Workfare Income Supplement – Eligibility, Payout Amount, How to apply?

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Workfare Income Supplement

The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) program offers cash payments and increased CPF contributions to qualified workers, encouraging them to work and increase their CPF savings. The highest possible amount you should anticipate is $4,200.

Workfare Income Supplement

The Workfare Income Supplement program, introduced in 2007 pays eligible workers cash benefits and makes additional CPF contributions to encourage them to work and increase their CPF savings.

To get the workfare income supplements you need to fulfill the eligibility requirements of the scheme such as qualify for WIS if you are a Singapore Citizen, at least 30 years old (or a person with disabilities of any age), etc.

WIS is paid in the form of both CPF contributions and cash. You receive 40% of WIS in cash and 60% as CPF contributions if you are an employee. The cash portion is credited to your PayNow NRIC-linked bank account if you have one.

WIS aims to help you save for retirement by supplementing your income. Over S$10.5 billion has been disbursed to 1,035,000 lower-income workers.

Eligibility Criteria for Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)

You will get cash payments to augment your salary and CPF contributions to help you save for retirement if you are an eligible employee. To be eligible for Workfare Income Supplements,  you must:

  • You’re a citizen of Singapore.
  • Candidates must be employees or self-employed persons.
  • Interested individuals are people with impairments, regardless of age, or those who are at least thirty years old as of December 31 of the work year.
  • You must receive a gross monthly income from your employment of at least $500 each month, but at most $2,500 for each month you worked and the previous 12 months (average gross monthly income).
  • You must have contributed to MediSave and disclosed your net trade income.
  • Candidates must reside in a property that, as of December 31, of the previous year, had an annual value of $21,000 or less starting in Work Year 2024 ($13,000).
  • If you are married, neither you nor your spouse jointly own more than one property, and neither spouse’s assessable income exceeds $70,000 from the previous year of assessment.
  • You must possess just one property.

How to apply workfare income supplements?

If you’ve worked as both an employee and a self-employed person in Singapore, The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) applies to you based on the eligibility criteria. 

The cash portion of WIS is credited to your PayNow NRIC-linked bank account if you have one. If you’re self-employed, you’ll receive one WIS payout per year for work done in the previous year. The earliest payment is usually by the end of April. 

How much do you get from Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)?

In Singapore, the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) program essentially acts as a negative income tax, assisting lower-paid and older workers. Low-wage workers receive cash and CPF payouts from the government in addition to their earnings, rather than having their income taxed. The workfare income supplement amount details are provided in the below table.

Age  Amount in 2024 for employees Amount in 2024 for self-employed
30-34 $2,100 $1,400
35-44 $3,000 $2,000
45-54 $3,600 $2,400
55-59 $3,600 $2,400
60 and over $4,200 $2,800

What is the payment distribution process for  WIS?

If you are self-employed ninety percent will go into your MediSave account, and ten percent will be paid to you in cash. In the event that you are employed, you will get 60% of your WIS in CPF contributions and 40% in cash. 

Officials will deposit the cash portion into your bank account linked to your PayNow NRIC if you have one.

If not, the funds will be transferred to the bank account you have linked to your government benefit registration, or, if you haven’t linked a bank account with GovCash, to your GovCash account. After entering into the e-Services, you can update your bank account information if necessary.

What if you haven’t received your WIS payout yet?

If you haven’t received your Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) payout yet, here are some steps to consider:

  • Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for WIS. Confirm that you are a Singapore Citizen, at least 30 years old (or a person with disabilities), and Verify that your property’s annual value is $21,000 or below (from Work Year 2024) and that you don’t own more than one property.
  • Wait for Payment: WIS payments are usually made annually, around August. Keep an eye on your bank account or CPF statements during that time.
  • Contact CPF Board: If you believe you should have received the payment but haven’t, consider reaching out to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board. They can be reached through their official website.

What are the main Objectives of workfare income supplements?

The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme in Singapore has several key objectives:

  • Income Support: Provide financial assistance to low-wage workers by supplementing their income. Help bridge the gap between their earnings and basic living expenses.
  • Encourage Workforce Participation: Encourage individuals to stay employed and actively participate in the workforce. Promote self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on social assistance.
  • Support Retirement Savings: The CPF contributions component of WIS helps workers save for retirement. Enhance long-term financial security for eligible individuals.
  • Inclusive Growth: Ensure that economic growth benefits all segments of society, including lower-income workers. lessen the income gap and foster social cohesiveness.

Remember that WIS aims to provide a safety net for eligible workers while promoting their financial well-being. 

To Get Relevant Information. Go to NCBLPC Homepage.

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