Singapore’s Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme is set for a major expansion in 2025, providing higher payouts, monthly support for platform workers, and raised income limits. The maximum annual payout will rise to S$4,900 for eligible employees, marking one of the most significant enhancements since the scheme’s launch.
The WIS program remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s inclusive growth model, rewarding consistent work while promoting long-term retirement and healthcare savings. Starting in January 2025, more workers — including delivery riders, eldercare aides, and gig economy participants — will be eligible for financial supplements.
Minister for Manpower Dr. Tan See Leng stated,
“Workfare is central to our social compact. The 2025 enhancements ensure that no worker is left behind, even as the economy evolves and job forms diversify.”
Table of Contents
Introduction to the WIS Program
The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) provides additional income and retirement savings support to Singaporean workers earning low to moderate wages. Introduced in 2007, it complements the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) and aims to enhance the take-home pay and CPF savings of workers who contribute regularly.
The WIS scheme offers:
- Cash payouts for immediate spending support.
- CPF contributions for long-term retirement savings.
- Automatic inclusion (no application needed for employees).
Starting 2025, WIS becomes even more inclusive — extending monthly payouts to gig workers and raising the income ceiling from S$2,500 to S$3,000 per month.
Key Features & 2025 Overview
| Feature | Details (2025 Update) |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) |
| Administered By | Ministry of Manpower (MOM) / CPF Board |
| Maximum Annual Payout | Up to S$4,900 (employees) |
| For Platform Workers | Monthly CPF-linked supplements |
| For Self-Employed Persons (SEPs) | Up to S$3,267 annually |
| Income Ceiling | S$3,000/month (raised from S$2,500) |
| Minimum Income (Work Year 2025) | S$500/month |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly (employees & platform workers), Annual (SEPs) |
| CPF Split (Typical) | 40% cash / 60% CPF |
| Implementation Start | January 2025 |
| Target Group | Low-wage employees, SEPs, platform workers, seniors, PWDs |
Eligibility Rules
The WIS payout in 2025 is based on work type, income level, and CPF contributions. Here are the key eligibility requirements:
Employees
- Must be a Singapore citizen aged 35 years or older (includes persons with disabilities aged 13 and above).
- Earn a gross monthly income (GMI) between S$500 and S$3,000.
- Must contribute to CPF regularly through an employer.
Self-Employed Persons (SEPs)
- Must declare Net Trade Income (NTI) to IRAS.
- Must make MediSave contributions by 31 March 2026 (for Work Year 2025).
- Income must be within the same S$500–S$3,000 range.
Platform Workers (e.g., Grab, Gojek, food delivery)
- CPF contributions are made monthly by platform operators.
- Receive monthly WIS directly, matching the employee structure.
CPF Board spokesperson Lim Shu Min explains,
“By switching platform workers to monthly payouts, WIS now mirrors the CPF rhythm of formal employees — offering predictability, savings growth, and stronger retirement readiness.”
Benefits of the 2025 WIS Enhancements
The 2025 upgrade delivers tangible financial support and structural improvements that help low-wage workers build sustainable livelihoods:
- Higher Maximum Payouts:
- Employees: Up to S$4,900 per year (previously S$4,200).
- SEPs: Up to S$3,267, with a stronger MediSave component.
- Monthly CPF-Based Payouts for Gig Workers:
- Ensures regular income top-ups and retirement growth.
- Inclusive Support for Seniors & PWDs:
- Higher age- and disability-based tiers provide enhanced help for vulnerable groups.
- Automatic Disbursement:
- Employees need not apply. CPF records determine eligibility.
- No Worker Left Behind:
- Aligns gig and full-time worker benefits within the same social framework.
