By The Ledger desk · Last verified 28 September 2026
The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) tops up the income of lower-wage Singaporean workers. Employees aged 30 and above earning up to S$3,000 a month can receive up to S$4,900 a year, depending on age and wages. Employees are paid monthly, 40% in cash and 60% into CPF, and don’t need to apply: eligibility is assessed automatically from their employer’s CPF contributions. Self-employed people and platform workers get a smaller amount, mostly into MediSave.
Quick facts
- For Singapore citizens aged 30 and above, or 13 and above with a disability.
- Gross monthly income of up to S$3,000 (raised from S$2,500 in 2025).
- Up to S$4,900 a year for employees, depending on age.
- Employees: paid monthly, 40% cash and 60% CPF.
- No application needed for employees.
- Home’s annual value up to S$21,000; own no more than one property.
How much can I get?
Maximum a year, for work done from 2025:
| Age | Employees | Self-employed and platform workers |
|---|---|---|
| 30–34 | S$2,450 | S$1,633 |
| 35–44 | S$3,500 | S$2,333 |
| 45–59 | S$4,200 | S$2,800 |
| 60 and above | S$4,900 | S$3,267 |
Persons with disabilities get the same as those aged 60 and above. The actual amount depends on your wages; those earning less generally get closer to the maximum.
How is it paid?
| Worker | How often | Split |
|---|---|---|
| Employees | Monthly | 40% cash, 60% CPF |
| Self-employed | Once a year | 10% cash, 90% MediSave |
| Platform workers | Monthly | 10% cash, 90% MediSave |
For a S$4,000 payment to an employee, that’s S$1,600 in cash and S$2,400 into CPF. Self-employed people must declare their income and make their MediSave contributions to qualify.
The WahLiao Verdict
If you, or a parent, earn under S$3,000 a month, check the CPF statement for Workfare credits; the CPF part quietly builds retirement savings. If you’re self-employed, the MediSave contribution is the price of entry, so don’t skip it.
Questions people ask
Do I need to apply?
Employees don’t; it’s automatic. Self-employed people must declare income and pay MediSave.
Why is most of it in CPF?
The scheme supports both today’s income and retirement savings.
Does my employer pay for it?
No. The government pays it directly to eligible workers.
Do PRs qualify?
No. It’s for Singapore citizens.
Sources: CPF Board, how much Workfare you will get; MOF, Budget 2024 Workfare enhancements; OmniHR on eligibility criteria; Info-Tech on the cash and CPF split. The Ledger explains; it does not advise.
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