The Singapore government has announced significant enhancements to the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) program, aimed at providing better financial support for low-income workers, including gig economy workers such as ride-hailing drivers, food delivery personnel, and freelancers. These changes, effective from 2025, include higher payouts, monthly disbursements, and mandatory CPF contributions. Below is a comprehensive guide to the $3,267 WIS payouts for 2025, including eligibility criteria, payment schedules, and other essential details.
Overview of the Enhanced WIS Scheme
The WIS program is designed to supplement the income and retirement savings of low-wage workers. In 2025, the program will undergo several key updates to better support platform workers and self-employed individuals:
- Maximum Annual Payout: Eligible workers can receive up to $3,267, with higher payouts for older workers and those with disabilities.
- Monthly Payouts: Payments will shift from annual to monthly disbursements. For example, work done in January will be paid by the end of March.
- CPF Contributions: Starting in 2025, platform operators will deduct and contribute to workers’ CPF accounts. This will be phased in gradually until 2029.
- Increased Support: Older workers (aged 60 and above) and those with disabilities will receive higher payouts to better meet their financial needs.
Eligibility Criteria for WIS Payouts
To qualify for the $3,267 WIS payout in 2025, workers must meet the following eligibility requirements:
General Eligibility
- Age: Must be 30 years or older by 31 December 2024. Workers with disabilities may qualify regardless of age.
- Income: Annual income (including Net Trade Income) must not exceed $28,000.
- Work Duration: Must have worked for at least 2 months in 2024.
- Citizenship: Must be a Singapore citizen.
- Property Ownership: Cannot own more than one property or a property with an annual value exceeding $13,000 (as of 31 December 2024).
Exclusions
- Individuals with an annual assessable income exceeding $70,000.
- Self-employed workers who hire employees.
Payment Structure
The WIS payout is divided into two components: cash (for immediate expenses) and CPF/MediSave (for long-term savings). The exact breakdown varies by age group:
| Age Group | Max Annual Payout | Cash Component | CPF/MediSave Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–34 | $1,700 | $300 | $1,400 |
| 35–44 | $2,250 | $450 | $1,800 |
| 45–54 | $2,850 | $600 | $2,250 |
| 55–59 | $3,150 | $750 | $2,400 |
| 60+ | $3,267 | $800 | $2,467 |
Note: Workers with disabilities will receive the same payout as those aged 60 and above.
Payment Schedule
The enhanced WIS scheme introduces a more frequent payment schedule to provide workers with consistent financial support:
- Monthly Disbursements: Payments will be made 2 months after the work period. For example, work done in January will be paid by the end of March.
- Payment Methods: Payments will be made via PayNow (linked to NRIC) or GovCash.
- Self-Employed Workers: Self-employed individuals will continue to receive annual payouts in April of the following year. For example, work done in 2024 will be paid in April 2025.
MediSave Contributions
In addition to the WIS payouts, self-employed workers are required to make MediSave contributions based on their age and income. The mandatory contributions are as follows:
| Age Range | MediSave Contribution |
|---|---|
| 30–34 | $240 |
| 35–44 | $270 |
| 45–49 | $300 |
| 50+ | $315 |
Note: Workers earning more than $6,000 in Net Trade Income (NTI) may be required to contribute higher amounts.
Steps to Qualify for WIS Payouts
To ensure eligibility and receive the WIS payouts, workers must take the following steps:
- Declare Income: Submit your Net Trade Income (NTI) via the myTax Portal.
- Track Contributions: Use the CPF WIS Calculator to estimate your CPF liabilities and contributions.
- Verify CPF Deductions: Ensure that platform operators are deducting and contributing to your CPF account as required.
- No Application Required: Employees and platform workers do not need to apply for WIS payouts. Eligibility is automatically assessed based on income and work records.
Key Dates and Deadlines
To avoid missing out on the WIS payouts, workers must adhere to the following deadlines:
- Income Declaration:
- 1 March – 18 April: For workers notified by IRAS.
- 1 March – 31 October: For workers not notified by IRAS.
- MediSave Payments:
- Deadline: 31 December two years after the work year. For example, for work done in 2024, MediSave contributions must be paid by 31 December 2026.
Conclusion
The 2025 enhancements to the WIS program reflect the Singapore government’s commitment to supporting low-income workers, particularly those in the gig economy. By providing higher payouts, monthly disbursements, and mandatory CPF contributions, the program aims to improve financial stability and retirement savings for eligible workers.
To maximize the benefits of the WIS scheme, workers should:
- Declare their income promptly.
- Monitor their CPF contributions.
- Adhere to all deadlines for income declaration and MediSave payments.
For more information, visit the official websites of the CPF Board or SupportGoWhere.
