Singapore’s Workfare Income Supplement program helps low-income workers by adding money to their salaries and CPF accounts. From 2025 onwards the maximum yearly payment will increase significantly and could reach S$4900 for older workers. These changes come at a good time because wages are going up but the cost of living remains a concern. The updates will help around 500,000 workers plan for retirement by giving them both cash payments and CPF contributions.
What Is Workfare Income Supplement?
The Workfare Income Supplement is a benefit for qualifying Singapore citizens who are employed. The payment comes in two forms based on how much you earn each month and your age. Part of it goes directly to you as cash while the rest gets deposited into your Central Provident Fund account. The scheme supports employment and helps workers improve their skills while building savings for the future. You do not need to submit an application to receive these benefits.
Key Enhancements Starting 2025
January 1st 2025 brings a major increase in maximum payouts of about 17% across the country. Older workers will experience the biggest effects from this adjustment. The income ceiling for monthly wages will also rise to S$3000 which means the program will extend coverage to many more workers who earn higher salaries.
Who Qualifies for WIS?
You need to be a Singapore citizen who is at least 30 years old to qualify. If you have a disability you can apply at any age. Your monthly income must not exceed S$3000 starting from 2025. You also need to be working continuously without long breaks. Employees will receive their payments without needing to do anything extra since the process happens automatically through their employers. Self-employed individuals have different requirements and must take additional steps. They need to report how much money they earn to the relevant authorities. They also need to make their own contributions to their MediSave account since no employer handles this for them.
How Payouts Are Calculated
Your payment amounts depend on three main factors which include your average monthly income how old you are & how many months you have been employed. When you have a higher age and a more stable employment history you will receive larger supplement payments. Some of the money is given to you directly as cash and this portion tends to be larger for workers who are older. The remaining portion goes into your CPF account where it helps your retirement savings grow over time.
Maximum Annual Payouts Comparison
| Employee Category | Maximum Amount (Up to 2024) | Revised Maximum Amount (From 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Age 30–34 | S$2,100 per year | S$2,450 per year |
| Age 35–44 | S$3,000 per year | S$3,500 per year |
| Age 45–59 | S$3,600 per year | S$4,200 per year |
| Age 60 and Above | S$4,200 per year | S$4,900 per year |
| Employees with Disabilities | S$4,200 per year | S$4,900 per year |
When Will You Receive Payments?
Payments for work completed in 2025 will be processed in 2026. These payments typically happen either every three months or once per year. We will send you updates through mail or text message. Connect your PayNow-NRIC account to receive your money more quickly.
Extra Benefits for Self-Employed
Self-employed workers receive about two-thirds of what employees get. Even so this increase remains quite significant. Making regular MediSave payments is the key to becoming fully eligible.
Why These Changes Help Now
The enhanced Workfare Income Supplement program in Singapore provides increased financial support for lower-wage workers starting in 2025. The program offers annual payments of up to S$4900 to help workers manage their current expenses while also building their retirement savings. This approach ensures that support keeps pace with rising wages & helps workers prepare for their future. The program works well alongside skills training incentives to help workers improve their employment prospects. Workers can verify their eligibility and review their previous payments by visiting cpf.gov.sg or accessing the Workfare portal using their Singpass credentials. To get the most from these benefits, workers should maintain steady employment and keep accurate records of their work history.
