As Singapore’s population continues to age, the government has been taking steps to ensure that seniors do not face financial struggles in their golden years. One major way they are doing this is by offering financial support through programs like the Silver Support Scheme and the Assurance Package (AP) Seniors’ Bonus.
In 2025, eligible seniors can receive up to S$1,080 every quarter through the Silver Support Scheme. This works out to as much as S$4,320 per year, which can make a big difference for retirees who may have limited income. Together with the AP Seniors’ Bonus, these schemes are designed to help lower- and middle-income seniors live comfortably, maintain independence, and age with dignity.
If you or your loved ones are seniors in Singapore, here’s a detailed guide to understand how these schemes work, who qualifies, and how the payments will be made.
The Silver Support Scheme: What Is It and Why Was It Introduced?
The Silver Support Scheme was launched in 2016 as part of Singapore’s social safety net for elderly citizens. Many seniors worked in low-paying jobs during their younger years, which means they now have little in their CPF (Central Provident Fund) savings. To bridge this gap, the government introduced this scheme to provide quarterly cash payouts directly to seniors in need.
The goals of the scheme are simple:
- To give seniors financial stability so they can afford daily living expenses.
- To ensure that seniors who contributed less during their working years are not left behind.
- To reduce income inequality among the elderly population.
Unlike some benefits that require you to apply, the Silver Support Scheme is automatic. If you qualify, the CPF Board will send you a letter every December confirming your eligibility for the following year.
Who Qualifies for the Silver Support Scheme?
Eligibility is assessed automatically every year by the CPF Board, so seniors do not need to apply. However, there are a few conditions that must be met:
- You must be a Singapore citizen.
- You must be at least 65 years old.
- You must have low lifetime wages. This means your total CPF contributions by age 55 should be S$140,000 or less.
- You must live in a 1- to 5-room HDB flat. Seniors who own private property or multiple properties do not qualify.
- Your household income must be S$2,300 or less per person.
If you meet all these conditions, you will receive a letter in December confirming your eligibility for the next year’s payouts.
How Much Will You Receive?
The amount you receive depends on your household income and the size of the HDB flat you live in. Here’s a breakdown:
| HDB Flat Type | Income ≤ S$1,500 (per capita) | Income between S$1,501–S$2,300 (per capita) |
|---|---|---|
| 1- & 2-room | S$1,080 per quarter | S$540 per quarter |
| 3-room | S$860 per quarter | S$430 per quarter |
| 4-room | S$650 per quarter | S$325 per quarter |
| 5-room | S$430 per quarter | S$215 per quarter |
For example, a senior living alone in a 2-room flat with very low income could receive the maximum of S$1,080 every three months, adding up to S$4,320 a year.
When Will You Get Paid?
Payments are made every three months, and the money is usually credited directly to your bank account linked to PayNow-NRIC. If you do not have PayNow set up, the money will be sent to your registered bank account or through GovCash.
Here’s the 2025 payment schedule:
- 31 December 2024 (for January–March 2025)
- 31 March 2025 (for April–June 2025)
- 30 June 2025 (for July–September 2025)
- 30 September 2025 (for October–December 2025)
To avoid delays, it’s best to make sure your bank account details are up to date with CPF.
The Assurance Package (AP) Seniors’ Bonus: Extra Help in 2025
Apart from the Silver Support Scheme, seniors may also receive the Assurance Package (AP) Seniors’ Bonus. This bonus was introduced to help Singaporeans cope with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase and other rising costs of living.
Key details:
- You must be 55 or older as of 2025.
- Your assessable income must be S$34,000 or less.
- The Annual Value (AV) of your home must not exceed S$31,000 as of 31 July 2024.
- You must own only one property.
The amount you receive depends on your age and the AV of your home:
| AV of Residence | Ages 55–64 | Ages 65 and above |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ S$21,000 | S$250 | S$300 |
| S$21,001–S$31,000 | S$200 | S$200 |
Payments for the AP Seniors’ Bonus will be made in February 2025. Seniors with PayNow linked to their NRIC will receive it first, followed by direct bank credits and GovCash.
How Do You Check Your Eligibility and Payment Status?
To see if you qualify or to check your payment history, you can visit:
- CPF Board website: www.cpf.gov.sg
- GovBenefits portal: www.govbenefits.gov.sg
Simply log in with your Singpass, go to the “My Benefits” section, and you’ll be able to see all the information about your payouts.
Conclusion
The enhanced Silver Support Scheme and the AP Seniors’ Bonus in 2025 are important steps to ensure that Singapore’s seniors do not struggle financially in retirement. The Silver Support Scheme alone can provide up to S$4,320 annually for those most in need, and the AP Seniors’ Bonus offers extra help to cushion the impact of higher living costs.
If you’re a Singapore citizen aged 65 or older and living in a 1- to 5-room HDB flat, you may already qualify without having to apply. Just make sure your PayNow or bank account details are updated so you don’t miss a payment.
These schemes show Singapore’s commitment to caring for its elderly population, allowing them to age gracefully with financial stability and peace of mind.
FAQs
1. What is the $1,080 payment for Singapore seniors?
This is a one-time cash payout announced by the government to support eligible senior citizens in Singapore with their living expenses.
2. Who is eligible for the $1,080 payment?
Seniors must meet specific age, residency, and income criteria. Typically, Singapore citizens aged 65 and above who meet the required conditions qualify for this payout.
3. When will the $1,080 payment be made?
Payments are expected to be distributed in the scheduled month announced by the government. Most eligible seniors will receive their payout via direct bank transfer or other official payment methods.
4. Do I need to apply for the payment?
No application is usually required. Eligible seniors will be automatically identified based on government records.
5. How will I receive the payment?
The $1,080 payment will be credited directly to your registered bank account. Seniors without a bank account may receive alternative payment arrangements, such as through government-issued cheques.