Singapore $1,000 Workfare Skills Support, Who Qualifies and How to Claim

The Singapore government continues to encourage lifelong learning and skills upgrading through various support schemes. One of the most attractive initiatives is the Workfare Skills Support (WSS) Scheme, which provides cash awards of up to $1,000 to eligible workers who take up training. This scheme is part of Singapore’s long-term strategy to improve employability, raise income levels, and support lower-wage workers in staying competitive in a fast-changing economy.

In this article, we explain what the WSS scheme is, who qualifies, and the steps to claim your benefits.

What is Workfare Skills Support (WSS)?

The Workfare Skills Support is an incentive under the broader Workfare Programme, designed to encourage continuous training and skills upgrading among lower-wage workers.

Eligible Singaporeans can receive:

• Up to $1,000 in cash awards for completing eligible training courses.
• Training fee subsidies covering up to 95% of course fees, making it affordable to pick up new skills.
• Absentee Payroll Support to help employers offset salary costs when workers are away for training.

This ensures that workers not only benefit from learning but also do not face major financial burdens when upgrading their skills.

Overview Table

The scheme does more than provide financial assistance. It is designed to improve long-term employability and income growth.

Benefit	Details
Cash Award	Up to $1,000 for training completion
Subsidised Course Fees	Up to 95% subsidies on approved courses
Absentee Payroll	Employers reimbursed for worker’s training time
Automatic Eligibility	Linked with Workfare Income Supplement
Long-Term Skills Growth	Better employability and future income prospects

Who Qualifies for the $1,000 WSS?

To be eligible for the Workfare Skills Support cash awards and subsidies, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Citizenship: Must be a Singapore Citizen.
• Age: 30 years and above.
• Income: Earn a monthly income of $2,500 or less.
• Work Status: Must be employed or self-employed.
• Training Requirement: Enrol and complete training courses approved by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG).

Additional Notes

• Workers who are eligible for the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) are automatically eligible for WSS.
• The cash award is disbursed based on completed courses and training effort.

How to Claim the $1,000 Workfare Skills Support

Claiming your WSS award is straightforward, but you must complete approved training to qualify.

Step 1: Enrol in Eligible Courses

Choose from a wide range of SkillsFuture-approved courses, which cover sectors like digital skills, finance, logistics, healthcare, and more.

Step 2: Complete Your Training

Attend the classes, fulfil attendance requirements, and pass the course assessments where applicable.

Step 3: Receive Cash Award Automatically

There is no need to submit a separate application for the WSS cash award. Once you successfully complete your course, the award will be credited automatically to your designated bank account via PayNow (NRIC-linked).

Conclusion

The Singapore $1,000 Workfare Skills Support Scheme is a golden opportunity for lower-wage workers to upskill without worrying about high costs. If you are above 30, earn $2,500 or less monthly, and are keen on upgrading your skills, this is the perfect time to make use of the scheme. With automatic cash awards, high subsidies, and wide course options, WSS ensures that continuous learning is both rewarding and affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)