Singapore Workfare Bonus 2025 : In a move aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth and supporting Singapore’s lower-wage workers, the government has introduced major enhancements to the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme for 2025. These improvements are set to benefit a wide group of Singaporeans employees, self-employed individuals, and platform workers offering up to S$2,800 in annual payouts, with even higher amounts available for seniors and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
What Is the Workfare Income Supplement?
First introduced in 2007, the Workfare Income Supplement is a permanent government initiative that supplements the wages of low-income Singaporeans. It’s a two-in-one support scheme: beneficiaries receive part of their payout in cash to meet immediate needs, and the rest is directed to their CPF accounts, boosting their long-term savings for healthcare, housing, and retirement.
The scheme’s goal is simple but impactful: encourage continued employment, support upskilling, and reduce income inequality in a sustainable way.
What’s Changing in 2025?
From January 2025, several game-changing updates will take effect:
- Monthly payouts for employees, replacing the previous annual disbursement model.
- Income ceiling increased from S$2,500 to S$3,000 per month.
- Maximum annual payouts raised to S$2,800 for workers aged 45 to 59.
- Older workers (aged 60 and above) and persons with disabilities can receive up to S$3,267.
- Platform workers like delivery riders and private-hire drivers will begin receiving monthly WIS as CPF contributions become mandatory.
- Age bands have also been restructured to better reflect working life stages.
These changes represent a broader effort by the government to cushion the impact of rising living costs and ensure that economic benefits are distributed fairly.
Who Qualifies for WIS in 2025?
Eligibility for WIS in 2025 is based on several criteria:
For Employees:
- Must be a Singapore Citizen aged 30 or above (no age limit for PWDs).
- Must earn gross monthly income of S$3,000 or less.
- Must live in a property with an annual value below S$21,000.
- Must not own more than one property.
- Spouse’s income must not exceed S$70,000 per year.
For Self-Employed Persons (SEPs):
- Same age and citizenship criteria as employees.
- Net trade income (NTI) must not exceed S$24,000 annually.
- Must contribute to MediSave and file income tax properly.
For Platform Workers:
From 2025, platform workers like food delivery riders and private-hire car drivers will be included in the WIS scheme if they:
- Meet income thresholds, and
- Make CPF contributions, as required under new regulations.
How Much Can You Get?
Your WIS payout depends on your age and income. The older the recipient, the higher the payout.
| Age Group | Maximum Annual Payout |
|---|---|
| 30–34 years | S$1,633 |
| 35–44 years | S$2,333 |
| 45–59 years | S$2,800 |
| 60+ / PWD | S$3,267 |
These figures include both cash and CPF contributions. The CPF portion (90%) goes into your Special and MediSave accounts, while the cash portion (10%) is credited to your bank account or GovCash.
What’s New: Monthly Payouts for Employees
Previously, employees received their WIS payout once a year. From 2025, that changes employees and platform workers will get paid monthly, which helps with day-to-day budgeting and reduces financial stress.
For instance, a 50-year-old worker earning S$2,200 per month may receive around S$230 per month in total WIS benefits split between cash and CPF.
This improvement is especially helpful for those who need consistent support for family needs, bills, or everyday expenses.
How to Check Your Status
You can easily check your WIS eligibility and payout details through:
- CPF Website: Log in using Singpass.
- SupportGoWhere Portal: Offers quick eligibility checks.
- PayNow (NRIC-linked) or GovCash will be used for cash payouts, so ensure your banking details are updated.
If you’re self-employed, make sure to file your income tax and contribute to MediSave on time to avoid missing out.
Why This Matters
These enhancements come at a time when inflation and cost-of-living concerns are front and center for many Singaporeans. By increasing payout amounts, broadening eligibility, and shifting to monthly disbursements, the government is providing meaningful relief to working Singaporeans who need it most.
More than just a financial handout, WIS is a recognition of effort. It rewards workers who continue contributing to the economy, even in lower-wage roles, while helping them save for the future.
Final Word
With the 2025 improvements, Workfare is no longer just a support scheme it’s a promise. A promise that those who work hard will not be left behind, and that every citizen has a stake in Singapore’s progress. Whether you’re an employee, self-employed, or a gig worker, the new WIS structure provides greater security, more flexibility, and the encouragement to keep moving forward.
To learn more or check your eligibility, visit the official CPF site:
🔗 https://www.cpf.gov.sg