Inflation rate has increased rapidly in Singapore in the last few years. Especially essential expenses like food items, transport and electricity and water are getting expensive day by day. Apart from this, the government has also increased the rates of GST (Goods and Services Tax), due to which the tax on everyday goods has also increased.
Due to this, common citizens, especially the elderly, low-income group and middle-class people are feeling a lot of financial pressure. Keeping this in mind, the government decided that to provide relief to the people, cash should be sent directly to their bank accounts.
A look at the cash payout
Subject Information
- Amount of support: Maximum $1,200
- Payment date: Start mid-July 2025
- Eligibility: Citizens aged 21 years and above, Annual income less than $34,000, No more than one property
- Payment methods: PayNow (linked to NRIC) or GIRO bank transfer
- Status check: via Singpass login on the Assurance Package Portal
What is the aim of the scheme?
The government aims to provide immediate relief to households that have been directly impacted by rising inflation, particularly:
- Families with a single breadwinner
- The elderly who rely on pensions
- Young people or students with low incomes
- Lonely residents with limited income
For example, if a person earns $30,000 per year and lives in HDB public housing, he or she is likely to receive the full $1,200 amount.
Eligibility Criteria – Who can avail this scheme?
The government has set some clear criteria for this scheme:
- The person must be a citizen of Singapore.
- He must be 21 years of age or older in 2025.
- The annual income should be $34,000 or less.
- He must have only one property in his name (if there are two or more properties, the amount will be less).
If you have a high income or you have private property, you will still get some amount – that is, not the full $1,200, but something between $600 and $800.
Important thing: You do not need to fill any form for this. The government itself will check the eligibility from your tax and property records.
Who is entitled to get how much amount?
The government has divided the amount into three categories keeping in mind the income, housing and property status of the citizens:
- $1,200: Low-income citizens who live in HDB (public housing).
- $800–$1,000: Middle-income citizens.
- $600–$800: People who own private property or have income above $34,000.
If you are a middle-income person and live in an HDB flat, you may get between $800 and $1,000. You will be notified by SMS or email in early July.
How and when will you get the payment?
The government will transfer the amount to your account in two ways:
- PayNow (linked to NRIC): If you have linked your bank account to your National Identity Card (NRIC), you will receive the payment directly. This is the fastest method.
- GIRO: If you haven’t set up PayNow but have a bank account registered with a government agency, you will still receive the money via GIRO.
Note: The last date to update your PayNow or bank account is 10 July 2025. If you do not update the information in time, your payment may be delayed.
Read more: $600 Cost of Living Support 2025 in Singapore: Relief for Families Explained
How to check your status?
You can visit the official website of Assurance Package and login with Singpass. There you will find the following information:
- Your income and eligibility status
- Your bank account details
- The amount and date you will receive
If any information is incorrect or needs updating, the portal will guide you on how to make the changes. There will also be a helpline available where you can call.
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Other government schemes that can help
Not just the $1,200 cash assistance, the Singapore government is running several other schemes in 2025 that can benefit you:
- GST Vouchers: Direct cash transfer to compensate for GST
- U-Save Rebates: Discount on electricity and water bills
- MediSave Top-ups: Help with health expenses
- CDC Vouchers: Vouchers to use for grocery shopping or local shops
If you are eligible for $1,200, you are almost certain to be eligible for these schemes as well. Once you log in to Singpass, you can see all your schemes in one place.
FAQs
Q1: Do I have to apply for this scheme?
A: No, the government will decide whether you are eligible or not based on your records.
Q2: When will you get the money?
A: Payments will start from mid-July 2025 and will be completed within two weeks.
Q3: Where can I check my payment status?
A: You can view the complete details by visiting the Assurance Package website and logging in with Singpass.
Conclusion
This relief package is a commendable move by the Singapore government in this era of rising inflation. Whether you are a young person, an elderly person, a student or a working citizen – if you are struggling financially, this cash assistance can be of great help to you.
Make sure your banking information is updated and keep checking your eligibility from time to time on the Singpass portal.