In 2025, the Singapore government will not only reaffirm its commitment to the lower-wage workers with the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme but also enhance it. The amount S$3,267 that is the maximum annual payment for the eligible employees and self-employed persons (SEPs) will be credited to the respective workers. It is a huge increase meant to provide financial security and readiness for retirement.
What Is Workfare?
The Workfare scheme is the long-term and wage support program which is fundamentally to elevate the conditions of the lower-income Singaporeans. It is a blended program that guarantees immediate relief to the workers and at the same time they are building long-term savings for retirement and healthcare through cash payouts and CPF contributions.
Key Changes in 2025
From January 2025, the government increased Workfare support to the level of inflation and wage growth. The income limit was increased to S$3,000 thus enabling more workers to be included in the program. The maximum payments also increased, SEPs getting S$3,267 per annum as the uppermost limit from the previous year.
Who Qualifies?
The criteria for determining qualification are dependent on age, income, and employment status:
- Employees: Singaporean citizens who are at least 30 years old and earn no more than S$3,000 each month.
- Self-Employed Persons (SEPs): Need to show income and have made contributions to MediSave.
- Older Workers (60+) and Persons with Disabilities (PWD): Entitled to receive higher amounts.
How Much Will Workers Receive?
The amount to be paid out is determined by the scale that is different for employees and SEPs:
- Employees: Subject to age and income, the maximum payment is S$4,900.
- Self-Employed Persons: Get S$3,267 every year, mostly allocated to MediSave.
Payment Timeline
Disbursement of Workfare payments is done every three months, the cash is deposited directly in the accounts of the beneficiaries and the CPF contributions are assigned to retirement and healthcare savings.
Latest Information Table
| Category | Maximum Annual Payout (2025) | Mode of Payment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employees | Up to S$4,900 | Cash + CPF | Higher scale for older workers & PWDs |
| Self-Employed Persons | Up to S$3,267 | Cash + MediSave | Requires MediSave contributions |
| Income Threshold | S$3,000/month | N/A | Expanded in 2025 |
| Payment Frequency | Quarterly | Bank + CPF/MediSave | Automatic disbursement |
Expert Views
The economists deem that the increased Workfare scheme is vital in the process of income inequality being reduced and also ensuring that the weakest workers are not taken off the list. The cash relief that is immediate together with the CPF contribution, and vice versa, is what the scheme does in terms of short-term needs and long-term retirement planning.
Conclusion
The confirmation of the S$3,267 Workfare payout in 2025 serves as a reminder of Singapore’s commitment to support low-wage workers. The scheme not only provides financial relief but also security for retirement with expanded eligibility, higher payouts, and quarterly disbursements.