The Singapore Government has confirmed that eligible self-employed persons (SEPs) can receive up to $2,800 under the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme in 2025. This annual payment aims to support lower-income SEPs by supplementing their earnings and improving their long-term financial security.
First introduced in 2007, the WIS scheme has helped over 1 million individuals and disbursed more than S$10.5 billion in both cash and MediSave contributions. The 2025 edition features enhanced payouts and updated eligibility conditions, ensuring that SEPs continue to receive meaningful support despite rising living costs and lack of employer-sponsored benefits.
Summary Table: Workfare Payment 2025 for SEPs
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
Maximum Annual Payment |
Up to $2,800 |
Payment Breakdown |
10% cash, 90% MediSave |
Payment Schedule |
Annually, by end-April |
Eligible Age |
30 years and above (or any age if disabled) |
Income Requirement |
$500 to $2,500 average monthly NTI |
Contribution Requirement |
Full MediSave payment by deadline |
Official Portal |
What Is the $2,800 Workfare Payment?
The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) is a financial assistance program that helps low-income Singaporean workers, especially SEPs, by offering an annual payout split between cash and CPF MediSave contributions. The scheme was created to reduce inequality, encourage long-term savings, and ensure that SEPs have support for retirement and healthcare.
2025 Payout Structure:
- 10% of the total payout is provided in cash, deposited into your bank or PayNow account.
- 90% goes into your MediSave account, supporting healthcare and CPF-linked savings.
This balanced distribution helps ensure immediate financial relief while promoting future financial resilience.
Eligibility Criteria for SEPs in 2025
To receive the full Workfare payout in 2025, self-employed individuals must meet the following requirements:
Basic Eligibility
- Singapore citizen
- Aged 30 years or older by 31 December 2024
- Average monthly net trade income (NTI) between $500 and $2,500
- Declared income and made full MediSave contributions for the work year (2024)
- Reside in a property with annual value below $21,000
- If married, spouse’s income must not exceed $70,000 in the prior year
Additional Criteria
- Persons with disabilities are eligible regardless of age
- Those earning below $500 per month may still qualify under concessionary conditions, particularly if they are caregivers or have special needs
Workfare Payment Breakdown by Age (2025)
The total Workfare payout depends on your age group. Older SEPs receive higher amounts to bolster retirement and healthcare funding.
Age Group |
Max WIS (2023 Onwards) |
|---|---|
30–34 years |
$1,400 |
35–44 years |
$2,000 |
45–54 years |
$2,400 |
55–59 years |
$2,800 |
60 years & above |
$2,800 |
Note: The maximum benefit is only available to those who fully meet all eligibility conditions and have consistent MediSave contributions.
Annual Workfare Payment Schedule
Workfare payments for SEPs are made once per year. Here is the 2025 schedule for earnings declared for work done in 2024:
- Declaration Window: March–April 2024 (via IRAS e-filing)
- MediSave Contribution Deadline: December 31, 2025
- Payout Date: By end of April 2025
Late submissions or missed MediSave payments may lead to delayed or reduced payouts.
How to Receive the Workfare Payment
To ensure you qualify and receive the payment, follow these three essential steps:
1. Declare Net Trade Income (NTI)
- Log in to IRAS e-filing system between 1 March and 18 April 2024
- Submit your annual income declaration as a self-employed individual
2. Contribute to MediSave
- Make full MediSave contributions based on your declared income
- Deadline: 31 December 2025 (for 2024 income)
3. Update Your Bank or PayNow Details
- Ensure that your CPF Board account is linked to a valid PayNow or bank account
- If no account is linked, payment will be made through GovCash, which requires in-person retrieval
Benefits of the WIS Scheme for SEPs
- Improved retirement savings through consistent MediSave top-ups
- Financial relief through the annual cash component
- Healthcare support via MediSave contribution boosting
- Incentive to remain active in the workforce for lower-income self-employed workers
The WIS scheme bridges the support gap often faced by freelancers, hawkers, gig workers, and other self-employed individuals who do not receive CPF contributions from employers.
Tips to Maximize Your 2025 Workfare Payment
- File your taxes on time to ensure proper income declaration
- Set up GIRO or PayNow to make MediSave contributions easier
- Verify your contact and bank details with CPF Board
- Monitor your eligibility through the Workfare website
FAQs: Workfare SEP Payout 2025
Q1: When will I receive the Workfare payment for 2024 work?
A: You will receive the payment by April 2025, provided all requirements are met.
Q2: Can I still qualify if I earn less than $500/month?
A: Possibly, under concessionary rules, especially if you are a caregiver or have a disability.
Q3: What happens if I miss my MediSave contribution deadline?
A: You will not qualify for the payout unless you make full contributions by 31 December 2025.
Q4: How do I receive the cash portion of my payout?
A: It will be credited via PayNow or your registered bank account. If neither is available, the amount will be paid through GovCash.
Q5: Is there any action needed if I already received WIS last year?
A: Yes. You must declare income and contribute to MediSave every year to remain eligible.
Conclusion
The $2,800 Workfare Income Supplement for 2025 provides a critical safety net for self-employed Singaporeans. As living costs rise and job landscapes shift, the WIS scheme offers targeted, responsible financial support. By completing income declarations and MediSave contributions on time, SEPs can access both immediate and long-term benefits under this generous government initiative.
Official Website for Workfare Information
https://www.mom.gov.sg/workfare
Click HERE for Information