The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) 2025 is set to deliver payouts of up to S$4,900 annually to eligible low-income workers in Singapore. This initiative remains a cornerstone of the nation’s social safety net, designed to uplift those who work hard but earn modest wages.
With the rising cost of living and an increased focus on social equity, WIS continues to ensure that Singapore’s growth is inclusive, offering both cash support and CPF top-ups that improve long-term financial security.
What Is the Workfare Income Supplement?
The Workfare Income Supplement is a government-backed scheme introduced to support lower-income Singaporeans who are in employment. It was created to ensure that as the economy grows, all citizens share in the benefits.
The scheme’s objectives are threefold:
- To supplement income and ease the burden of daily living costs.
- To encourage employment, particularly among older workers and persons with disabilities.
- To boost CPF savings, helping workers build stronger retirement funds.
Since its launch, WIS has benefitted over 470,000 workers annually, providing a reliable safety net while encouraging continued employment.
Who Qualifies for WIS 2025?
Eligibility rules are designed to ensure support goes to those most in need.
Basic Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be a Singapore Citizen.
- Be 30 years or older (no age requirement for persons with disabilities).
- Earn a gross monthly income between S$500 and S$3,000.
- Live in a property with an annual value of S$21,000 or less.
- Own no more than one property.
- If married, your spouse’s assessable income must be under S$70,000, and the couple must not own more than one property together.
Employment Requirements
Your work status also determines eligibility:
- Employees – Must receive regular CPF contributions from employers.
- Platform workers – CPF contributions must be made by the platform (e.g., food delivery, ride-hailing).
- Self-Employed Persons (SEPs) – Must declare income to IRAS and contribute to MediSave accordingly.
How Much Can You Receive Under WIS 2025?
The payout depends on age, employment type, and income level.
Employees and Platform Workers
- Age 30–34: Up to S$2,450 annually
- Age 35–44: Up to S$3,500 annually
- Age 45–59: Up to S$4,200 annually
- Age 60 & above / Persons with Disabilities: Up to S$4,900 annually
Those earning closer to S$500 monthly receive higher payouts, while those nearer the S$3,000 ceiling receive smaller amounts.
Self-Employed Persons
- Maximum payout: S$3,267 annually (for age 60 and above).
- Lower amounts apply for younger age groups.
- Full payouts require timely MediSave contributions based on declared income.
Payment Dates and Schedule
Payments differ for employees, platform workers, and self-employed individuals.
Employees and Platform Workers
Payouts are made monthly, with a two-month delay after the work month. For example:
- Work in January → Paid end of March
- Work in February → Paid end of April
- And so on throughout the year
This ensures consistent financial support, helping workers budget more effectively.
Self-Employed Persons
- Payments are made once a year, usually by the end of April.
- To receive full payment, SEPs must declare their income and make MediSave contributions by 31 March of the following year.
How Payments Are Distributed
The WIS payout is split between cash and CPF/MediSave to balance immediate needs and long-term savings.
- Employees: 40% cash, 60% credited to CPF Ordinary and Special Accounts.
- Platform Workers & SEPs: 10% cash, 90% credited to MediSave.
Payments are credited through:
- PayNow (linked to NRIC) – the fastest option.
- GovCash – for those without PayNow.
Why WIS 2025 Matters for Workers
The WIS is more than a financial supplement – it is a pro-employment, pro-security policy that:
- Reduces income inequality by uplifting low-wage earners.
- Encourages older workers and persons with disabilities to stay in employment.
- Strengthens retirement savings by boosting CPF and MediSave accounts.
- Provides crucial support for platform workers and gig economy earners, who often lack traditional employment benefits.
In a fast-changing economy, WIS continues to play a key role in financial resilience and social inclusivity.
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible for WIS 2025?
Singapore Citizens aged 30 and above (or any age if disabled) earning S$500–S$3,000 monthly, meeting property and household criteria.
Q2: How much can I get from WIS 2025?
Up to S$4,900 annually for employees and platform workers, and up to S$3,267 annually for self-employed persons.
Q3: How often are WIS payments made?
Employees and platform workers receive monthly payouts (with a two-month delay), while SEPs receive annual payouts.
Q4: How will I receive the payments?
Through PayNow (linked to NRIC) or GovCash. The payout is split between cash and CPF/MediSave accounts.
Q5: Why is WIS important?
It supports low-income workers, boosts CPF savings, encourages employment, and reduces inequality by ensuring inclusive growth.