Eligible Singaporean workers, including part-timers and self-employed individuals, now have access to an annual Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) of up to $3,267 under the government’s 2025 reforms. This scheme strengthens financial security for lower-income workers, especially those aged 30 and above.
This support is part of a broader initiative to enhance CPF savings, encourage consistent work efforts, and offer much-needed relief amid rising living costs. Here’s a complete breakdown of how the scheme works and how you can benefit from it.
What Is the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)?
The WIS scheme, first introduced in 2007, was designed to boost income and CPF savings for lower-wage workers. It targets workers who may not receive stable monthly salaries or employer CPF contributions—such as gig workers, part-timers, or freelancers.
For Work Year 2025, WIS has been enhanced with more generous payouts and wider coverage. The payout of up to $3,267 per year now offers real support for those who contribute to MediSave and meet the eligibility criteria.
Who Can Receive the $3,267 Supplement?
To qualify, workers must meet several conditions related to age, income, and residency.
Basic Eligibility Criteria:
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Must be a Singaporean citizen
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Aged 30 or older by 31 December 2025
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Must have worked for at least 2 months in the year
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Cannot own more than one property
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Property’s annual value must not exceed $21,000
Income-Based Eligibility:
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Employees: Monthly gross income must be $2,500 or below
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Self-employed individuals: Annual Net Trade Income (NTI) must not exceed $30,000
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If married: Spouse’s assessable income should be below $70,000
WIS Payout Structure
The annual payout is split into two portions to balance short-term relief with long-term savings:
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10% in cash, paid through GovCash for immediate use
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90% credited to MediSave, to build up healthcare savings
Payments are disbursed monthly. For employees, payouts are automatically processed when employers make CPF contributions. For self-employed persons, extra steps are required.
How to Apply for the WIS (Self-Employed Workers)
If you’re self-employed, here’s how to ensure you get your benefit:
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Declare Your Income – Submit your NTI via the IRAS website.
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Make MediSave Contributions – Use the Notice of Assessment to determine your MediSave amount and pay it before the deadline.
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Eligibility Review – CPF Board will assess your eligibility based on income and MediSave compliance.
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Receive Your Payouts – Cash will be disbursed monthly via GovCash, while CPF credits go directly to your MediSave account.
Real-Life Example
Let’s say Ravi, a 37-year-old freelance food delivery rider, earns $2,200/month. He lives in a 3-room HDB flat with his spouse and contributes regularly to MediSave. Since his annual income falls within the eligibility cap and his property’s annual value is below $21,000, he qualifies for the full $3,267 under the 2025 WIS.
Why the WIS Scheme Matters
For many lower-income workers, WIS offers:
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A consistent stream of cash to manage day-to-day expenses
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Long-term savings growth via CPF MediSave
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Encouragement for stable work participation
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A formal recognition of their efforts in supporting Singapore’s economy
As gig work and non-traditional jobs become more common, schemes like WIS are crucial for ensuring no worker is left behind in the retirement and medical savings landscape.
How to Stay Updated
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Check the CPF Board official site regularly
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Subscribe to alerts for WIS-related updates
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Use the CPF Workfare Calculator to estimate your benefit
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Declare income and contribute early to avoid delays
FAQs
Who qualifies for the $3,267 WIS payout?
Singaporean citizens aged 30 and above who earn under $2,500/month (or $30,000/year if self-employed), own only one property with an annual value under $21,000, and contribute to MediSave are eligible.
Is WIS automatic for employees?
Yes, if you are employed and your employer contributes to your CPF, the WIS will be automatically assessed and paid out by CPF.
How much of the WIS payment goes to MediSave?
90% of the WIS entitlement is credited to MediSave. The remaining 10% is paid in cash via GovCash.
Do self-employed persons need to apply?
Yes. Self-employed individuals must declare income to IRAS and make their MediSave contributions to qualify.
When is the application deadline for the 2025 WIS?
The deadline for 2025 applications is December 31, 2025.
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.