As Singapore navigates an evolving global economy, workforce adaptability has become essential. To thrive in a rapidly changing job market, workers must continually develop new skills—and for lower-income earners, that process can often feel financially out of reach.
To address this, the Singapore government has introduced the Workfare Skills Support – Basic (WSS-Basic) scheme, designed specifically for lower-wage Singaporeans. The initiative encourages upskilling through financial incentives for both individuals and employers. Whether you’re self-employed or working for a company, WSS-Basic aims to ease the cost of training and help you build a stronger, more resilient career path.
This article explains everything you need to know about WSS-Basic in 2025—from how much support is available to who’s eligible and how to apply.
Table of Contents
Overview of the WSS-Basic Scheme (2025)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To support upskilling among lower-income Singaporean workers |
| Training Allowance (TA) | $6/hour for eligible self-funded courses, up to 180 hours/year |
| Training Commitment Award (TCA) | Up to $1,000 annually for completing courses |
| Absentee Payroll (AP) | Employers reimbursed up to 95% of hourly wage (max $13/hour) for training time |
| Eligibility Age | 30+ (13+ for persons with special needs) |
| Income Limit (from July 2025) | Monthly income not exceeding $3,000 |
| Property Criteria | Residential Annual Value < $21,000, and <2 properties owned |
| Application Process | Auto-payout for employees, manual claims for self-employed workers |
| Official Portal | www.workfare.gov.sg |
What Is the WSS-Basic Scheme?
WSS-Basic is part of the broader Workfare Support System, focused on encouraging lifelong learning among low-wage Singaporean workers. The scheme provides direct monetary benefits for taking approved skills courses, thereby reducing financial barriers that might discourage professional development.
The scheme is built around three main forms of support:
- Training Allowance (TA) for self-sponsored learners
- Training Commitment Awards (TCA) for completing recognised courses
- Absentee Payroll (AP) to help employers offset training time for employees
Together, these components form a strong support system for both workers and businesses looking to future-proof their skills and operations.
1. Training Allowance (TA)
For Singaporeans who are self-funded learners, WSS-Basic offers a Training Allowance of $6 per training hour. This is capped at 180 hours per eligibility year, potentially giving individuals up to $1,080 annually to offset their income loss while attending training.
To qualify for TA, the courses must:
- Be certifiable or outcome-based
- Be aligned with the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) sectors
- Be approved under SkillsFuture or similar frameworks
This allowance makes it easier for self-employed persons and gig workers to prioritise learning without worrying about lost income.
2. Training Commitment Award (TCA)
Beyond paying for the time spent learning, the scheme also rewards successful completion of selected courses. Under the Training Commitment Award, workers can receive up to $1,000 annually.
Here’s how the reward breaks down:
| Course Type | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| Full WSQ / Academic CET Qualification | $800 |
| Any 2 eligible short courses (modular) | $100 per two courses |
| Maximum Total | $1,000 per year |
Eligible courses include:
- WSQ Statements of Attainment
- SkillsFuture-supported short courses
- Modular CET (Continuing Education & Training) certificates
This reward structure is aimed at encouraging not just participation, but course completion and progression toward recognised qualifications.
3. Absentee Payroll (AP) – Support for Employers
The WSS-Basic scheme doesn’t just benefit workers—it also helps employers support their staff’s development without suffering financially.
When employers send eligible staff for training, they can claim up to 95% of the employee’s basic hourly wage, capped at $13/hour. This Absentee Payroll support ensures that businesses can upskill their teams without disrupting operations or straining payroll budgets.
Conditions for AP eligibility:
- The training course must be pre-approved by Workforce Singapore (WSG)
- Employers must submit claims through the Enterprise Portal
- TA and AP cannot be claimed for the same person at the same time
This makes it easier for businesses to offer career progression opportunities for staff without worrying about short-term productivity losses.
Who Is Eligible for WSS-Basic?
To ensure support is directed to those who need it most, the scheme has targeted eligibility criteria, focusing on income and asset levels.
General Criteria:
- Must be a Singapore Citizen
- Aged 30 and above (only 13 and above for persons with disabilities)
- Employed or self-employed with CPF or MediSave contributions
Financial & Property Criteria (effective July 2025):
- Monthly income not exceeding $3,000
- Annual Value (AV) of residence below $21,000
- Owns fewer than two properties
For Married Applicants:
- Combined property count with spouse must remain under two
- Spouse’s annual assessable income must be under $70,000
These conditions ensure the scheme prioritises economically vulnerable workers while keeping the benefits sustainable.
How to Apply for WSS-Basic Support
The application process is designed to be seamless and low-effort, particularly for employed individuals. Here’s how it works depending on your employment status:
For Employees:
- No application is required
- Training institutions report course completion
- Payouts are automatically processed via CPF-linked bank accounts
For Self-Employed Persons:
- Must submit a manual Training Allowance (TA) claim
- Required documents include:
- Proof of self-employment (e.g. ACRA registration, IRAS documents)
- Course details and attendance records
For Employers:
- Must apply via the Enterprise Portal for Jobs & Skills
- Confirm course eligibility before enrollment
- Can’t claim AP and TA simultaneously for the same staff
Employers are also encouraged to use this scheme as part of their HR development plans, integrating upskilling into routine workforce management.
Why WSS-Basic Matters in 2025
Singapore’s economy is becoming more digitised, and sectors like logistics, retail, and F&B are evolving quickly. Workers who don’t keep pace risk stagnation or redundancy. WSS-Basic is more than just a cash incentive—it’s a strategic investment in worker resilience and national productivity.
The scheme especially benefits:
- Older workers looking to remain employable
- Self-employed individuals navigating freelance markets
- Lower-income households trying to break income ceilings
By removing cost barriers and rewarding commitment, WSS-Basic gives Singaporeans real tools to advance their careers and improve long-term job security.
FAQs
Q1: Who can benefit from WSS-Basic?
A: Lower-income Singaporeans aged 30 and above (13+ for persons with disabilities) who meet the income and property criteria.
Q2: What is the maximum award I can receive?
A: Up to $1,000 per year through the Training Commitment Award, plus a potential $1,080 in Training Allowance.
Q3: Can my employer receive support?
A: Yes, eligible employers can claim up to $13/hour in Absentee Payroll reimbursement for staff training.
Q4: Do I need to apply if I’m an employee?
A: No, eligible employees receive payouts automatically after course completion.
