As inflation and living costs continue to rise, the Singapore government has reaffirmed its commitment to helping households manage essential expenses through targeted financial assistance. One of the most anticipated measures in 2025 is the $700 Cost of Living (COL) Support, part of the broader Assurance Package designed to cushion the impact of inflation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase.
Eligible Singaporeans could receive up to $700 in direct cash payouts, depending on their income level and property ownership. For many, this support represents a meaningful boost to manage everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, transport, and healthcare.
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted: “This package ensures that lower- and middle-income Singaporeans are well-supported during a time of cost pressures. The help is tangible, fair, and well-targeted.”
Table of Contents
Overview – Singapore $700 Cost of Living Support 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Cost of Living (COL) Support / Assurance Package Cash 2025 |
| Administered By | Ministry of Finance (MOF), Singapore |
| Maximum Payout Amount | Up to $700 |
| Payout Month | December 2025 (expected) |
| Payment Type | One-time cash payout |
| Purpose | Help citizens cope with higher living costs and inflation |
| Eligibility Criteria | Singapore citizens aged 21 and above, with assessable income ≤ $100,000, and owning no more than one property |
| Payment Methods | PayNow (linked to NRIC), GIRO, or GovCash |
| No Application Required | Automatic disbursement based on IRAS and HDB data |
| Taxable? | No – it’s a government cash support, not taxable income |
| Expected Beneficiaries | Over 2.9 million adult Singaporeans |
Why This Support Matters?
Living in Singapore is costly, especially as prices for food, utilities, and transport have risen steadily. The government recognises that inflation affects low- and middle-income households most heavily.
The $700 Cost of Living Support payout isn’t intended to cover all rising costs — instead, it reduces immediate financial pressure and provides families with flexible funds they can use according to their priorities.
Flexibility and Impact
Unlike rebates restricted to utilities or service charges, the cash payout allows households to:
- Pay essential bills (e.g., utilities, rent, or school expenses)
- Buy groceries or household items
- Manage medical or transport costs
- Save for future needs
Economist Song Seng Wun noted: “These direct payouts are small but powerful. They reach citizens quickly and let families decide how to use the support.”
Who Qualifies for the $700 Support?
To receive the Cost of Living (COL) payout, individuals must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Condition |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a Singapore Citizen residing locally |
| Age | 21 years or older in the qualifying year (2025) |
| Income | Assessable income ≤ $100,000 (based on 2024 tax assessment) |
| Property Ownership | Must own no more than one property |
| Residency | Must be living in Singapore at the time of disbursement |
Who is not eligible?
- Permanent Residents (PRs) and foreigners
- Singaporeans with assessable income above $100,000
- Those owning multiple properties
Note: The government automatically uses data from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) and HDB/URA records, so there is no need to apply separately.
How is the Payout Amount Determined?
The payout amount varies depending on income level and property ownership. Citizens with lower incomes and only one property receive the highest support, while higher-income individuals or multiple property owners receive smaller payouts.
Estimated 2025 Cost of Living Payout Tiers
| Income Range (Assessable Income) | Property Ownership | Estimated Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $34,000 | 1 or no property | $700 |
| $34,001 – $100,000 | 1 or no property | $350 – $600 |
| Above $100,000 | Any number of properties | Not eligible |
| Owns more than 1 property | Any income level | Typically $200 or less |
This structure ensures fairness and focuses assistance where it is most needed.
Over the entire Assurance Package period (2022–2026), lower-income citizens may receive several thousand dollars in cumulative benefits — combining cash payouts, vouchers, and rebates.
How to Claim the Support?
The Cost of Living payout is automatically credited — no application is required.
Step-by-Step Disbursement Process
- Eligibility Check: The government assesses your eligibility using IRAS income and property records.
- Notification: You’ll receive an SMS or letter from the Ministry of Finance confirming your payout.
- Payment Method:
- PayNow–NRIC (fastest and most secure option)
- GIRO (credited to your registered bank account)
- GovCash (collection via ATM using Singpass, for those without bank accounts)
- Payout Date: Expected in December 2025, in time for year-end expenses.
Tip for Faster Payment
To ensure quick disbursement:
- Link your NRIC to your PayNow account with your bank.
- Update personal details (address, bank info) via Singpass/MyInfo before the payout period.
What to Do If You Didn’t Receive It?
If you believe you are eligible but did not receive the payout:
- Verify eligibility:
- Check your latest Notice of Assessment (NOA) for 2024 income.
- Confirm that your assessable income is below $100,000.
- Ensure you own no more than one property.
- Check payment setup:
- Confirm that your PayNow is linked to your NRIC.
- If not, your payout may have been redirected to GIRO or GovCash.
- Log in to the GovBenefits Portal:
- Use Singpass to view your payment and eligibility details.
- Contact support:
- If there are discrepancies, contact the Ministry of Finance (MOF) or visit a Social Service Office for verification.
Additional Support Beyond the $700 Payout
The COL support is part of Singapore’s broader multi-year social safety framework, including:
| Scheme | Purpose | Support Type |
|---|---|---|
| Assurance Package Cash | Offset GST increase | Cash payouts up to $700 |
| U-Save Rebates | Offset utilities bills | Up to $760 per year |
| CDC Vouchers | Help with daily expenses | $800 per household in 2025 |
| Service & Conservancy (S&CC) Rebates | Ease the cost of public housing maintenance | Quarterly rebates |
| MediSave Top-Ups | Support healthcare savings for seniors | Annual top-ups for eligible groups |
Together, these measures ensure comprehensive, layered support — addressing immediate needs while promoting long-term affordability.
Key Takeaways
| Key Point | Summary |
|---|---|
| Maximum COL Payout (2025) | Up to $700 |
| Eligibility | Singapore citizens aged 21+, income ≤ $100,000, ≤ 1 property |
| No Application Needed | Payouts are automatic via IRAS data |
| Payment Month | December 2025 (expected) |
| Disbursement Methods | PayNow–NRIC, GIRO, or GovCash |
| Purpose | Offset inflation and GST-related cost increases |
| Additional Support | CDC vouchers, U-Save, S&CC rebates, MediSave top-ups |
FAQs
Q1. How much will I receive from the 2025 Cost of Living payout?
Ans. Up to $700, depending on your income and property ownership.
Q2. When will Singapore $700 Cost of Living Support payments be made?
Ans. The December 2025 window is expected for disbursement, before the festive season.
Q3. Do I need to apply for the Singapore $700 Cost of Living Support?
Ans. No application is required — eligible citizens are identified automatically.
Q4. What if I don’t use PayNow?
Ans. Funds will be sent via GIRO or made available through GovCash.
Q5. Is this payout taxable?
Ans. No. It’s a government cash transfer, not taxable income.