You Might Be Missing Out: If you’re a lower-income worker in Singapore, you could be eligible for up to $4,900 per year through the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme starting in 2025. This government initiative aims to supplement the income and boost the CPF savings of eligible workers, ensuring greater financial security. Whether you’re an employee, self-employed, or a platform worker, understanding the WIS can help you maximize your benefits.
You Might Be Missing Out
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Annual Payout | Up to $4,900 for eligible workers aged 60 and above |
| Eligibility Age | 30 years and above (no age limit for persons with disabilities) |
| Income Criteria | Gross monthly income between $500 and $3,000 |
| Property Criteria | Reside in a property with an annual value of $21,000 or less; own no more than one property |
| Payment Schedule | Monthly for employees and platform workers; annually for self-employed persons |
| Application Process | Automatic for employees and platform workers; self-employed persons must declare income and contribute to MediSave |
| Official Resource | CPF Workfare Income Supplement |
The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) 2025 enhancements are a powerful support tool for Singapore’s lower-income workforce. With payouts going up to $4,900 annually and automatic monthly payments for many workers, it’s a great time to take advantage of this scheme. Make sure you’re meeting the eligibility criteria, and if you’re self-employed, remember to declare your income and contribute to MediSave in time.
Understanding the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)
Introduced in 2007, the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) is a key component of Singapore’s social support system. It provides cash and CPF contributions to lower-income workers, encouraging employment and helping build retirement savings. As of February 2024, over S$10.5 billion has been disbursed to more than 1 million workers under this scheme.
Eligibility Criteria for WIS (Effective from 2025)
To qualify for WIS in 2025, you must meet the following conditions:
- Citizenship: Be a Singapore Citizen.
- Age: Be 30 years or older by December 31 of the work year. Persons with disabilities are exempt from the age criterion.
- Income: Earn a gross monthly income between $500 and $3,000.
- Property Ownership:
- Reside in a property with an annual value of $21,000 or less.
- Own no more than one property.
- Marital Status: If married, your spouse’s assessable income must not exceed $70,000, and together, you should own only one property.
Note: Persons with disabilities, ComCare recipients, and caregivers of individuals with permanent moderate to severe disabilities may qualify even if earning below $500.
WIS Payouts: How Much Can You Receive?
For Employees
| Age Group | 2023 Payout | 2025 Payout |
| 30–34 | $2,100 | $2,450 |
| 35–44 | $3,000 | $3,500 |
| 45–59 | $3,600 | $4,200 |
| 60 and above | $4,200 | $4,900 |
| Persons with Disabilities | $4,200 | $4,900 |
Employees receive 60% of WIS in CPF contributions and 40% in cash.
For Self-Employed Persons (SEPs)
| Age Group | 2023 Payout | 2025 Payout |
| 30–34 | $1,400 | $1,633 |
| 35–44 | $2,000 | $2,333 |
| 45–59 | $2,400 | $2,800 |
| 60 and above | $2,800 | $3,267 |
| Persons with Disabilities | $2,800 | $3,267 |
SEPs receive 90% of WIS in MediSave contributions and 10% in cash.
For Platform Workers
From 2025 to 2028, platform workers receive WIS amounts similar to SEPs. Starting in 2029, those with CPF contributions aligned to employee rates will receive higher WIS payouts, matching those of employees.
Payment Schedule
- Employees: WIS is disbursed monthly, two months after the work month. For example, January earnings are paid by the end of March.
- Self-Employed Persons: WIS is paid annually, provided income is declared and MediSave contributions are made by March 31 of the following year.
- Platform Workers: From March 2025, WIS is disbursed monthly, similar to employees.
You Might Be Missing Out: How to Apply for WIS?
- Employees: No application is needed. Eligibility is automatically assessed based on CPF contributions made by employers.
- Self-Employed Persons:
- Declare your Net Trade Income (NTI) to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) via my Tax Portal.
- Contribute to your MediSave account based on your declared NTI.
- Platform Workers: No application is needed. CPF contributions are deducted by platform operators, and eligibility is automatically assessed.
Singapore’s Workfare 2025: Are You Missing Out on Bigger Payouts?
FAQs on You Might Be Missing Out
Q1. Do I need to reapply for WIS every year?
No. If you’re an employee or platform worker, the system will assess your eligibility automatically. Self-employed persons need to declare income and contribute to MediSave yearly.
Q2. Can I receive WIS if I work part-time?
Yes, as long as your gross monthly income is between $500 and $3,000 and you meet other eligibility criteria.
Q3. What if my income varies every month?
The WIS scheme considers your average monthly income across the year to determine your eligibility and payout.
Q4. Is the WIS payout taxable?
No. WIS payments are not taxable
