Claim Your $2,800 Workfare Boost in Singapore – 2025 Self-Employed Payout Alert!

The government of Singapore has never failed to support the low-income earners in this country. The outcome of such thought is the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme which was initially proposed back in 2007. This scheme is specially targeting the persons who either hold low-paid jobs or are self-employed (SEPs), and who have an irregular income flow. The core purpose of this scheme is to bring financial stability among such people, so that they could become independent towards a better future.

Big change in 2025: Now self-employed will get payment of up to S$2,800

As of early 2024, the Singapore government has distributed more than S\$10.5 billion to more than 10 million eligible workers under the WIS scheme. But some important improvements are being made to this scheme in 2025, under which self-employed individuals can get annual assistance of up to S\$2,800. This amount will be given in two parts—10% in cash and 90% will be deposited in the MediSave account.

What is the Workfare Scheme?

The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) is a government support program whereby a low-income worker and self-employed individuals receive financial aid. It is scheduled to:

• Boost income
• Encourage savings in CPF and MediSave accounts
• Prepare for retirement

For self-employed individuals, WIS helps in two ways:

1. Cash payments: to meet everyday needs.
2. MediSave top-up: to support medical and retirement expenses.

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Why is WIS important for the self-employed?

Self-employed individuals usually do not receive any CPF contribution from the employer. This leaves them with the following major challenges:

• Lack of regular savings
• Lack of preparation for health emergencies
• Vulnerability to economic instability or recession

WIS fills these gaps so that even self-employed individuals can move towards a stable and secure future. The amount of support also increases with age, allowing older people to receive more benefits.

Eligibility for WIS: What conditions must be met in 2025?

Self-employed people must meet some key conditions to receive WIS benefits:

1. Age

• The minimum age must be 30 years as of 31 December.
• Persons with disabilities are eligible at any age.

2. Income limits

• Monthly average net business income (NTI) must be between S\$500 and S\$2,500.

3. Contributions to MediSave

• Timely contributions to MediSave for the eligibility year are mandatory.

4. Value of residential property

• The property in which the person lives must have an annual valuation (AV) of no more than S\$21,000.

5. Spouse’s Income

• If married, spouse’s annual income should not exceed S$70,000.

Payment Structure: Balance in Cash and Medisave

WIS payments are made once a year and are divided into two parts:

• 90% in Medisave: To support long-term savings and medical expenses
• 10% in Cash: To meet immediate needs

For example:

If a person receives the maximum of S$2,800, the distribution would be as follows:

• S$280 in Cash
• S$2,520 in Medisave

Maximum payout range by age

Age Group	Maximum payout before 2023	Maximum payout after 2023
30–34 years	Not Applicable	S$1,400
35–44 years	S$1,133	S$2,000
45–54 years	S$1,667	S$2,400
55–59 years	S$2,200	S$2,800
60 years and above	S$2,667	S$2,800

This classification shows that the government is giving special emphasis on the economic empowerment of the elderly.

When is the payment made?

• WIS is paid by April every year.
• For example: If you have worked in 2024 and made all the contributions on time, the payment will be made by April 2025.
• In case of delay: If income declaration or Medisave contributions are made late, the payment may also be delayed.

How to receive WIS payment?

Even though the process is automated, self-employed individuals still need to take some necessary steps:

1. Declare income

• Declare net business income (NTI) to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
• This process takes place between 1 March and 18 April every year.

2. Contribute to MediSave

• Make contributions to MediSave by 31 December for the year you worked.

3. Update bank account information

• Update your bank account information with the CPF Board.
• Payment is made via PayNow or registered bank account.
• If there is no bank account, payment is made through GovCash.

Foundation of financial security in the long term

WIS scheme not only provides immediate relief, but it also provides long term relief.It also helps ensure long-term financial stability. The scheme empowers self-employed individuals in the following ways:

• Balance MediSave
• Prepare for medical needs
• Saving for retirement

The scheme is an integral part of Singapore’s “Inclusive Growth” strategy, which ensures that everyone—no matter what class of society they belong to—must have financial security.

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Conclusion: An initiative to empower every hand

The Workfare Income Supplement Scheme is the result of the Singapore Government’s vision that economic growth is meaningful only when it benefits every segment of society. WIS is a ray of hope for those who are self-employed, low-wage or close to old age.

In case you can fit into these criteria, then this scheme can transform your life. Do not lose this chance – work by the deadline and save your future.

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