In April 2025, Singapore rolled out a S$6,000 payout for unemployed individuals through the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme, offering temporary financial relief while recipients actively pursue new job opportunities.
This article breaks down eligibility, payment dates, and benefit changes to help readers determine if they qualify—and how to apply.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Age & Citizenship: Singapore citizens aged 21 and above. Permanent Residents (PRs) will be included in Q1 2026.
- Income Cap: Earned an average gross monthly income of S$5,000 or less in the previous 12 months.
- Employment History: Previously employed in Singapore for at least 6 of the last 12 months. A one-off concession applies if involuntarily unemployed on or after April 1, 2024 and application is submitted by June 15, 2025.
- Involuntary Job Loss: Lost employment due to retrenchment, business cessation, dismissal, illness, injury, or accident.
- Residential Property Annual Value (AV): Living in a property with an AV of S$31,000 or less.
- No Prior Payouts: Not have received support under this scheme in the past three years.
How the Scheme Works
The S$6,000 payout is spread over six months, with monthly tiers incentivizing active participation in job-search activities:
| Month | Maximum Payout | Points Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S$1,500 | 10 points |
| 2 | S$1,250 | 10 points |
| 3 | S$1,000 | 10 points |
| 4 | S$750 | 5 points |
| 5 | S$750 | 5 points |
| 6 | S$750 | 5 points |
Recipients earn points through eligible activities such as job interviews, career coaching, resume updates, training courses, networking, and job applications. Points may vary from 1 to 4 points per activity, with monthly caps and excess points carrying forward.
Important: Each monthly payout is also capped by the individual’s previous average monthly income. For example, if someone previously earned just S$900, they won’t receive more than that amount.
Payment Schedule & Disbursement
- Scheme Launch: Started April 15, 2025.
- Application Period: Include early-concession applicants (job loss after April 1, 2024) if they apply by June 15, 2025.
- Disbursement: Funds are transferred 3–4 weeks after hitting point thresholds each month. Payments are made via PayNow‑NRIC, or GIRO/GovCash for those without it.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
- Visit go.gov.sg/jobseekersupport to complete the online application.
- Upload required documents:
- Termination letter or retrenchment notice
- Employment history with salary details
- Medical certificate, if terminated due to illness or injury
- Upon approval, the first monthly period starts immediately. Begin earning points right away by engaging in eligible job search activities.
- Track progress in the portal; report monthly unemployment status and upload supporting proof (e.g., interview confirmations, resume screenshots) .
- Await payout within the expected timeframe—3 to 4 weeks after meeting the necessary points.
Why This Matters
- The scheme acts as a safety net, allowing displaced young and middle-income earners to devote time to a meaningful job search without financial anxiety.
- Encourages proactive engagement through a points-based approach, fostering skill development and increasing employability.
- With the potential to support 60,000 residents annually, backed by a S$200 million fund, this initiative signals a shift toward inclusive workforce policies.
Benefit Changes & Updates (2025)
- Launch Date: Scheme officially rolled out April 15, 2025 for Singapore citizens.
- PR Inclusion: Permanent Residents to be eligible in Q1 2026.
- Retrenchment Relief: One-time concession for job loss from April 1, 2024 to June 15, 2025 application window.
- Recommendation: Points targets taper over the months, making it easier to qualify for later-stage payouts.
Tips to Maximize Payout
- Diversify activities: Mix job applications, resume updates, networking, and training to accumulate consistent points.
- Upload proof promptly to ensure smooth payout processing.
- Be strategic: Prioritize high-point activities—like job interviews (4 points each) and career coaching (up to 4 points/month).
- Plan ahead: Early point accumulation helps offset quieter months later.
The S$6,000 SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme provides total relief across six months, incentivizing active job search and skill-building.
If you’re 21+, previously earning ≤ S$5,000/month, and involuntarily unemployed, apply now. Don’t miss the June 15, 2025 deadline for early-job-loss concession.
FAQs
Can Permanent Residents apply now?
No. Currently, the scheme is open only to Singapore citizens aged 21+. PRs will become eligible in Q1 2026.
I lost my job on March 30, 2025—is there a concession?
No. The one‑time concession only applies to those unemployed on or after April 1, 2024 and applying by June 15, 2025.
What if I find a job mid‑scheme?
If you secure employment before the 6‑month period ends, further payouts stop from that month onwards.