In 2025, eligible self-employed Singaporeans can receive up to S$2,800 under the enhanced Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme. Designed to boost retirement savings and supplement income for lower-wage workers, this payout will be automatically disbursed with no application required. Here’s everything you need to know about the scheme and who qualifies.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme?
- What’s New in the 2025 WIS for the Self-Employed?
- Eligibility Criteria for the S$2,800 Payout
- Payment Breakdown and Timeline
- How to Ensure You Receive Your Payout
- Other Benefits for Lower-Income Workers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary and Next Steps
What Is the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) Scheme?
The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) is a government initiative aimed at supporting lower-wage workers, including self-employed persons (SEPs), by providing cash payouts and CPF top-ups.
The scheme encourages continued employment and savings for retirement, ensuring that working Singaporeans—especially those earning lower incomes—are not left behind.
What’s New for 2025?
For 2025, the Government has enhanced the scheme with higher payouts. Eligible self-employed persons can now receive up to S$2,800 annually, depending on their income level and age.
This amount comprises both cash and CPF Medisave contributions, with disbursements split across the year.
Eligibility Criteria for the S$2,800 Payout
To qualify for the 2025 Workfare payout as a self-employed person, you must meet the following requirements:
✅ Core Eligibility:
- Singapore Citizen
- Aged 30 and above in the work year (2024)
- Annual Net Trade Income (NTI) between S$2,500 and S$42,000
- Complied with Medisave contribution obligations for the work year
- Must not own more than one property
- No active business registered to a foreign address
Self-employed persons must declare their income to IRAS or CPF Board to be assessed for WIS.
Payment Breakdown for Self-Employed Persons
The maximum annual WIS payout for self-employed workers in 2025 is S$2,800, distributed as follows:
| Age Group (in 2024) | Total WIS Payout | Cash Component | CPF (MediSave) Component |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–34 | Up to S$1,900 | S$1,330 | S$570 |
| 35–44 | Up to S$2,100 | S$1,470 | S$630 |
| 45–59 | Up to S$2,500 | S$1,750 | S$750 |
| 60 and above | Up to S$2,800 | S$1,960 | S$840 |
Note: Actual payout depends on declared income, age, and Medisave compliance.
When Will You Receive the Payment?
Workfare payouts for self-employed individuals are typically made in quarterly disbursements:
- March 2025
- June 2025
- September 2025
- December 2025
To receive your payouts on time, ensure your 2024 income is declared by 31 March 2025, and your Medisave contributions are up to date.
How to Ensure You Get Your Workfare Payout
To secure your payout:
- Declare Your Net Trade Income
- File your 2024 income with IRAS or CPF Board by March 31, 2025
- Pay Your Medisave Contributions
- Log in to cpf.gov.sg and check if you’ve met your Medisave requirements
- Link Your Bank Account or PayNow-NRIC
- Ensure you have a linked PayNow-NRIC for faster disbursement
Additional Support for Lower-Wage Workers
Besides WIS, self-employed Singaporeans may also benefit from other schemes:
| Support Scheme | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Silver Support Scheme | Quarterly cash for elderly low-income workers |
| MediSave Top-Ups | Annual CPF top-ups for eligible seniors |
| ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance | Temporary aid for financial hardship |
| SkillsFuture Credits | Training subsidies to upgrade skills |
These schemes work alongside WIS to offer long-term financial security and support career progression.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to apply for WIS as a self-employed person?
No formal application is required, but you must declare your income and make Medisave contributions to be considered.
2. What if I declare income late?
Late declarations may delay or reduce your Workfare payout. Ensure your declaration is completed by 31 March 2025.
3. Can freelancers qualify for WIS?
Yes, as long as they meet the self-employed criteria and income thresholds.
4. Is the payout taxable?
No, Workfare payouts are not taxable and will not affect other government benefits.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on the S$2,800 Payout
The Workfare Income Supplement Scheme remains a powerful tool for Singapore’s self-employed individuals to boost their income and CPF savings. With up to S$2,800 on the line, it’s essential to declare your earnings and make your Medisave contributions in time.
🔎 Check your status on the Workfare website or via Singpass today.