By The Ledger desk · Last verified 28 September 2026
The GST Voucher is Singapore’s permanent scheme for helping lower- and middle-income citizens with the cost of GST. It has four parts: cash, MediSave top-ups for seniors, U-Save rebates on utility bills, and rebates on HDB service and conservancy charges. In August 2026, eligible adults received S$450 or S$850 in cash. On top of that, a one-off Cost-of-Living Special Payment of S$400 or S$600 is being paid in September 2026 to citizens aged 21 and over with assessable income of up to S$100,000.
Quick facts
- GST Voucher cash: S$850 or S$450, paid in August.
- MediSave top-up: S$150 to S$450 for seniors 65 and over.
- U-Save: quarterly rebates on HDB utility bills.
- Cost-of-Living Special Payment: S$400 or S$600 in September 2026.
- Most payouts need you to own no more than one property.
- Link your NRIC to PayNow to get cash fastest.
GST Voucher cash
For citizens aged 21 and over in 2026, with assessable income of up to S$39,000 for Year of Assessment 2025, who own no more than one property. The amount depends on the annual value of your home:
| Annual value of home | 2026 cash |
|---|---|
| Up to S$21,000 | S$850 |
| S$21,001 to S$31,000 | S$450 |
It was paid by 7 August 2026 through PayNow-NRIC, by 18 August by GIRO, and by 25 August through GovCash. Anyone eligible who signs up by 20 June 2027 is paid within two months of signing up.
GST Voucher MediSave
For citizens aged 65 and over whose home has an annual value of up to S$31,000 and who own no more than one property. There’s no income limit. It’s credited to your CPF MediSave account in August.
| Annual value of home | Age 65–74 | Age 75–84 | Age 85+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to S$21,000 | S$250 | S$350 | S$450 |
| S$21,001 to S$31,000 | S$150 | S$250 | S$350 |
U-Save and S&CC rebates
Eligible HDB households get U-Save rebates on their utilities account every January, April, July and October; unused amounts roll over. Smaller flats get more. With the additional U-Save announced in July 2026, eligible households receive S$440 to S$760 in total for the year. Rebates on service and conservancy charges are paid in the same months.
Cost-of-Living Special Payment
A one-off cash payment in September 2026, separate from the GST Voucher. It was announced at Budget 2026 and later raised by S$200 because of the situation in the Middle East.
| Assessable income, YA 2025 | Payment |
|---|---|
| Up to S$22,000 | S$600 |
| S$22,001 to S$100,000 | S$400 |
To qualify, you must be a Singapore citizen aged 21 or over who owns no more than one property.
The WahLiao Verdict
Link your NRIC to PayNow, check your eligibility once on govbenefits.gov.sg, and let the payouts arrive. If you look after an elderly parent, check that they’re signed up too: the MediSave and cash components are easy to miss.
Questions people ask
Do I need to apply?
If you’ve never signed up for GST Voucher payouts, sign up once at govbenefits.gov.sg. The Cost-of-Living Special Payment is automatic for those eligible.
Why did I get S$450 and not S$850?
Because your home’s annual value is between S$21,001 and S$31,000.
Can I use U-Save for anything else?
No. It’s credited to your utilities account and used against electricity, water and gas bills.
Do PRs qualify?
These payouts are for Singapore citizens.
Sources: MOF, August 2026 GSTV Cash and MediSave and payment tables; Dollars and Sense on 2026 household support and Budget 2026 payout dates; Info-Tech on GSTV MediSave rates. The Ledger explains; it does not advise.
Read next: CDC Vouchers 2026 · HDB Service and Conservancy Charges · Back to The Ledger
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