In December 2025, the Singaporean government is set to disburse a one-time Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment to approximately 2.9 million citizens. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain caused by rising living expenses, providing eligible individuals with up to S$600. This comprehensive guide delves into the eligibility criteria, payout amounts, disbursement methods, and additional support measures associated with this payment.
Overview of the Cost-of-Living Special Payment
The COL Special Payment is a component of the government’s enhanced Assurance Package (AP), designed to support Singaporeans amidst escalating daily expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities. By offering this financial aid, the government seeks to provide substantial assistance to lower- and middle-income individuals, ensuring they can better manage their cost of living.
Eligibility Criteria
To determine your qualification for the COL Special Payment, the following factors are considered:
Age Requirement
- Citizenship and Age: You must be a Singapore Citizen aged 21 or above in 2025.
Assessable Income (AI)
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Definition: Assessable Income refers to your total income before deductions, as assessed by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
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Income Brackets and Corresponding Payouts:
- Up to S$22,000: Eligible for S$600 payout.
- Above S$22,000 and up to S$34,000: Eligible for S$400 payout.
- Above S$34,000 and up to S$100,000: Eligible for S$200 payout.
- Above S$100,000: Not eligible for the payout.
Property Ownership
- Ownership Status: You must not own more than one property. This criterion ensures that assistance is directed towards individuals with fewer assets.
How to Verify Your Eligibility
To confirm your eligibility for the COL Special Payment:
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Assess Your Income:
- Review your Assessable Income for the Year of Assessment 2024, which pertains to income earned in 2023.
- Ensure your income falls within the specified brackets for the desired payout amount.
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Confirm Property Ownership:
- Verify that you do not own more than one property.
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Age Verification:
- Ensure you are 21 years or older in 2025.
For detailed information and personalized assistance, visit the official SupportGoWhere website.
Disbursement Details
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Payment Date: The COL Special Payment will be disbursed in December 2025.
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Mode of Payment:
- Direct Bank Transfer: If you have registered your bank account details with the government, the payout will be credited directly.
- GovCash: Individuals without registered bank accounts will receive their payment through GovCash.
To ensure timely receipt, it’s advisable to register your bank account details or link your NRIC to PayNow by the specified deadlines.
Additional Support Measures
Beyond the COL Special Payment, the Singaporean government has implemented other support measures to assist citizens:
Assurance Package (AP) MediSave Top-Up
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Eligibility: Singaporeans aged 20 and below, or 55 and above.
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Benefit: An annual MediSave top-up of S$150 from 2023 to 2025, totaling S$450.
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Purpose: To help seniors and young citizens with their healthcare expenses.
AP Seniors’ Bonus
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Eligibility: Lower-income senior Singapore citizens aged 55 and above.
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Benefit: A cash bonus ranging from S$200 to S$300 in February 2025.
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Purpose: To provide additional financial support to senior citizens.
For more details on these programs, refer to the official gov.sg website.
Summary of Benefits
The table below summarizes the key aspects of the COL Special Payment:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Singapore Citizens aged 21 and above in 2025 |
| Assessable Income (AI) | Up to S$34,000 for maximum payout |
| Property Ownership | Must not own more than one property |
| Payout Amount | Between S$200 and S$600 |
| Disbursement Date | December 2025 |
| Official Source | SupportGoWhere |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How will I be notified about the COL Special Payment?
Eligible recipients will be notified via SMS from “gov.sg” in December 2025 after the benefit has been credited. Recipients without a Singpass-registered mobile number will receive a letter sent to their registered address. To safeguard against scams, the SMS will not request any personal information or include clickable links. For more information, visit the SupportGoWhere website.
Q2: Do I need to apply for the COL Special Payment?
No application is necessary. Eligible individuals will receive the payment automatically, provided they meet the specified criteria.
Q3: What should I do if I don’t receive my payment?
If you haven’t received your payment by the end of December 2025, verify your eligibility and ensure your bank account details are correctly registered. For assistance, contact the official hotline at 1800-2222-888 or visit the SupportGoWhere website
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