The Singaporean government has introduced a one-time Cost-of-Living Special Payment to help low- and middle-income citizens manage rising expenses. This financial relief will be distributed in December 2025, benefiting approximately 2.9 million Singaporeans.
Depending on income levels and property ownership, eligible recipients will receive between S$200 and S$600, helping to cover essential costs such as groceries, utilities, and transportation.
Key Details of the Cost-of-Living Special Payment
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Payout Amount | Between S$200 and S$600 |
| Eligibility Criteria | – Singapore citizens aged 21 and above |
| – Income of S$34,000 or less per year | |
| – Must not own more than one property | |
| Disbursement Date | December 2025 |
| Payment Method | Direct bank transfer or cheque |
| Official Source | Singapore Government Press Release |
Understanding who qualifies and how to receive this payment will ensure that eligible recipients do not miss out on financial support.
Who is Eligible for the Cost-of-Living Payment?
To qualify for this payout, Singaporeans must meet three main criteria:
1. Age Requirement
✔ Must be 21 years or older by December 2025.
2. Income Limits
✔ Annual assessable income must be S$34,000 or less.
✔ Higher-income earners above S$100,000 are not eligible.
3. Property Ownership
✔ Individuals must not own more than one residential property.
Singaporeans who meet all three conditions will receive the payout automatically.
How Much Will You Receive?
The payout amount depends on your annual income bracket:
| Annual Assessable Income (AI) | Payout Amount |
|---|---|
| Up to S$22,000 | S$600 |
| S$22,001 – S$34,000 | S$400 |
| S$34,001 – S$100,000 | S$200 |
| Above S$100,000 | Not Eligible |
These income thresholds ensure that financial aid is directed toward low- and middle-income households.
How to Check Eligibility Online
✔ Log in to the Gov.sg Portal – Use SingPass to access your account.
✔ Navigate to the Cost-of-Living Payment Section – Enter your details.
✔ Receive Instant Eligibility Confirmation – The system will confirm your payout amount.
Applicants who qualify automatically do not need to apply manually.
When Will Payments Be Deposited?
The Cost-of-Living Special Payment will be credited in December 2025, following a set schedule:
| Payout Month | Expected Deposit Date |
|---|---|
| December 2025 | Between December 15 – 20 |
To receive payments on time, ensure that:
✔ Bank account details are updated in your Gov.sg profile.
✔ Tax returns are filed, as eligibility is based on income records.
How Will You Receive the Payout?
| Payment Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Direct Bank Transfer | Payment will be deposited into the registered bank account. |
| Cheque | If no bank details are provided, a cheque will be mailed to the registered address. |
For faster payments, Singaporeans should register for direct deposit through the Gov.sg portal.
What If You Do Not Qualify?
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, consider applying for other government assistance programs:
✔ Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) – Financial support for low-income workers.
✔ Silver Support Scheme – Aid for elderly Singaporeans with low CPF savings.
✔ ComCare Assistance – Short-term financial support for families in financial distress.
✔ U-Save Rebates – Discounts on utility bills for HDB households.
For alternative financial assistance, visit the Gov.sg Benefits Portal.
How to Ensure You Receive Your Payment
✔ File Your Taxes on Time – Eligibility is based on 2024 tax records.
✔ Update Your Banking Details – Direct deposit ensures faster processing.
✔ Check Gov.sg for Updates – Stay informed about payout schedules and eligibility changes.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Cost-of-Living Special Payment?
Singaporean citizens aged 21 and above with an income of S$34,000 or less and owning no more than one property qualify.
How do I apply for this payout?
No application is required. Eligible recipients will receive payments automatically based on their income tax records.
When will I receive my payout?
Deposits will be made between December 15 – 20, 2025.
Can I receive the payout if I own multiple properties?
No, only individuals owning one or no properties qualify.
How will I know if I am getting the full S$600?
Check your annual assessable income (AI) in your IRAS tax records.
What happens if I do not receive my payment?
- Check bank details in Gov.sg.
- Contact the government helpline for assistance.
Will this payment be taxable?
No, the Cost-of-Living Special Payment is non-taxable.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the Ministry of Finance Singapore website or Gov.sg for official announcements.
Click here to know more.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
