From 2025, Singaporeans under the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme will receive a significant boost in support, with payouts raised to as much as $4,900 annually. Alongside this increase, the income ceiling for eligibility has also been revised, enabling more lower-wage workers to benefit from the scheme.
This update underscores Singapore’s continued commitment to uplifting lower-income workers, encouraging employment, and ensuring financial security for those most in need.
What is the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)?
The Workfare Income Supplement is a long-standing CPF scheme designed to improve the retirement savings and take-home pay of lower-wage workers. By providing both cash payouts and CPF top-ups, WIS helps workers meet daily expenses while building up long-term savings.
Eligible workers will now enjoy higher payouts starting in 2025, making the scheme more impactful than ever.
Key Changes in WIS 2025
The upcoming enhancements bring two major updates:
- Higher Payouts
- Maximum annual payout has been raised to $4,900, up from previous levels.
- Payments will continue to be split into cash (direct support) and CPF contributions (for retirement savings).
- New Income Ceiling
- The qualifying income ceiling has been raised, allowing more Singaporeans to benefit.
- This change reflects wage growth and ensures continued support for those most affected by rising costs of living.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the updated WIS scheme in 2025, workers must meet the following conditions:
- Age: At least 30 years old (or persons with disabilities aged 13 and above).
- Citizenship: Must be a Singapore Citizen.
- Employment: Employed or self-employed.
- Income: Monthly income within the new qualifying ceiling (raised in 2025).
- Property Ownership: Must not own more than one property.
Overview Table
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Annual Payout | Up to $4,900 |
| Disbursement | Split between cash and CPF |
| Cash Portion | Provides immediate financial relief |
| CPF Portion | Builds long-term retirement savings |
| New Income Ceiling | Higher threshold allows more workers to qualify |
How to Receive WIS Payments
The process remains straightforward and automatic:
- CPF Assessment – Eligibility is determined based on income records submitted via CPF.
- Automatic Payout – No separate application is needed for most employees; payouts are made automatically.
- Payment Channels – Cash portions are credited via PayNow (NRIC-linked) or GovCash, while CPF contributions go directly into your CPF account.
Conclusion
The Singapore CPF WIS 2025 update marks a meaningful step in supporting lower-wage workers. With higher annual payouts of up to $4,900 and a revised income ceiling, more Singaporeans will benefit from stronger financial assistance and retirement savings. This change not only eases present-day costs but also secures a brighter financial future for workers.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q1: What is the maximum WIS payout from 2025?
Answer= Up to $4,900 annually, split between cash and CPF.
Q2: Do I need to apply for WIS?
Answer= Most employees do not need to apply; payouts are processed automatically.
Q3: What is the new income ceiling for WIS 2025?
Answer= The ceiling has been raised, allowing more workers to qualify (exact updated figure announced by CPF).