Singapore’s New Support Scheme: If you’re out of a job in Singapore, you might be wondering: Is there any support to help me while I look for work? The answer is yes — and it could mean up to S$6,000 in financial aid through Singapore’s new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) Scheme.
Launched in April 2025, this forward-thinking government initiative delivers monthly payouts to unemployed individuals who meet a defined set of eligibility criteria. More than just financial relief, the scheme integrates a dynamic system of rewards to encourage active job-seeking efforts through an engaging points-based structure.
Whether you are navigating a career transition, recovering from an unexpected layoff, or simply exploring your options, this guide will break down everything you need to know about Singapore’s latest safety net for jobseekers.
Singapore’s New Support Scheme
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Support Name | SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) Scheme |
| Max Payout | S$6,000 over 6 months |
| Eligibility | Singapore Citizens aged 21+, involuntarily unemployed, income ≤ S$5,000 |
| Application Deadline | Apply by 15 June 2025 for special eligibility exceptions |
| Payout Conditions | Monthly job-search activities required to earn payouts |
| Official Portal | go.gov.sg/jobseekersupport |
Singapore’s SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme stands out as both practical and progressive. It provides unemployed residents with financial help while nudging them toward active job-hunting, skill-building, and long-term resilience.
This initiative reflects a broader national strategy to foster self-reliance, economic inclusivity, and adaptive learning in an evolving world.
So whether you’re between jobs or preparing for a new career path, don’t let this opportunity pass. Check your eligibility, apply on time, and start your journey towards employment and empowerment. Visit go.gov.sg/jobseekersupport now to begin.
What Is the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme?
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) Scheme is a temporary financial assistance initiative crafted by the Singapore government to support lower- and middle-income residents facing involuntary unemployment. With the evolving job landscape and economic uncertainties, this scheme fills a crucial gap by offering structured monetary relief tied to proactive job search behavior.
Whether you’ve been retrenchment-affected, medically unable to continue previous work, or dismissed under non-voluntary terms, this scheme provides structured and reliable relief, especially for those facing immediate living expenses.
You can receive monthly payouts of decreasing value over a six-month window, with the first month offering the highest amount to cushion the initial income gap.
Example: Suppose Jane, a graphic designer, was earning S$3,000 monthly and was retrenched. If she registers promptly, meets eligibility, and accumulates enough points monthly, she could qualify for the entire S$6,000 payout, easing her financial stress while applying for new roles.
Why This Matters (And Who It’s For)
Being unemployed doesn’t just affect your wallet. It can take a toll on mental health, disrupt routines, and create uncertainty about the future. That’s why structured government support like the SkillsFuture JS Scheme is critical.
This scheme is tailored to:
- Singapore Citizens who are 21 years and older.
- Individuals who earned S$5,000/month or less in the last year.
- Those who became unemployed through no fault of their own.
It’s not just for tech professionals or blue-collar workers — anyone across all industries meeting the income and job loss criteria may qualify. This includes freelancers, contract workers, and those in hospitality, retail, education, healthcare, and more.
In short, this scheme not only provides income continuity but also incentivizes re-skilling and upskilling — key strategies for job market resilience.
How the Payout Works: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
The payout is structured to encourage early job seeking, with higher payments in the beginning. This declining model helps manage expectations and incentivizes quicker re-employment:
| Month | Payout (S$) |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | 1,500 |
| Month 2 | 1,250 |
| Month 3 | 1,000 |
| Month 4 | 750 |
| Month 5 | 750 |
| Month 6 | 750 |
| Total | 6,000 |
Caveat: You will not receive more than what you earned before. So if you earned S$1,000 monthly, that’s your cap per payout month.
Singapore’s New Support Scheme Guide to Qualify and Apply
- Check Eligibility Criteria: You are eligible if you meet all of the following,
- Singapore Citizen, age 21+.
- Gross monthly income ≤ S$5,000 (average over past 12 months).
- Worked in Singapore for at least 6 of the last 12 months.
- Unemployed for 1+ month, not due to resignation or voluntary exit.
- Your property has an Annual Value ≤ S$31,000.
- No payouts received from JS in the last 3 years.
One-time Exception: If unemployed after 1 April 2024, and you don’t meet all criteria, you may still apply by 15 June 2025.
- Gather Required Documents: You’ll need,
- NRIC (copy)
- Termination/retrenchment letter or medical documentation
- CPF contribution statements or pay slips for the past year
- Proof of residence (e.g., HDB utility bill or tenancy agreement)
- Submit Your Application:
- Apply online via the official portal: go.gov.sg/jobseekersupport
- Processing typically takes 7–10 working days. You’ll be notified via email or Singpass.
Earn Your Monthly Payout: Understanding the Point System
The payout is not automatic. You need to earn it through job-seeking or upskilling efforts. Each month, you must accumulate a minimum number of activity points (typically around 10) to receive that month’s payout.
Examples of Points-Earning Activities:
| Activity | Points |
|---|---|
| Career Coaching Session | 5 |
| Attending a Job Fair | 3 |
| Submitting at least 2 job applications | 4 |
| Completing a SkillsFuture Course | 6 |
| Resume Writing or Interview Skills Workshop | 2 |
| Networking Events or Webinars | 1-3 |
Flexibility Built-In: Points roll over. So if you earn 8 in one month and 12 the next, you’ll still meet your target.
This system is designed to reward consistent effort. It’s not just about volume — it’s about progressive engagement.
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Bonus Opportunities: Combine with Other Grants and Support Schemes
The JS Scheme isn’t a standalone. You can combine it with other government benefits for greater financial security and career progression.
Here are some you may also qualify for:
- MediSave Grant for Newborns — S$4,000 for each newborn (Learn more)
- Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) — For low-income workers who start working again
- SkillsFuture Credit Top-ups — Use to pay for training courses
- Career Conversion Programmes — Receive salary support during retraining (WSG site)
These schemes are part of Singapore’s broader progressive employment ecosystem, allowing individuals to shift industries or advance skillsets while staying financially afloat.
FAQs On Singapore’s New Support Scheme
Q: What if I get a job during the scheme?
A: You will no longer be eligible for payouts once you gain full-time employment. However, part-time or temporary gigs may be allowed if they don’t exceed income caps.
Q: Can I choose what activities to do each month?
A: Yes. You have flexibility to choose which point-generating activities suit your schedule and goals.
Q: Can homemakers or freelancers apply?
A: Only if they meet the employment and income criteria. Homemakers without income history may not qualify.
Q: What if my application is rejected?
A: You can appeal or re-apply if new supporting documents become available. You may also visit a Career Centre for case-specific advice.
Q: Are payouts subject to tax?
A: No, the funds are considered non-taxable relief.
Where to Get Help: Career Centers and More
If you’re unsure whether you qualify or need help applying, you can visit official career centers across Singapore.
Careers Connect @ Lifelong Learning Institute
- Address: 11 Eunos Road 8, #02-02, Singapore 408601
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
ServiceSG Centre @ Our Tampines Hub
- Address: 1 Tampines Walk, #01-21, Singapore 528523
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
ServiceSG @ Woodlands
- Address: 900 South Woodlands Drive, #04-01, Singapore 730900
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
