In 2025, the Singapore Government significantly enhances the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme, extending support to lower-income workers, self-employed persons, and platform or gig workers. Eligible individuals can receive up to S$3,267 per year, split between immediate cash and MediSave (CPF) contributions. The updated scheme offers monthly payouts for employees and platform workers, and annual payouts for self-employed persons. The enhancements — higher income cap, monthly disbursement, and inclusion of gig workers — aim to improve financial resilience and CPF savings for the evolving workforce landscape.
What is Workfare Income Supplement
Workfare Income Supplement is a long-standing support scheme in Singapore designed to supplement the incomes and CPF savings of lower-wage citizens. It delivers both a cash component for current needs and MediSave contributions for future healthcare and retirement needs. With the 2025 revision, the annual maximum WIS amount has increased across all age groups, reflecting cost-of-living pressures and recognition of gig economy realities.
Who qualifies for WIS in 2025
Eligibility criteria for employees and self-employed persons
Citizens aged 30 and above (or persons with disabilities of any age) qualify if they earn between S$500 and S$3,000 monthly, live in a property with annual value not exceeding S$21,000, and own no more than one property. Married couples must ensure their spouse’s assessable income does not exceed S$70,000 per year. Eligibility also requires valid CPF MediSave contributions.
New category: Platform workers
From 2025, platform-based workers — such as private hire drivers, delivery riders, or freelance platform service providers — are included in the WIS scheme. They must meet the same wage and property criteria. Unlike earlier annual payouts, platform workers now receive monthly WIS disbursements, aligning with the structure for employees.
How much can you receive
Maximum annual entitlements
| Age Group | Max WIS (2025) |
| 30–34 | S$1,633 |
| 35–44 | S$2,333 |
| 45–59 | S$2,800 |
| 60 and above | S$3,267 |
The cash–MediSave split differs by employment type: employees receive 40 percent cash and 60 percent CPF, while platform workers and SEPs get 10 percent cash and 90 percent MediSave contributions.
Monthly or annual payouts
- Employees and platform workers receive monthly payments, typically two months after the work month ends
- Self-employed persons receive annual payouts by end of April following the work year, contingent on timely income declaration and MediSave contributions
Purpose and impact
WIS serves a dual role: providing short-term liquidity while bolstering MediSave accounts for future medical care. For gig workers without employer CPF contributions, it formalises saving and security. The monthly nature for platform and employee payouts helps with budgeting, and the MediSave accumulation supports long-term health planning.
How payments are disbursed
Cash portions are credited via PayNow linked to NRIC. If there is no PayNow, government benefits go into the registered bank account or GovCash. CPF portions go into MediSave accounts automatically. Notifications are sent via SMS or letters; no manual application is required.
What workers should do
- Employees and platform workers should ensure their monthly income and CPF contributions are properly logged by employers or platforms
- Self-employed persons must declare net trade income to IRAS via tax filing, make required MediSave contributions, and update payment details before deadlines
- Platform workers should verify that their platform operator accurately reports income; otherwise, CPF Board should be alerted
Strengths and considerations
Key advantages
- Significant increase in annual benefit, especially for older workers
- Wider coverage now includes platform and gig workers
- Monthly disbursement improves financial predictability
- MediSave contributions reinforce future healthcare preparedness
Things to note
- Cash percentage is lower for platform workers and self-employed persons compared to employees
- Income and property thresholds are strictly enforced
- Workfare is not available to permanent residents or foreign workers
- Noncompliance in income reporting or CPF contributions could delay or reduce payout
How to maximise the benefit
Keep monthly earnings between S$500 and S$3,000, and ensure CPF contributions are accurately reported. For self-employed persons, timely income declaration and MediSave payments before deadlines are critical. Stay updated on CPF summaries and Singpass notifications to confirm payouts.
Final summary
The enhanced WIS scheme of 2025 reflects Singapore’s adaptation to a changing workforce. With the revised caps, inclusion of platform workers, and improved frequency of payment, it strengthens both immediate income support and longer-term savings. For many lower-income Singaporeans, especially older ones or those in gig work, the annual S$3,267 supplement — combined with CPF contributions — offers both relief and resilience.