Singapore is stepping up support for lower-income earners in the gig economy with the enhanced Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme in 2025. Platform workers — such as private-hire car drivers, delivery riders, and freelance workers engaged through digital platforms — will now be eligible for monthly payouts of up to $3,267 annually.
This financial boost is part of the government’s effort to ensure income security and long-term retirement readiness for workers who often fall outside traditional employment frameworks.
Who Qualifies for the $3,267 Workfare Payout in 2025?
To be eligible for the Workfare Income Supplement in 2025, platform workers must meet several key criteria:
- Must be a Singapore Citizen.
- Aged 30 years and above in 2025 (or any age if a person has disabilities).
- Earn less than $2,500 per month in average gross monthly income.
- Have at least $500 in total monthly income.
- Own no more than one property.
- Reside in a property with an Annual Value (AV) of $21,000 or less.
- If married, the combined income of you and your spouse must be $70,000 or less in the previous assessment year.
How Much Will You Receive?
The exact amount of payout depends on your age group. The older you are, the higher the payout — which ensures better support for older workers closer to retirement. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Age Group (in 2025) | Maximum Annual Payout | Monthly Cash Component (10%) | MediSave Contribution (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 – 34 | $1,633 | $163 | $1,470 |
| 35 – 44 | $2,333 | $233 | $2,100 |
| 45 – 59 | $2,800 | $280 | $2,520 |
| 60 and above | $3,267 | $327 | $2,940 |
| Any age (Persons with Disabilities) | $3,267 | $327 | $2,940 |
Note: Payouts are made monthly to eligible individuals.
How Are Payments Disbursed?
Beginning in March 2025, eligible platform workers will start receiving monthly payouts based on the previous month’s work. Here’s how the payout timeline works:
- PayNow-NRIC Users: Receive payouts by the end of the second month after the work month.
- GovCash Users: Receive payouts in the first week of the third month after the work month.
Monthly Payout Timeline Example:
| Work Month | PayNow-NRIC / Bank Credit Date | GovCash Collection Date |
|---|---|---|
| January | End of March | First week of April |
| February | End of April | First week of May |
| March | End of May | First week of June |
| April | End of June | First week of July |
| May | End of July | First week of August |
| June | End of August | First week of September |
Payouts will continue similarly for each work month through the year.
CPF Contributions: What Changes in 2025?
For the first time, CPF contributions will become mandatory for platform workers under 30 beginning in 2025. Here’s how the CPF changes work:
- Platform operators will deduct CPF contributions directly from workers’ monthly earnings.
- Workers can expect regular CPF contributions that go toward their retirement, healthcare, and housing needs.
- From 2029, all platform workers will receive enhanced WIS benefits, similar to full-time employees.
These changes bring platform workers closer to the financial protections enjoyed by salaried employees.
How the $3,267 Helps Platform Workers
The 2025 scheme is designed to meet both immediate and long-term financial needs:
- 10% of the WIS payout is given in cash, providing monthly support for day-to-day expenses.
- 90% goes to MediSave, strengthening future healthcare affordability.
- It ensures income stability, supports retirement adequacy, and increases financial inclusion for platform workers.
How to Receive Your Payment
To receive your cash portion, it’s crucial to:
- Link your NRIC to PayNow through your bank.
- Ensure your bank account information is updated.
- If you do not use PayNow or provide bank details, you can withdraw the amount using GovCash at designated ATMs.
The 2025 Workfare enhancements mark a significant financial upgrade for Singapore’s platform workers. With monthly payouts of up to $3,267, automatic CPF contributions, and a clear disbursement structure, this scheme supports both immediate needs and long-term security. Workers are encouraged to ensure accurate records and bank linkage to benefit fully.
FAQs
Do I need to apply to receive the Workfare Income Supplement in 2025?
No application is needed. Payouts are automatically processed based on your earnings and age, provided you meet eligibility criteria.
What happens if I don’t link PayNow-NRIC or provide a bank account?
You will still receive your WIS cash through GovCash, but the payout will be delayed by about a month compared to PayNow users.
Are CPF contributions optional for platform workers in 2025?
CPF contributions are mandatory for workers under 30 in 2025. Older workers may still opt in voluntarily until full implementation by 2029.