In 2025, Singapore is taking a big step to support gig workers like delivery riders and private-hire drivers. Through the updated Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme, these workers can now receive up to $3,267 every year.

This money is meant to help those who earn less and don’t have the usual benefits that come with full-time jobs.

Let’s break down what this payout means, who qualifies, and how it works.

Why the Workfare Scheme Matters?

Many people in Singapore are now working flexible or “gig” jobs instead of traditional full-time roles. While these jobs offer freedom, they often come with unstable income and no employer benefits like health insurance or retirement savings.

That’s where the Workfare Income Supplement comes in.

The government uses this scheme to:

• Help workers earn lower wages.
• Support long-term savings.
• Make sure these workers are financially secure even in the future.

Under the updated 2024 plan, eligible platform workers—like GrabFood riders or Gojek drivers—can receive up to $3,267 per year through a mix of cash payouts and MediSave contributions.

Who Can Get the Benefit?

Not everyone is eligible. To qualify for the WIS payout, a platform worker must meet certain rules:

1. Citizenship: You must be a Singapore citizen.
2. Age: You must be at least 30 years old as of December 31 of the assessment year. People with disabilities can qualify earlier.
3. Income: Your monthly income must be between $500 and $3,000, either monthly or as a yearly average.
4. Property: You must live in a property with an annual value of $21,000 or less, and you cannot own more than one residential property.
5. CPF Contributions: You must be contributing regularly to MediSave under CPF.

These rules ensure that the help goes to those who truly need it, especially those working without the security of full-time employment.

What’s New in 2025? Monthly Payments Instead of Quarterly

From 2025 onwards, there’s a major change in how this money is given out.

Instead of quarterly payments, workers will now be paid monthly. This helps people plan better for their monthly expenses and get quicker support when needed.

Here’s how the monthly payout is split:

• 10% will be paid in cash to your bank account via PayNow (linked to your NRIC).
• 90% will go into your MediSave account to help save for future healthcare needs.

This way, you get some money in hand while also saving for the long term.

No Need to Apply: Automatic Enrollment

One of the best parts about this scheme? You don’t need to apply.

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board will automatically check your eligibility using income records submitted by platform companies like Grab or Foodpanda.

Once confirmed, you’ll start receiving the monthly payments without doing anything.

However, if your platform doesn’t submit your income or CPF data correctly, it’s up to you to raise the issue with them. If the problem isn’t fixed, you can contact the CPF Board directly to make sure you still receive your payout.

How to Make Sure You Get the Full $3,267

Want to get the full benefit amount each year? Then follow these tips:

• Ensure regular CPF MediSave contributions.
• Check your CPF account regularly to confirm your income and contributions are correctly recorded.
• Stay updated with WIS policies and updates.
• Talk to your platform company if something seems wrong.

Being proactive ensures you won’t miss out on what you’re entitled to.

Helping Today, Securing Tomorrow

The updated WIS program is not just about giving out money—it’s also about planning for the future.

Many platform workers don’t have retirement plans or employer health benefits. The WIS scheme fixes that by:

• Giving them money every month.
• Putting a large portion into MediSave for future medical needs.
• Building long-term financial discipline through CPF.

It’s a system that supports workers today and protects them for tomorrow.

Recognizing the Gig Economy

Singapore’s government understands that more people are working non-traditional jobs. Instead of ignoring this, they’re bringing these workers into the system.

By offering regular support, encouraging savings, and using automatic systems to reduce paperwork, the government is ensuring that gig workers are not left behind.

This is a big step in the right direction—making sure all kinds of workers are included, no matter how or where they work.