The Singapore government has announced to provide cash assistance and CPF (Central Provident Fund) contributions of up to $3267 SGD a year to eligible platform workers under the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme in 2025. This scheme is specially designed for low-income workers who are engaged in jobs like food delivery, taxi driver, Grab rider, courier service.
In this article, we will know in detail:
- What is the Workfare Payment Scheme?
- Who are eligible for this scheme?
- How much amount will be received every month?
- How will CPF contribution be made?
- What are the changes in 2025?
- How will this scheme help?
What is the Workfare Scheme?
Singapore’s Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) is a financial assistance scheme provided by the government, which is available to those people who have low income. This scheme was first started in 2007 and now in 2025, major changes have been made in it so that platform workers can also benefit from it.
The aim of this scheme is:
- Increase the income of low-income earners,
- Ensure retirement savings (contribution to CPF),
- Maintain the motivation to work.
Big relief for platform workers in 2025
Earlier the Workfare scheme was limited to only permanent or part-time employees. But from 2024, platform workers, such as those working on apps like Grab, Foodpanda, Gojek, Deliveroo, Lalamove, have also come under its purview.
In 2025, they will be given a total assistance of up to $3267 SGD a year. This amount will be given in monthly installments and in addition, a contribution will also be made to the CPF.
Eligibility Criteria
You can apply for this scheme only if:
- You are a Singapore Citizen,
- You are 30 years of age or older,
- Your annual income is less than $34,000 SGD (or less than $2800 monthly),
- You have done at least 3 months of platform work in 2024,
- You are making CPF contributions or having contributions made on your behalf.
How much money will you get in 2025?
If you meet all the eligibility criteria, you will get a maximum assistance of up to $3267 SGD in 2025. This amount will be divided into two parts:
Cash Payout:
- Will be sent directly to your bank account.
- Maximum Cash: $2186 SGD
CPF Contribution:
- Will go to your retirement savings account.
Maximum CPF top-up:
- $1081 SGD
- Total aid: $3267 SGD per year
How will the monthly payment be made?
The government will release the money in installments every month or quarter, rather than in one lump sum, so that it can support your regular income.
Example:
| Month | Estimated Payment |
|---|---|
| January | $272 SGD |
| April | $272 SGD |
| July | $272 SGD |
| October | $272 SGD |
What is the benefit of CPF contribution?
CPF (Central Provident Fund) is a retirement savings scheme. The money deposited by the government in it is useful after your retirement. For platform workers, this is the first time that the government is contributing to their CPF.
Benefits:
- Financial security in old age,
- Annual interest on CPF deposits,
- Facility to buy a house in the future or use it for medical needs.
How to receive Workfare payment?
- If you are already registered with CPF and your income is on record, you will be automatically included in this scheme.
- You don’t have to go through any long process.
- You can check the details by visiting https://www.workfare.gov.sg website and using CPF Login.
- Every quarter you will be informed through an SMS or mail about how much money you are getting.
What if your income changes?
Your eligibility can be compromised in the event that due to one or more reasons your monthly income exceeds $2800, or, you have left work. The scheme is normally used by the government in line with previous incomes and thus one should update his/her income information every now and then.
Who are benefiting the most from the Workfare scheme?
The people benefiting the most from this scheme are:
- Food delivery riders (such as GrabFood, Foodpanda),
- Taxi or private hire drivers,
- Freelance courier service providers,
- Less educated and elderly workers with limited income.
What are the new updates for 2025?
- The government has increased the budget of the Workfare Scheme,
- CPF contributions have been made mandatory for platform workers,
- The scheme has been changed to auto-apply mode so that no one is left out,
- Cash payments as well as CPF top-ups will now be mandatory.
Why is the Workfare Scheme important?
In today’s digital and gig economy, there are thousands of people who are not permanent employees of any company, but independent platform workers. These people used to be deprived of social security. Now the Workfare Scheme is becoming a safety net for them.
Through this, the government is:
- giving stability to workers,
- bringing them under the ambit of social security,
- and inculcating the habit of saving for the future.
Conclusion:
Extending the Singapore Workfare Payment Scheme to platform workers in 2025 is a historic and sensitive move. The assistance of up to $3267 SGD is not only a relief but also a step towards securing the future of these workers. If you or someone you know is doing such jobs in Singapore, take full advantage of this scheme and do not forget to keep your registration and income records updated in CPF.
FAQs
1. What is the Singapore Workfare Payment 2025?
The Singapore Workfare Payment 2025 is a financial support scheme under the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) programme that provides cash and CPF contributions to lower-income Singaporean workers, including platform workers like delivery riders and private-hire drivers.
2. Is the $3267 amount paid as a lump sum or in monthly installments?
The payment is usually distributed in monthly payouts, depending on your income, age, and working patterns. The total annual payout can reach up to $3,267 for eligible platform workers.
3. How are the Workfare payments split between cash and CPF?
The Workfare payout is split between cash (paid directly to your bank account) and CPF contributions (credited to your CPF accounts). The proportion depends on age, with older workers receiving a larger share in CPF.
4. Do platform workers need to contribute to CPF to receive Workfare payments?
Yes, from 2024 onwards, platform workers are required to contribute to CPF, just like employees. Those who meet the contribution criteria will be eligible for the full Workfare payout in 2025.
5. How much can platform workers earn to still qualify for Workfare?
To be eligible, your average monthly income must be $2,500 or less in a given work year.