Board immediately to correct records.

Q4. How will the payouts be distributed?
Each month, 10% of your payout will be credited in cash via PayNow, and 90% will go into your CPF MediSave account.

Q5. What is the maximum Workfare benefit in 2025?
Eligible workers can receive up to $3,267 annually under the revamped scheme.