The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) is a vital government initiative in Singapore designed to bolster the income and retirement savings of lower-wage workers. This article comprehensively explains WIS eligibility criteria, payment structures, and how to check your eligibility status.
Am I Eligible for WIS?
Eligibility for WIS depends on several factors, varying slightly depending on whether you're an employee, self-employed, or a platform worker. Let's break down the criteria:
General Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship: You must be a Singapore Citizen.
- Age: You must be at least 30 years old as of December 31st of the work year, or be a person with disabilities of any age.
Income Criteria
- Employees: Gross monthly income of at least $500 but not more than $2,500 (remains at this level for 2025). For 2024, the cap is $2800.
- Self-Employed: Average monthly income of at least $500 but not more than $2,500 (increases to $3,000 from 2025). For 2024, the cap is $2800.
- Platform Workers: From 2025, gross monthly income of at least $500 but not more than $3,000.
Other Criteria
- Property Ownership: You must live in a property with an annual value of $21,000 or below. You and your spouse (if married) must together own not more than one property.
- Spouse's Income: If married, your spouse's assessable income for the preceding Year of Assessment must not exceed $70,000.
- Self-Employed Specifics: You must have declared your net trade income and made MediSave contributions.
Enhanced Criteria for 2024
- Income ceiling increased to $2,800 per month for all eligible workers.
- Total annual assessable household income must not exceed $34,000.
You can check your eligibility via the CPF portal or by contacting the CPF Board directly.
What is WIS and How Does it Help?
WIS supplements the income and retirement savings of lower-wage workers. It provides financial support in two ways:
Benefits
- Cash Payouts: For short-term expenses (monthly for employees, annually for self-employed).
- CPF/MediSave Contributions: For retirement, housing, and healthcare needs (ratio varies for employees and self-employed).
Payment Structure
The WIS payout amount varies based on age, income, and employment type. Employees receive cash and CPF contributions; self-employed individuals receive cash and MediSave top-ups. For 2025, the maximum annual payout will increase to $4,900, and the qualifying income cap rises to $3,000 per month. An additional $1 billion in funding supports these changes.
Impact
WIS incentivizes continued work among lower-wage earners, supporting a stable workforce and reducing income inequality. The Workfare Skills Support (WSS) scheme complements WIS by encouraging skills upgrading.
How Much WIS Can I Receive?
The WIS payment amount depends on your age, income, and employment status. Payments are distributed between cash and CPF or MediSave contributions.
Age Tiers (Annual Maximum Payouts)
- 35-44 years: $1,400
- 45-54 years: $2,100
- 55-59 years: $2,800
- 60 years and above: $3,500
Self-employed individuals receive two-thirds of the employee amounts. The 2024 enhancements increased the maximum annual payout to $4,900.
Receiving Your WIS Payments
Payment methods vary depending on your employment status:
Employees
Monthly payments via bank account or GovCash. Payments usually by end of March or first week of April for the previous month's work.
Self-Employed
Annual payments, typically by the end of April of the following work year (after income declaration and MediSave contributions). From 2025, platform workers will receive monthly payments.
Cash payments are credited to your PayNow NRIC-linked bank account, registered bank account, or via GovCash.
Self-Employed Persons and WIS
Self-employed individuals can apply for WIS, but they must declare their net trade income and make MediSave contributions.
Employment Status Changes and WIS
Notify the relevant authorities of any changes in employment status, as this may affect your ongoing compensation and benefits. Consult a legal professional for specific guidance.
Checking Your WIS Status and Payment Details
Employees
Eligibility is automatically assessed; check your CPF account statements or the CPF website for payment details.
Self-Employed and Platform Workers
Check payment status after income declaration and MediSave contributions. Use the WIS calculator on the CPF Board website to estimate your potential payout.
Income Types Included in WIS Eligibility
For employees, gross monthly income is considered. For the self-employed, average monthly net trade income is used. The total annual assessable household income must not exceed $34,000.
Applying for WIS
You generally don't need to apply annually. Employees' eligibility is automatically assessed, while the self-employed must declare their income and make MediSave contributions. Ensure your income is correctly declared.
Required Documents
Employees do not need to submit documents directly. Self-employed individuals need to declare their net trade income to IRAS and ensure required MediSave contributions are made. Tax returns may also be required.
| Worker Type | Required Actions |
|---|---|
| Employees | Ensure employer is contributing to your CPF |
| Self-Employed | Declare net trade income to IRAS, make MediSave contributions, submit tax returns (if required) |
This information is for guidance only. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, please refer to the official CPF Board website and related government resources.
