Singapore’s government has introduced a new financial assistance program in 2025 — the Workfare Support Scheme Basic (WSS-Basic). This initiative aims to support lower-income workers with up to S$1,000 in annual cash payouts. The scheme is part of the larger national strategy to reduce income inequality and ensure inclusive economic progress. It also builds on existing workfare support systems like the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) by focusing on part-time, casual, or irregular workers who may not qualify for full WIS benefits.
The WSS-Basic offers a reliable stream of income, giving quarterly payments to help cover everyday expenses and encourage continued participation in the workforce. Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme — its goals, payment structure, eligibility rules, and how it fits into Singapore’s broader support system.
What Is the WSS-Basic Scheme?
The Workfare Support Scheme Basic (WSS-Basic) is a newly introduced program that offers quarterly cash payouts to Singaporean workers earning lower wages. It serves as a simpler and more accessible complement to the existing Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme.
Unlike WIS, which includes both CPF and cash components and has stricter criteria, WSS-Basic is purely cash-based, focusing on workers who are still contributing economically through part-time or irregular work, even if they don’t meet all WIS conditions.
Main Objectives of WSS-Basic
The WSS-Basic program has been designed with several goals in mind:
- Provide steady income support to those earning low wages
- Encourage continued employment, even in part-time or contract roles
- Bridge eligibility gaps between informal workers and full WIS benefits
- Reinforce Singapore’s support system for working citizens
- Promote wage growth and reduce inequality
This scheme helps ensure no one is excluded simply because they don’t work in traditional full-time employment.
How Much Can You Receive Under WSS-Basic?
Eligible workers will receive a maximum of S$1,000 per year, distributed in four quarterly payouts of S$250. These payments are made automatically to qualified individuals and are scheduled to follow the typical Workfare Income Supplement payout calendar.
Payment Schedule Table (2025)
| Quarter | Payment Month | Amount Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Jan–Mar) | March 2025 | S$250 |
| Q2 (Apr–Jun) | June 2025 | S$250 |
| Q3 (Jul–Sep) | September 2025 | S$250 |
| Q4 (Oct–Dec) | December 2025 | S$250 |
Each payout is notified via Singpass, SMS, or official letters, ensuring transparency and ease of access.
Who Can Qualify for WSS-Basic?
WSS-Basic has a wider eligibility range compared to WIS. Workers who meet the following requirements will automatically be considered:
- Must be a Singapore Citizen
- 30 years of age or older (including those turning 30 within the year)
- Have a gross monthly income of S$2,500 or less
- Work in full-time, part-time, casual, or contract roles
- Must have worked at least 6 months in the past 12 months
- Not receiving the full WIS benefits
This scheme particularly helps freelancers, delivery riders, cleaners, and gig economy workers — people who often face unstable income or lack traditional employment benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a Singapore Citizen |
| Age | 30 years or older |
| Income | Gross income ≤ S$2,500/month |
| Employment Type | Full-time, part-time, casual, contract |
| Work History | At least 6 months of work in 12 months |
| Other Scheme Status | Not receiving full WIS payments |
Is Application Needed for WSS-Basic?
No application is required. The scheme uses existing data from government systems to assess eligibility. This means there’s no paperwork or forms to be filled out manually.
Eligibility is checked through:
- CPF contribution records
- Income declarations via employer filings or tax returns
- Medisave contributions for self-employed individuals
Once eligible, payouts are automatically credited to the registered bank account or via GovCash for those without bank details.
How Is WSS-Basic Different from WIS?
While both WIS and WSS-Basic aim to support lower-income workers, there are key differences between the two:
- WIS provides both cash and CPF contributions, up to S$3,267 annually.
- WSS-Basic offers cash-only payouts, making it more suitable for those with informal or inconsistent work patterns.
- WSS-Basic targets those who miss out on full WIS eligibility, ensuring a wider net of support.
Comparison: WIS vs WSS-Basic
| Feature | WIS | WSS-Basic |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Support | Up to S$3,267 | Up to S$1,000 |
| Payout Type | Cash + CPF | Cash only |
| Eligibility Requirements | Stricter (e.g., CPF contributions) | More relaxed (e.g., casual workers) |
| Application Needed | No | No |
| Frequency of Payment | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Self-Employed Included | Yes (with Medisave contributions) | Yes (if other conditions are met) |
How WSS-Basic Fits into Broader Support System
Singapore’s government has several programs working together to support low-wage earners. WSS-Basic complements other existing schemes:
- Progressive Wage Model (PWM): Sets minimum salaries for certain sectors like cleaning and security
- Assurance Package: Offers annual GST-related cash support
- Workfare Skills Support Scheme: Encourages training and skill upgrades
- ComCare Assistance: Provides financial help for families in urgent need
These programs create a multi-layered safety net, ensuring workers are not left behind, especially during economic transitions or health-related employment gaps.
Communication and Support Channels
All updates related to WSS-Basic will be shared through official platforms. Workers will receive notifications via:
- Singpass inbox
- SMS alerts from the Ministry of Manpower or CPF Board
- Official letters for individuals not digitally connected
- The WSS-Basic page on the CPF Board website
For any help, individuals can:
- Call the CPF customer service hotline
- Visit a CPF Service Centre
- Check FAQs and updates online
Why WSS-Basic Is Important in 2025
As Singapore’s economy continues to grow, it is important that everyone benefits, including those working in low-paying or irregular jobs. The WSS-Basic scheme shows the government’s commitment to making the country more inclusive and equitable.
The quarterly payments allow a worker — like a part-time retail assistant, a contract cleaner, or a gig driver — to pay for groceries, transport, medical needs, or even skills training. The cash support can make a big difference in everyday life, without requiring long application processes.
It also motivates workers to stay employed, no matter their job type or hours, and ensures that casual and non-traditional workers are not forgotten.
Moving Forward
The Workfare Support Scheme Basic (WSS-Basic) is a major step forward in supporting lower-income Singaporeans. With automatic cash payouts, simple eligibility checks, and no application process, the scheme provides a lifeline for part-time and irregular workers. By offering consistent financial support, WSS-Basic helps reduce inequality, promote workforce participation, and create a more balanced and fair economy for all Singaporeans.
In a time when work types are changing rapidly, WSS-Basic ensures that support systems evolve as well — keeping every worker, regardless of their role, within Singapore’s social safety net.