Singapore has launched the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) Scheme, a new initiative that provides financial aid of up to S$6,000 over six months to people who have lost their jobs. The scheme is managed by Workforce Singapore (WSG) and is meant to ease the stress of unemployment while encouraging jobseekers to stay active in their career search.
Applications for Singapore Citizens started in April 2025, while Permanent Residents will be eligible from early 2026. The government has made it clear that this is not just about handing out money but ensuring that financial help is tied to meaningful efforts in finding work and building new skills.
Who Can Apply for the Scheme
Not everyone will qualify for the Jobseeker Relief Scheme. It is designed mainly for those with a real need. Applicants must be 21 years or older and must have worked in Singapore for at least six months in the year before they became unemployed. Income is also a key factor. To qualify, the average monthly salary over the last 12 months must be S$5,000 or below before CPF deductions. This amount includes bonuses, overtime, and allowances.
Housing ownership is taken into account as well. Applicants must live in a property with an Annual Value (AV) of S$31,000 or less, which generally covers most HDB flats and some lower-value private homes. Most importantly, the loss of employment must be involuntary. This means retrenchments, dismissals due to business closure, or termination because of illness or injury. Those who left their jobs voluntarily are not eligible.
How to Apply for Assistance
Applications can be submitted online through the official go.gov.sg/jsscheme-eligibility
portal using Singpass. The process starts with a quick check to confirm eligibility, followed by the submission of necessary documents. Applicants will need to provide proof such as a termination or dismissal letter from the employer, 15 months of CPF contribution history, and, if the job loss was health-related, a medical certificate from a registered doctor. Once the application is submitted, WSG will verify the details with the former employer. The typical processing time is about 10 working days, and results are sent directly to the applicant’s email.
How the Payouts Work
The scheme does not provide a lump sum. Instead, the money is spread out over six months, with payouts linked to how active the applicant is in looking for work. In total, the maximum support is S$6,000, but monthly payouts are capped according to the person’s past salary and activity level.
For example, the first month allows a payout of up to S$1,500, while the following months range from S$750 to S$1,250. Payments will stop once the person secures a new job. This system ensures that financial help goes only to those who remain serious about finding employment.
Staying Active Through the Points System
To receive the monthly payouts, applicants must complete certain activities and earn points. These activities include submitting job applications, attending career coaching sessions, going for interviews, enrolling in SkillsFuture training courses, or networking with industry professionals. Each activity carries a set number of points, and applicants need to meet a monthly target. Proof such as interview confirmations, training certificates, or job application receipts must be uploaded through the JS Scheme portal. This points system helps ensure that people do not just wait for financial support but actively prepare for their next job.
More Than Just Financial Help
The Jobseeker Relief Scheme is part of a wider effort to strengthen Singapore’s workforce. Alongside the payouts, jobseekers will have access to programmes like Career Conversion Programmes that help workers switch industries, and the Mid-Career Pathways Programme, which offers hands-on training. Resume workshops, interview coaching, and skills advisory sessions are also available. By combining financial support with training and career services, the scheme provides both immediate relief and long-term readiness. It recognises that finding a new job takes time, but also that upskilling and career guidance can make a real difference in securing employment.
A Balanced Approach to Recovery
The S$6,000 Jobseeker Relief Scheme is not just another payout scheme. It is carefully designed to support people through difficult times while keeping them engaged in their job search. By linking financial support to proactive efforts, the government is encouraging resilience and adaptability among jobseekers. For many, this scheme will provide the breathing room needed to manage short-term expenses while building towards a stable future. For official details and updates, jobseekers should visit Workforce Singapore’s Jobseeker Support page.