Ashley
Singapore’s Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme has been significantly enhanced in 2025 to provide greater financial support to lower-wage workers, including employees, self-employed persons (SEPs), and platform workers.
Eligible individuals can now receive up to $3,267 annually, combining cash payouts and Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions.
These enhancements aim to bolster immediate financial relief and long-term savings for retirement and healthcare.
Eligibility Criteria for WIS 2025
To qualify for the WIS in 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a Singapore Citizen.
- Age: At least 30 years old by December 31, 2024. Persons with disabilities are eligible regardless of age.
- Income: Gross monthly income between $500 and $3,000 over the past 12 months.
- Property Ownership:
- Reside in a property with an annual value not exceeding $21,000.
- Own no more than one property.
- Spousal Income (if married): Combined assessable income must not exceed $70,000 annually.
- Work Requirement:
- Employees: Must have CPF contributions for at least 3 months in a calendar year.
- Self-Employed Persons (SEPs): Must declare Net Trade Income (NTI) to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and contribute to MediSave.
Special provisions are available for persons with disabilities and those on ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance, even if their income falls below the $500 threshold.
WIS Payment Amounts by Age Group
The maximum annual WIS payouts vary according to age group and employment status:
| Age Group | Employees (Max Annual Payout) | SEPs & Platform Workers (Max Annual Payout) |
|---|---|---|
| 30–34 | $2,450 | $1,633 |
| 35–44 | $3,500 | $2,333 |
| 45–59 | $4,200 | $2,800 |
| 60 & above | $4,900 | $3,267 |
Note: Persons with disabilities receive the same amount as those aged 60 and above.
Payment Structure: Cash and CPF Contributions
The WIS payments are divided between cash and CPF contributions:
- Employees:
- 40% in cash, disbursed monthly into the worker’s bank account.
- 60% credited to the CPF account, distributed among the Ordinary, Special, and MediSave accounts.
- Self-Employed Persons (SEPs) & Platform Workers:
- 10% in cash.
- 90% allocated to the MediSave account, emphasizing healthcare savings.
This structure ensures immediate financial support while promoting long-term savings for retirement and healthcare needs.
Disbursement Schedule for 2025
Starting in 2025, WIS payments will be disbursed as follows:
| Work Month | Payment Date (PayNow-NRIC/Bank Credit) | Payment Date (GovCash) |
|---|---|---|
| January | End of March | 1st week of April |
| February | End of April | 1st week of May |
| March | End of May | 1st week of June |
| … | … | … |
- Self-Employed Persons (SEPs): Annual payments, disbursed by end-April of the following work year, provided income declaration and MediSave contributions are completed by March 31.
Application Process
- Employees & Platform Workers: No application is necessary. Eligibility is automatically assessed based on CPF contributions made by employers or platform operators.
- Self-Employed Persons (SEPs):
- Declare Income: Submit Net Trade Income (NTI) via the IRAS myTax Portal.
- Contribute to MediSave: Make the required MediSave contributions based on age and income.
Once these steps are completed, the CPF Board will automatically assess eligibility and disburse payments accordingly.
The enhanced Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme in 2025 underscores Singapore’s commitment to supporting lower-income workers.
By offering increased payouts and a structured payment system, the scheme aims to provide immediate financial relief while encouraging long-term savings for retirement and healthcare.
Eligible individuals are encouraged to ensure their CPF records and income declarations are up to date to fully benefit from the scheme.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the maximum WIS payout of $3,267 in 2025?
Singapore Citizens aged 60 and above, as well as persons with disabilities, who meet the income and property criteria, are eligible for the maximum annual payout of $3,267.
How are WIS payments disbursed to self-employed persons?
Self-employed persons receive WIS payments annually, disbursed by end-April of the following work year, provided they have declared their income to IRAS and made the necessary MediSave contributions by March 31.
Is there a need to apply for WIS payments?
For employees and platform workers, no application is necessary as eligibility is automatically assessed. Self-employed persons must declare their income and contribute to MediSave to qualify.