The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) is a cornerstone of Singapore’s inclusive workforce support initiatives. Launched in 2007, the scheme provides vital financial assistance to low-income Singaporean workers, including self-employed persons (SEPs), who typically do not receive employer-sponsored retirement or healthcare contributions.
As of February 2024, the government has disbursed over S$10.5 billion in Workfare payouts, benefiting more than 1 million lower-income workers. The WIS serves two key objectives:
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Supplementing incomes to ensure a basic standard of living.
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Encouraging retirement and healthcare savings via MediSave contributions.
With new updates and higher payout caps in place from 2023 onwards, and continued implementation in 2025, WIS remains a critical support measure for self-employed individuals striving for financial security.
Summary Table
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
Scheme Name |
Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) |
Launched |
2007 |
Target Group |
Lower-income self-employed persons (SEPs) |
Payment Frequency |
Annually |
Maximum Annual Payment |
Up to $2,800 |
Cash vs MediSave Ratio |
10% cash, 90% MediSave |
Eligibility Age |
30 years and above (or any age if disabled) |
Income Range (NTI) |
$500–$2,500/month |
Property Value Cap |
$21,000/year |
Spouse Income Cap (if married) |
$70,000/year |
Official Website |
Why WIS Matters for Self-Employed Persons (SEPs)
SEPs contribute significantly to the gig and freelance economy. However, unlike salaried employees, they are not covered by employer contributions to CPF (Central Provident Fund). This lack of structured retirement and medical savings can create long-term financial vulnerabilities.
The WIS program bridges this gap by providing:
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Annual cash payouts to support daily needs.
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MediSave contributions to help with medical expenses and long-term savings.
Eligibility Criteria for WIS (2025 Update)
To qualify for WIS as a Self-Employed Person, the following conditions must be met:
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
Age |
At least 30 years as of 31 December of the work year, or any age if the individual is a person with disabilities. |
Income |
Net Trade Income (NTI) must average between $500 and $2,500/month. |
MediSave Contributions |
Mandatory for the work year and must be made by the end of the following year. |
Property Ownership |
Must live in a property with annual value not exceeding $21,000 (effective from 2024). |
Spouse’s Income (if married) |
Spouse’s income must not exceed $70,000 in the preceding Year of Assessment. |
Concessionary Access |
Persons with disabilities or certain caregivers may qualify even if earning less than $500/month. |
WIS Payment Structure (As of 2023–2025)
Workfare payments consist of two main components:
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Cash Component:
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10% of the annual WIS amount.
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Credited to the SEP’s PayNow-linked bank account or GovCash if no account is registered.
-
-
MediSave Component:
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90% of the WIS amount goes directly into the individual’s MediSave account, bolstering healthcare coverage and retirement savings.
-
Annual WIS Payment Caps by Age Group
Age Group |
Max Annual WIS (Before 2023) |
Max Annual WIS (From 2023 Onwards) |
|---|---|---|
30–34 years |
Not eligible |
$1,400 |
35–44 years |
$1,133 |
$2,000 |
45–54 years |
$1,667 |
$2,400 |
55–59 years |
$2,200 |
$2,800 |
60+ years |
$2,667 |
$2,800 |
WIS Payment Schedule
WIS for SEPs is paid once a year, typically by April of the following year.
Milestone |
Details |
|---|---|
Income Declaration |
Must be filed via IRAS between 1 March and 18 April. |
MediSave Contributions |
Contributions must be completed by December of the following year. |
Payment Date |
Annual WIS payouts made by end of April (e.g., 2024 earnings paid in April 2025). |
Delays |
Late income declaration or MediSave contributions may result in delayed payouts. |
How to Receive WIS as an SEP
1. Declare Income
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SEPs must declare their net trade income (NTI) to IRAS annually.
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This is done via the individual income tax return through myTax Portal.
2. Make MediSave Contributions
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Required contributions are based on declared income.
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Payments should be made to the CPF Board by the end of the following year.
3. Update Bank Details
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Ensure your bank account or PayNow is registered with the CPF Board to receive cash payouts.
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If no account is linked, GovCash will be used for disbursement.
Impact of WIS on Financial Security
By encouraging self-employed individuals to make regular MediSave contributions and providing supplemental income support, WIS helps in:
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Alleviating short-term financial pressure.
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Promoting long-term savings discipline.
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Improving access to healthcare and retirement funds.
The initiative is a key pillar of Singapore’s strategy to support the financial well-being of all citizens, including gig economy workers, freelancers, and small business owners.
For more information or to check eligibility, visit the official Workfare website:
https://www.workfare.gov.sg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for WIS if I’m under 30 years old?
A: Generally, no. However, persons with disabilities are eligible regardless of age.
Q2: What happens if I miss the MediSave contribution deadline?
A: Your WIS payout will be delayed or may not be issued until contributions are made.
Q3: Can I still receive WIS if I did not declare my income on time?
A: No. Declaration of net trade income via IRAS is a mandatory condition to receive WIS.
Q4: How do I check my payment status?
A: You can log in to the Workfare website or the CPF portal to check eligibility and payment details.
Q5: Is there a way to appeal if I was not paid?
A: Yes, you can submit an appeal through the CPF Board or IRAS if you believe you meet the criteria but were excluded.
Conclusion
The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) remains a crucial tool in Singapore’s social support framework. For self-employed persons, it offers structured financial assistance, promotes healthcare and retirement readiness, and acknowledges the vital role they play in the modern economy. By staying informed about income declaration timelines and MediSave contributions, eligible individuals can fully benefit from this impactful program.
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