Singapore’s WIS 2025 provides vital financial assistance for workers earning less than S$3,000 per month, offering up to S$4,900 a year in combined cash payouts and CPF savings. Learn how to apply, check your eligibility, and understand the new monthly payment schedule in this detailed and easy-to-follow article.
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Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) 2025: What Singaporeans Need to Know
The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) is a key government scheme in Singapore aimed at helping lower-income workers boost their savings and ease financial pressures. In 2025, WIS continues to provide monthly support in the form of cash payouts and CPF contributions, making it easier for Singaporeans to save for retirement while managing day-to-day expenses.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about WIS — from who qualifies, how much you can get, to how and when payments are made.
What Is Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)?
WIS is a government financial assistance programme for Singaporeans who are working but earning a modest income. The scheme provides direct cash payouts and CPF top-ups to help workers save for their retirement.
Starting from 2025, WIS payments will be made every month instead of once a year, giving recipients a steady cash flow to support their daily expenses.
Who Can Get WIS?
To qualify for WIS, you need to meet these conditions:
- You must be a Singapore Citizen.
- You must be at least 30 years old by the end of the calendar year, or if you’re younger than 30, you must be a person with disabilities registered with the Social Service Offices.
- Your monthly earned income should be between S$500 and S$3,000. This means your average monthly salary from work must not exceed S$3,000 in the past 12 months.
- Your annual value (AV) of your primary residence must not be more than S$21,000. This is a property valuation done by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
- You should own only one property.
- If married, your spouse’s annual income must not exceed S$70,000.
For self-employed persons, there are slightly different rules and you must contribute MediSave regularly to qualify.
How Much Do You Get From WIS?
The amount of WIS you get depends on your age group and whether you’re a salaried worker or self-employed.
| Age Group | Maximum Annual WIS (Cash + CPF) | Monthly Approximate (Cash + CPF) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 to 34 | S$2,450 | About S$204 |
| 35 to 44 | S$3,500 | About S$292 |
| 45 to 59 | S$4,200 | About S$350 |
| 60 and above | S$4,900 | About S$408 |
Note: For self-employed persons, the cash portion is smaller, and more is credited into MediSave instead of CPF.
How Does Payment Work?
For Salaried Workers
- You receive 40% of your WIS in cash paid monthly directly into your bank account.
- The remaining 60% is credited into your CPF account, helping boost your retirement savings.
- Payments are based on the income you earned in the previous month.
For Self-Employed Persons (SEPs)
- You get 10% of your WIS in cash, paid annually after you file your income tax return and make MediSave contributions.
- The other 90% goes into your MediSave account, to help cover future medical costs.
For Platform Workers
- Starting 2025, eligible platform workers (like delivery riders and freelancers) will receive monthly WIS payments similar to salaried workers.
How To Qualify & Receive WIS
You don’t need to apply for WIS if you’re an employee — the CPF Board will automatically assess your eligibility based on your salary and CPF contributions made by your employer.
If you’re self-employed:
- File your income tax return on time every year.
- Make regular MediSave contributions based on your Net Trade Income.
- Ensure your income falls within the WIS qualifying range.
Platform workers also do not need to apply; relevant data will be collected from platform operators for eligibility assessment.
Why Is WIS Important?
- Provides Extra Income: The monthly cash payout helps ease day-to-day financial pressure.
- Boosts Retirement Savings: CPF top-ups mean you save more for retirement without extra effort.
- Supports Self-Employed: Helps those without a fixed salary still build medical savings.
- Encourages Work: Rewards workers who remain employed despite earning low wages.
Tips To Maximise Your WIS Benefits
- Keep Your Income Documents Updated: Ensure CPF contributions are timely and accurate.
- File Your Taxes On Time: Especially important for self-employed workers.
- Update Your Bank Account Details: So cash payouts go to the right place.
- Use The Cash Wisely: Budget the monthly payout for essentials first.
- Check Your CPF Account Regularly: Track your CPF and MediSave contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need to apply for WIS?
A: No application is needed for employees and platform workers. Self-employed persons must file taxes and make MediSave contributions to qualify.
Q2: When will I receive my WIS payments?
A: Payments are monthly for employees and platform workers, annually for self-employed. Monthly payments usually happen the month after you earn the income.
Q3: Can foreigners receive WIS?
A: No, only Singapore Citizens qualify for WIS.
Q4: What if I switch jobs or income changes?
A: Your eligibility will be assessed monthly based on your latest CPF contributions and income.
Q5: How do I check my WIS status?
A: Log in to your CPF account at cpf.gov.sg or contact CPF Board customer service.
Useful Links
- CPF Workfare Income Supplement page:
https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/growing-your-savings/government-support/workfare-income-supplement - SupportGoWhere WIS overview:
https://supportgowhere.life.gov.sg/schemes/E-WIS/workfare-income-supplement-wis-scheme
Conclusion
The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) is an essential support system helping Singaporeans with lower incomes stretch their budgets and build retirement savings. Understanding how it works and ensuring your eligibility helps you benefit fully from this scheme.
Make sure your employment and CPF records are up-to-date, and keep an eye out for monthly WIS payments to ease your finances throughout 2025.