Payment & Processing Details
| Worker Type | Maximum Annual Payout | Payment Frequency | Key Eligibility Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employees | S$4,900 | Monthly (paid ~2 months after the work month) | CPF contributions, income ≤ S$3,000 |
| Platform Workers | S$4,900 | Monthly (through CPF) | CPF contributions made by platforms |
| Self-Employed Persons | S$3,267 (top tiers) | Annually (April) | NTI declared, MediSave paid by 31 March |
| Seniors / PWDs | Higher rates | Monthly/Annual | Aged ≥60 or disabled, income ≤ S$3,000 |
Example:
If you earned S$2,200/month in 2025 and are aged 60, you could receive up to S$408 monthly (S$4,900 annually) — 40% as cash and 60% as CPF contributions.
WIS Payment Split (Employees):
- 40% cash: Deposited via PayNow–NRIC or bank transfer.
- 60% CPF: Credited to CPF accounts for retirement, healthcare, and housing savings.
How and When Payments Are Made
Employees
- WIS is assessed automatically from CPF contributions submitted by employers.
- Paid monthly, typically two months after the work month (e.g., January work = March payout).
Self-Employed Persons (SEPs)
- Paid annually after declaring NTI to IRAS and paying MediSave.
- Deadline for Work Year 2025: 31 March 2026.
Payment Methods
- PayNow–NRIC – Fastest method.
- Bank Transfer – To your registered bank account.
- GovCash via Singpass – If no bank account is linked.
Financial inclusion advocate Aisha Ng highlights,
“Ensuring PayNow–NRIC linkage is essential — it reduces delays and ensures workers get their cash component quickly and securely.”
Comparison: Old vs. New WIS Framework
| Category | Before 2025 | From January 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Income Ceiling | S$2,500/month | S$3,000/month |
| Maximum Annual Payout (Employees) | S$4,200 | S$4,900 |
| Platform Workers | Quarterly | Monthly |
| Self-Employed Persons | Annual payout | Annual payout (higher MediSave share) |
| Payment Split (Cash/CPF) | 30% cash / 70% CPF | 40% cash / 60% CPF |
| Coverage | Employees, SEPs | Employees, SEPs, Gig Workers |
| Seniors & PWDs | Enhanced tiers | Higher support maintained |
Steps to Ensure Smooth Claims
For Employees
- Confirm your employer submits CPF accurately each month.
- Check CPF contributions via the myCPF app or the CPF website.
- If contributions are delayed, contact your HR or CPF Board promptly.
For Self-Employed Persons
- Declare NTI to IRAS by 31 March 2026.
- Ensure full MediSave payment to qualify for 2025 payout.
- Keep digital or paper receipts as proof.
For All Workers
- Link your PayNow–NRIC to receive faster cash payments.
- Use the Workfare Calculator (Work Year 2025) on the CPF Board’s website to estimate your monthly or annual supplement.
Why the WIS 2025 Update Matters
Singapore’s 2025 WIS update reflects a deeper national commitment to uplifting lower-income and gig economy workers. By strengthening CPF-linked benefits and providing a steady cash flow, the scheme encourages workforce participation while safeguarding long-term well-being.
The move aligns with Forward Singapore’s goals of fairness, inclusivity, and resilience in the labour market.
Senior Economist Dr. Kelvin Chia summarizes,
“The 2025 WIS expansion reinforces the social compact between work and reward — balancing short-term relief with long-term security.”
FAQs on Singapore WIS Payouts 2025
Q1. What is the maximum Workfare payout in 2025?
Employees can receive up to S$4,900 annually; self-employed persons can receive up to S$3,267 (higher for seniors and PWDs).
Q2. Who qualifies for WIS in 2025?
Singapore citizens aged 35+ (or 13+ if disabled) earning S$500–S$3,000/month, with regular CPF contributions.
Q3. When will I receive my payment?
Employees and platform workers: Monthly (two months after the work month).
SEPs: Annually in April after fulfilling all tax and MediSave obligations.
Q4. How do I receive the cash portion?
Via PayNow–NRIC, bank transfer, or GovCash. Ensure your banking details are up to date.
Q5. Do I need to apply for WIS?
No. Employees are automatically assessed; SEPs must declare income to IRAS.
Q6. How can gig workers benefit?
From 2025, platform workers (Grab, Gojek, Foodpanda, etc.) will receive monthly WIS payouts, enhancing income stability.