S$1,200 Workfare Bonus Confirmed for 2025 – Are You Eligible for Singapore’s New Payout?

In 2025, a one-time S$1,200 Workfare Special Payment will be given out by the Singapore Government as financial support for low-income workers. The payment is one of the payouts under the broader Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme to reward sustained employment and continued workforce participation and attempts to help the low-wage earners in coping with the rising cost of living.

Objectives of the S$1,200 Special Payment

The Workfare Special Payment stands as a direct cash uplift to eligible Singaporeans who continue to work for a lower wage. In this very targeted way, where these persons have been recognized by the Government for their efforts in many roles that include cleaning, retail, logistics, and food services amongst others.

Besides complementing the income of those who need such help, this payment also stands toward the upliftment of retention of low-wage workers in the long term. It stands to complement other cost-of-living interventions such as the Assurance Package and the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme.

2025 Workfare Payment: Eligibility Reminders

Eligible for the S$1,200 Workfare Special Payment in the year 2025 will be those who can meet the current eligibility requirements stated under the Workfare Income Supplement scheme, that is to include the persons who are Singapore citizens from the age of 30 and upward, with a gross monthly income of not more than S$2,500, worked as an employee or were self-employed for at least a few months in the assessment year.

The actual amount paid will be based on the age and income of individual members, as older workers and lower-waged earners tend to receive higher payments. The Government will review these claims automatically based on income records submitted to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) and also to tax authorities. Therefore, there is no need for separate applications.

Payment Disbursement and More

Commencing in the latter half of 2025, payment of the S$1,200 is to take place in one single disbursement. The majority of the workers will be disbursed monies through the bank accounts of the workers via PayNow-NRIC, which currently stands as the fastest and most secure method approved for banks transferring funds for government purposes.

Payouts of workers without PayNow-NRIC linkage will be disbursed via GovCash, where they can withdraw cash at OCBC ATMs across the island without requiring an ATM card. An advance notice of a few days will be sent to all eligible recipients via Singpass inbox, SMS, and official press releases from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Manpower.

How the Special Payment Fits into Broader Policy

It is one of the mechanisms that support the inclusive growth and address income inequality. The Workfare has expanded over recent years to include more self-employed persons and older workers, while the threshold has been considered for adjustments to ensure a greater number of workers can actually benefit.

Furthermore, the Government continues to rally for higher base wages through Progressive Wage Models, with employer co-funding support under the Progressive Wage Credit Scheme. Together, these aim to complement short-term relief with long-term wage sustainability for low-income earners.

Support for Continued Employment and Skills Development

Complementing the cash payouts, the Government also supports low-wage workers in pursuing skill enhancement courses and upgrading their skill sets through SkillsFuture and Workfare Skills Support (WSS). With enhanced skill sets, workers may be rewarded with better-paid roles, added incentives for further training, and consolidation of their career paths.

Alongside addressing immediate financial needs, this payment also sends a signal to the worker community that the Government stands ready to support them in their journey through an evolving economy.

Conclusion

An S$1,200 Workfare Special Payment for 2025 is a timely and well-targeted means of boosting income for low-wage workers who are still active in the labor market. With no requirement for application, automatic checks for eligibility, and easy cash disbursement, the scheme ensures that these measures will quickly and efficiently get into the hands of those who need them most. This initiative, therefore, represents Singapore’s commitment to equity and the dignity of work in tandem with evolving economic considerations and shared prosperity.

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