The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) Scheme 2025 is one of Singapore’s biggest financial support programmes for lower-wage workers. It rewards Singaporeans who continue working by boosting their monthly income and CPF savings. For 2025, eligible workers can receive up to S$2,800 in total part of it paid in cash and the rest credited to their CPF account. This system gives workers financial help now, while also preparing them for a stronger retirement in the future.
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What Is the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)?
Workfare is a long-term government scheme designed to top up the wages of Singaporeans earning lower incomes. It supports both employees and self-employed people (known as SEPs) who continue working and contributing to the economy. You don’t need to apply if you’re an employee payouts are made automatically based on your CPF records. In 2025, the total payout can go up to S$2,800, depending on your age, income level, and job type. 40% of this is paid in cash to help with daily expenses, while 60% is credited to your CPF account mainly to your Retirement and MediSave accounts. This ensures that lower-wage workers get both short-term relief and long-term savings growth.
Workfare 2025 at a Glance
| Item | Details |
| Scheme Name | Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) 2025 |
| Maximum Payout | Up to S$2,800 for the 2025 work year |
| Cash–CPF Split | 40% Cash, 60% CPF (Retirement/MediSave) |
| Eligibility | Singapore Citizens aged 30+ (13+ for persons with disabilities) with modest income |
| Assessment Method | Employees: Automatic via CPF record, SEPs Must declare income + MediSave contributions |
| Payment Frequency | Employees: Monthly, SEPs After declaration and MediSave payment |
Who Qualifies for Workfare in 2025
To receive the Workfare payout, you need to meet several key requirements. You must be a Singapore Citizen, and if you’re an employee, you should be at least 30 years old in the work year. For persons with disabilities, the minimum age is 13. You must have worked and earned a modest income, generally below the S$2,500 monthly range, though the exact thresholds depend on your age and type of work. For employees, eligibility is determined automatically through CPF records submitted by employers. For self-employed people, it’s based on declared trade income and MediSave contributions. There are also household and property conditions. You should not own more than one property, and your household income per person must fall within the Workfare limits. Permanent residents and foreigners are not eligible. In short, the scheme aims to support Singaporeans who work hard, even in lower-paying jobs, by providing a meaningful financial top-up every year.
How Much Can You Get and How Will It Be Paid
The payout you receive depends on your age, income level, and whether you’re an employee or self-employed. The maximum payout for 2025 is S$2,800, and it is split into two parts cash and CPF. If you qualify for the full amount, S$1,120 will be paid in cash to your PayNow-NRIC or bank account, while S$1,680 will go into your CPF account. Employees usually receive their payments monthly, while SEPs get theirs after they declare income and complete their MediSave contributions. This design helps you in two ways by providing immediate cash support and by strengthening your CPF savings for future needs like healthcare and retirement.
How to Receive Your Workfare Payment
The process is simple, but it’s slightly different for employees and self-employed workers. For employees, there’s no need to apply. Your employer’s CPF submissions automatically determine your eligibility. Just make sure your PayNow-NRIC is linked to your bank account and that your details are correct with the government. You’ll receive updates via SMS or letter when your payout is processed.
If you’re self-employed, you must first declare your net trade income for the work year through IRAS or CPF Board, and then make the required MediSave contributions. Once these are done, your Workfare payout will be credited to your PayNow or bank account. Missing either step will delay your payout, so it’s best to complete them early.
Important Dates, Deadlines, and Payment Schedules
For employees, Workfare is paid automatically each month, based on the CPF wages reported by your employer. For SEPs, payments are processed after you declare your income and make full MediSave contributions. Typically, the deadline for declaration and contribution falls around March of the following year, but early completion ensures faster processing and earlier payout.
If you have not received your payment, you should first check that your PayNow-NRIC is linked to your bank and that your CPF contributions are up to date. Employees facing delays can check with their employers about CPF submissions, while SEPs should confirm both income declaration and MediSave payments are complete before reaching out to the CPF Board.
5 Simple Tips to Get Paid Faster
- Link your PayNow-NRIC as early as possible for faster crediting.
- Monitor your CPF contributions using the CPF Mobile App.
- Self-employed? Complete your MediSave payments early.
- Keep your contact and bank details updated to avoid payment issues.
- Use the Workfare Calculator to check your estimated payout tier on Workfare.gov.sg.
Don’t Miss Out on Your 2025 Workfare Support
The Workfare Income Supplement 2025 continues to play a huge role in helping Singaporeans who earn modest wages stay financially secure. It not only rewards your hard work but also helps you save for your future. Whether you’re an employee or self-employed, you can receive up to S$2,800 this year if you meet the eligibility criteria and complete the required steps on time. Make sure your PayNow-NRIC is linked, your CPF contributions are accurate, and your MediSave is paid if you’re self-employed. These small steps ensure you don’t miss out on the payout you’ve earned.
