The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) has been one of Singapore’s most important support schemes for lower-wage workers. It was created to encourage people to stay in the workforce while also making sure they have enough savings for retirement. In 2025, the scheme has been improved with higher payouts and wider coverage. Among the new updates, the $2800 payment stands out as a meaningful boost for many workers.
Who Can Get Workfare in 2025
To qualify for Workfare, you must be a Singapore citizen and at least 30 years old in the work year. The only exception is for persons with permanent disabilities, who can qualify even if they are younger. Your monthly income must also be within limits. In 2025, the ceiling has been raised to $3000 per month, which allows more workers to benefit. Whether you are working full-time, part-time, or even self-employed, you can qualify if your income falls within this limit. There are also rules about property and family income. The home you live in must have an annual value of $21,000 or less, and you cannot own more than one property. If you are married, your spouse’s yearly assessable income must not exceed $70,000, and together you should own only one property.
Understanding the $2800 Payout
The $2800 figure refers to the maximum payout that workers in certain age groups can receive in a year. For example, workers between 45 and 59 years old who meet the income and property conditions may receive this full amount. For employees, the payout is not given as a lump sum. Instead, it is spread out across the year, with part of it going directly into your bank account and the rest credited into your CPF. This balance helps with daily expenses while also strengthening retirement savings. For the self-employed, the payout comes once a year. A smaller share is given in cash, while most of it goes into MediSave, building up healthcare savings for the long term.
How Employees Receive Workfare
If you are employed, you don’t need to apply for Workfare. The CPF Board will check your eligibility automatically using the CPF contributions made by your employer. Once approved, the cash portion will be credited to your PayNow-NRIC or your registered bank account. If you do not have either, you can still receive your money through GovCash at collection points. The rest of the benefit will be placed into your CPF accounts, split between the Ordinary, Special, and MediSave accounts.
How Self-Employed Workers Claim
If you are self-employed, you will need to take a few extra steps. You must declare your income every year when filing your taxes with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). You also need to make MediSave contributions based on your declared income. Once these steps are completed, your Workfare payout will be processed automatically and credited by the middle of the following year. This means you may need to wait a little longer compared to employees, but the payout still provides important support.
Cash Versus CPF Contributions
One key feature of Workfare is that the payout is split between cash and CPF. Employees typically receive about 40 percent in cash and 60 percent in CPF savings. This ensures you have money for today while also preparing for tomorrow. For the self-employed, the split is different. Only about 10 percent is given in cash, with the bulk credited into MediSave. While this means less cash in hand immediately, it greatly strengthens healthcare protection over time.
How to Make Sure You Get Paid
To avoid delays, employees should make sure their PayNow-NRIC or bank details are updated with CPF Board. This helps the money reach you faster. Self-employed workers should not delay filing their tax returns or making MediSave contributions. The earlier this is done, the quicker the Workfare payout can be credited. Keeping proper records of income and contributions will also make the process smoother.
Why Workfare Matters
The Workfare scheme is about more than just money. It shows that every worker, regardless of income, is valued and supported. The balance between cash for immediate needs and CPF for long-term security makes it a strong safety net. In an ageing society, this approach is especially important. It helps lower-wage workers manage today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s retirement and healthcare needs.
The Workfare Income Supplement 2025 is one of Singapore’s key social support schemes, giving both financial relief and long-term stability. With the enhanced payout of up to $2800, more Singaporeans will feel the benefit of stronger protection and recognition for their hard work. Employees enjoy an automatic payout system, while the self-employed must declare income and contribute to MediSave to qualify. By staying updated and fulfilling the requirements, workers can make the most of this important support.