As part of Singapore’s ongoing efforts to support low-wage workers, the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme has been enhanced for 2025.
Eligible individuals can now receive monthly payouts of up to SGD $4,900 per year, a significant boost designed to help them cope with rising living costs and plan for their retirement.
If you’re a low-income worker or planning for someone who might benefit, understanding the latest WIS updates is crucial.
Here’s everything you need to know about the WIS 2025 payouts, eligibility, application process, and payment structure.
What Is the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)?
The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) is a key initiative under the Singapore Government’s social support system, aimed at improving the financial well-being of lower-income Singaporean workers.
Introduced in 2007, the scheme supplements income through cash and CPF payouts, encouraging employment and enhancing retirement adequacy.
In 2025, the WIS scheme continues to play a central role in ensuring inclusive growth, with increased payout ceilings and relaxed qualifying conditions.
What’s New in WIS 2025?
The 2025 enhancements to the WIS scheme reflect Singapore’s broader effort to uplift low-wage workers. Key updates include:
- Annual maximum payout raised to $4,900 (previously $4,200)
- Wider income eligibility, now covering employees earning up to $2,500/month
- CPF and cash components to be disbursed monthly instead of quarterly
- Self-employed workers can receive payments more flexibly, depending on income declarations
These changes aim to make payouts timelier and better support day-to-day living expenses for beneficiaries.
Who Qualifies for WIS in 2025?
To qualify for WIS 2025, applicants must meet specific citizenship, income, and employment criteria. Below is a breakdown of the eligibility:
Basic Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Singapore Citizen |
| Age | At least 30 years old (or 13 for persons with disabilities) |
| Employment Status | Employed or self-employed |
| Monthly Income Ceiling | Up to $2,500 (raised from $2,300 in previous years) |
| Annual Assessable Income | ≤ $36,000 (for the preceding work year) |
| Property Ownership | Own no more than one property |
| Work Hours | Must have worked at least 6 months in the assessment year |
| CPF Contributions | Required unless exempt (e.g., some self-employed) |
WIS 2025 Payout Amounts
Depending on age and income level, WIS payouts vary. The higher your age (up to 67) and the lower your income, the more support you receive. Here’s a summary of the annual maximum payouts:
WIS Annual Payout Table (2025)
| Age Group | Maximum Annual Payout | Cash Component | CPF Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–44 years | $2,900 | $870 | $2,030 |
| 45–54 years | $3,600 | $1,080 | $2,520 |
| 55–59 years | $4,200 | $1,260 | $2,940 |
| 60 and above | $4,900 | $1,470 | $3,430 |
| Persons with Disabilities (PWD) | Same payouts apply based on age group | As above | As above |
Note: Payouts are disbursed monthly, improving financial liquidity for workers.
Payment Schedule for 2025
With the 2025 update, monthly disbursements have replaced the older quarterly system. Beneficiaries now receive one-twelfth of their total WIS payout each month, beginning in February 2025, based on the previous year’s income.
Sample Payment Timeline
| Month | Payment Description |
|---|---|
| February 2025 | First monthly WIS payment (for 2024 work year) |
| March–December 2025 | Remaining monthly installments |
If you’re a self-employed person, WIS payments start after filing your income declaration for the preceding year (usually from April onward).
How to Apply or Update WIS Status
Most employed individuals do not need to apply for WIS. Eligibility is assessed automatically via CPF contributions.
For Self-Employed Persons
- Declare your net trade income (NTI) to IRAS or CPF Board.
- Ensure Medisave contributions are made up-to-date.
- Payments will commence once eligibility is confirmed.
Check Your WIS Status:
You can verify your eligibility and expected payout through:
- Workfare eServices Portal
- Singpass App
- CPF Board Notifications
Why WIS Matters in 2025
With inflationary pressures and rising living costs, the WIS scheme provides critical financial support to a significant portion of Singapore’s workforce.
By boosting retirement savings and providing immediate cash flow, WIS helps reduce income inequality and promotes long-term financial security.
The 2025 enhancements ensure the scheme continues to match the needs of today’s lower-wage workforce, especially in industries like cleaning, food services, and retail.
The WIS 2025 updates mark a bold step toward greater income support for Singapore’s low-wage earners. With monthly payouts reaching up to $4,900 annually, the scheme is more responsive and impactful than ever before.
Eligible workers are encouraged to check their WIS status and ensure all income declarations are submitted on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When will WIS 2025 payments begin?
WIS payouts for the 2024 work year begin in February 2025 and continue monthly until the full annual amount is disbursed. Self-employed workers will receive payments once they declare income and meet Medisave requirements.
2. Do I need to apply for WIS if I’m employed full-time?
No. If you are an employed worker contributing to CPF, you do not need to apply. The CPF Board automatically assesses your eligibility and issues payments accordingly.
3. How do I receive my WIS payments?
Cash payouts are credited to your POSB/DBS bank account linked to your CPF account, and CPF portions are credited directly to your CPF accounts (Ordinary, Special, and Medisave).