Workfare Income Supplement: If you’re a lower-wage worker in Singapore, there’s good news coming your way. Starting January 1, 2025, the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme will be enhanced to better reward your effort and encourage continued employment. Eligible workers can now receive up to S$4,900 per year, up from the previous cap of S$4,200. This change reflects the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of hardworking Singaporeans.
Whether you’re an employee, a platform worker, or self-employed, these changes are set to bring more financial stability and retirement security through CPF and cash payouts.
Workfare Income Supplement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Annual Maximum Payout | Up to S$4,900 in 2025 |
| Previous Cap | S$4,200 |
| Income Ceiling Raised | From S$2,500 to S$3,000 |
| Eligible Age | 30 years and above (any age for persons with disabilities) |
| Cash & CPF Split | 40% in cash, 60% to CPF for employees |
| Official Link | CPF Workfare Scheme |
The Workfare Income Supplement 2025 update is a welcome move that brings stronger support to Singapore’s lower-wage workforce. By raising the income ceiling and boosting annual payouts, the scheme is now more inclusive and impactful. Whether you’re working in a shop, making deliveries, or self-employed, this scheme puts real dollars into your pocket while strengthening your CPF for the future.
What is the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)?
The WIS scheme is part of Singapore’s broader social safety net. It’s designed to top up the salaries and CPF savings of lower-wage workers, motivating them to remain employed while helping them save for the future. First introduced in 2007, WIS plays a key role in reducing income inequality and promoting inclusive growth.
In 2025, enhancements to the scheme will significantly expand support to more workers by raising income limits and boosting annual payouts.
What’s New in 2025?
1. Increased Annual Payouts
From 2025, eligible workers can receive up to S$4,900 per year, depending on age and income level. This is especially helpful for senior workers and persons with disabilities, who receive the highest payout tier.
2. Higher Monthly Income Ceiling
The monthly income ceiling for eligibility has been increased from S$2,500 to S$3,000, allowing more Singaporeans to qualify.
3. Better Support for Persons with Disabilities
Regardless of age, persons with disabilities will qualify for maximum payouts, ensuring inclusivity and financial dignity.
4. Platform Workers Now Included
Platform workers – such as delivery riders and private-hire drivers – will now receive monthly payouts from 2025. Starting 2029, those who opt into enhanced CPF contributions will also enjoy higher WIS payouts.
Who is Eligible for WIS in 2025?
To qualify for the Workfare Income Supplement scheme in 2025, you must meet the following conditions:
Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a Singapore Citizen
- Aged 30 years and above, or any age if you have a disability
- Earn an average gross monthly income of S$500 to S$3,000
- Live in a property with an Annual Value (AV) not exceeding S$21,000
- Own no more than one property
- If married, your spouse’s income must not exceed S$70,000, and you must jointly own only one property
These criteria help ensure WIS reaches those who need it most – lower-income workers who are committed to staying in the workforce.
Workfare Income Supplement: How Much Will You Get?
The amount you receive under WIS depends on:
- Your age
- Your average monthly income
- Your employment type (employee, self-employed, or platform worker)
You can use the WIS Calculator to estimate your payout.
Payout Structure Explained
For Employees
- Payouts are made monthly
- 40% in cash, deposited to your bank account
- 60% credited to your CPF to build long-term savings
For Self-Employed Persons (SEPs)
- Payouts are made annually
- 10% in cash, 90% to MediSave
- Must declare income to IRAS and contribute to MediSave
For Platform Workers
- From 2025: Receive monthly payouts
- From 2029: Those opting into enhanced CPF will receive employee-level WIS amounts
This payout structure ensures a balance between immediate support and future financial security.
No Application Needed for Employees
If you’re employed and meet the criteria:
- You do not need to apply
- Your eligibility is automatically assessed based on CPF contributions by your employer
For Self-Employed Persons, you must:
- Declare your income with IRAS
- Make MediSave contributions
Why WIS Matters in 2025
WIS is more than just a government handout. It’s a way to recognize the contributions of lower-wage workers while promoting dignity, continued employment, and retirement adequacy. In an era where costs of living are increasing, WIS helps close income gaps and ensures that no hardworking Singaporean is left behind.
These enhancements are part of broader national efforts, including Progressive Wage Model (PWM) policies, to raise real incomes and promote upward mobility.
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FAQs on Workfare Income Supplement
1. Do I need to apply for WIS if I am an employee?
No. Employees do not need to apply. The CPF Board automatically assesses eligibility based on your monthly CPF contributions.
2. What if I’m self-employed?
You need to declare your income with IRAS and make MediSave contributions. Your WIS payout will be processed after these steps.
3. How often will I receive WIS payouts?
Employees and platform workers receive monthly payouts. Self-employed individuals receive payouts annually.
4. What happens if I exceed the S$3,000 monthly income cap?
You will not be eligible for WIS during the months where your average monthly income exceeds the threshold.
5. Where can I check my eligibility or calculate my payout?
Visit the official CPF WIS page or use the WIS Calculator.
