When Will Your Workfare Payment Arrive: If you’re a lower-income worker in Singapore, the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme could give you up to $4,900 in extra income annually. But the big question on everyone’s mind is: When will your Workfare payment arrive in 2025?
Whether you’re an employee, self-employed person (SEP), or platform worker, your payment schedule and method of receiving WIS will differ slightly. In this article, we’ll break it all down in a simple and friendly way—so you know exactly when to expect your payout and what you need to do to receive it without delay.
When Will Your Workfare Payment Arrive
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Who Qualifies | Singapore Citizens aged 30+ (employees), or 35+ (self-employed), with annual income below eligibility threshold |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly for employees and platform workers; Annually for SEPs |
| Next Payment For Jan 2025 Work | End of March 2025 via PayNow or bank credit, 1st week of April via GovCash |
| SEP Deadline | Declare 2024 income + MediSave payment by 31 March 2025 to receive April payout |
| Platform Worker Update | Starting March 2025, platform workers will get monthly payments, just like employees |
| How You Get Paid | PayNow-NRIC, linked bank account, or GovCash (if no account linked) |
| Official Link | CPF Workfare Income Supplement |
The 2025 Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme is a major financial lifeline for many lower-income Singaporeans. Knowing when and how you’ll receive your payments ensures you’re not caught off guard—and helps you better plan your finances.
Whether you’re an employee, self-employed, or a platform worker, understanding your WIS payout schedule, eligibility, and payment methods can make a huge difference.
What Is the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)?
The Workfare Income Supplement is a government initiative by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower and administered by the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board. It’s designed to boost the income and retirement savings of lower-wage workers through cash payouts and CPF top-ups.
Starting from 2023, several enhancements were made to the WIS scheme. The biggest one? Monthly payouts for more groups and increased income thresholds so more Singaporeans benefit.
WIS 2025 Payout Schedule for Employees
If you’re employed (working for a company), your WIS is paid every month, but there’s a two-month delay after the work month. Here’s how the schedule works:
Monthly Payout Table for Employees (via PayNow / Bank Account / GovCash)
| Work Month | PayNow-NRIC / Bank Credit | GovCash Collection Window |
|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | End of March 2025 | 1st week of April 2025 |
| February 2025 | End of April 2025 | 1st week of May 2025 |
| March 2025 | End of May 2025 | 1st week of June 2025 |
| … | … | … |
| December 2025 | End of February 2026 | 1st week of March 2026 |
Tip: Make sure your employer submits your CPF contributions on time. Your WIS payment depends on that submission.
WIS Payout for Self-Employed Persons (SEPs)
If you’re a freelancer, hawker, or self-employed business owner, things are a little different. You only get one WIS payment per year, but it can be substantial—especially if you declare your income and contribute to MediSave properly.
Steps to Get Your 2025 WIS Payout as a SEP
- Declare your Net Trade Income (NTI) for 2024 to IRAS.
- Contribute to MediSave based on that income by 31 March 2025.
- Wait for the end of April 2025, when your WIS payment will be credited.
Important: Late declarations or MediSave contributions = delayed payment. Don’t wait till the last minute.
WIS for Platform Workers Starts Monthly in 2025
Here’s a big change: Starting March 2025, if you’re a platform worker (delivery rider, food courier, or private-hire driver), you’ll get monthly WIS payments, just like employees.
Previously, platform workers were treated more like SEPs, but this shift ensures faster financial support and better retirement savings.
Platform Worker Criteria for WIS:
- Age 30+
- Annual Net Trade Income below $25,000
- Must make required MediSave contributions
Once you’re enrolled, your payment schedule will mirror that of employees—payouts two months after the work month.
Payment Methods: How Will You Get Paid?
WIS cash payouts and CPF top-ups are split and disbursed as follows:
For Employees:
- 40% Cash
- 60% CPF Contribution
For SEPs and Platform Workers:
- 10% Cash
- 90% MediSave Contribution
Cash Payments Are Made Via:
- PayNow-NRIC (Fastest and preferred)
- Registered Bank Account
- Gov Cash (If you don’t have a bank account)
Pro Tip: Link your NRIC to Pay Now to get your payment earliest. You can do this via your banking app in minutes.
How Will You Know When You’re Paid?
You’ll be informed via:
- SMS or Email from CPF Board
- Physical letters (if you opted in)
- CPF e-Services, where you can log in with Singpass to check payment dates, amounts, and history
Check your spam folder if you don’t see notifications!
WIS Eligibility Criteria Refresher
To receive Workfare in 2025, you must meet the following:
- Be a Singapore Citizen
- Be 30 years old and above (35+ for SEPs)
- Earn $2,500/month or less on average
- Have declared employment or trade income
- Make MediSave contributions (for SEPs/platform workers)
For full eligibility, visit the official CPF WIS criteria page.
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FAQs on When Will Your Workfare Payment Arrive
Q1. How much WIS will I get in 2025?
It depends on your age, income, and employment type. The maximum yearly WIS is $4,900 (including CPF and cash portions).
Q2. What happens if my employer doesn’t submit CPF contributions on time?
Your WIS payment will be delayed or possibly missed. Check with your employer and CPF Board to follow up.
Q3. Can I get WIS if I work part-time or multiple jobs?
Yes, as long as your total monthly income across all jobs is $2,500 or below and other eligibility criteria are met.
Q4. What is GovCash and how do I use it?
GovCash is a method to collect cash payouts without a bank account. You can withdraw your payment from any OCBC ATM using Singpass Face Verification.
Q5. I didn’t receive my WIS. What should I do?
Log in to your CPF account or contact CPF Board to verify your eligibility, payment status, or account details.
