Singapore $2,800 Workfare Payment 2025, Full Guide for Self-Employed Workers

The Singapore government continues to enhance support for lower-income workers through the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme. First introduced in 2007, WIS was designed to uplift earnings, encourage retirement savings, and ease healthcare expenses for both employed and self-employed persons.

As of early 2024, over S$10.5 billion has been disbursed under this program to more than a million beneficiaries. With the latest enhancements, eligible self-employed persons (SEPs) can now receive up to $2,800 annually—most of it directed to their MediSave accounts, with a smaller cash portion credited directly to them.

This initiative plays a crucial role in strengthening financial stability for SEPs, who typically lack employer-provided CPF benefits, including MediSave contributions. By combining direct cash payouts with long-term healthcare and retirement support, WIS helps bridge the gap in social protection for non-salaried workers.

Overview Table

Component	Details
Max Payment	Up to $2,800 per year
Payment Frequency	Annually
Cash Component	10% of total
MediSave Component	90% of total
Income Range	$500 – $2,500/month (net trade income)
Age Requirement	≥30 years (any age if disabled)
Property Ownership Cap	Annual Value ≤ $21,000
Spouse’s Income Cap	≤ $70,000/year
Declaration Deadline	March–April each year (via IRAS)
MediSave Deadline	By end of following year
Payment Timing	By end-April of the following year
Official Website	https://www.workfare.gov.sg

What Is the $2,800 WIS SEP Payment?

The Workfare Income Supplement offers financial support to lower-income self-employed Singaporeans by topping up their MediSave and providing a modest cash component. Unlike salaried employees who receive CPF contributions from their employers, SEPs must independently contribute to their MediSave accounts.

To address this gap, WIS allocates a majority portion (90%) of the payout into MediSave, with 10% provided as a cash grant. These payments not only supplement incomes but also help workers build savings for medical needs and retirement.

The maximum payout of $2,800 is based on the worker’s age and net trade income (NTI), with older workers receiving more support to reflect their proximity to retirement.

Eligibility Criteria for Self-Employed WIS Payments

To qualify for the WIS scheme as a self-employed person in 2025, applicants must meet specific conditions:

Age Requirement

• Must be 30 years or older by 31 December of the work year.
• Persons with disabilities are eligible regardless of age.

Income Range

• Must earn an average net trade income (NTI) between $500 and $2,500 per month.
• The maximum qualifying income cap has been set at $2,500 for work performed from 2023 onwards.

MediSave Contributions

• The SEP must make the required MediSave contributions for the relevant work year by the stipulated deadlines.

Property Ownership

• Must reside in a property with an annual value (AV) of $21,000 or less (based on AV assessed in the prior year).

Spouse’s Income (if married)

• The SEP’s spouse must not earn more than $70,000 in the preceding Year of Assessment (YA).

Concessionary Eligibility

• Individuals with disabilities or caregivers of dependent family members may qualify for WIS even if their NTI is below $500 per month.

These criteria are part of the government’s effort to channel aid effectively toward those who face real economic vulnerability.

WIS $2,800 Payment Breakdown

The WIS payout is split into two parts:

• 90% to MediSave – This bulk amount supports long-term healthcare savings.
• 10% as Cash – This is paid to the SEP for immediate needs.

Maximum Annual WIS Payout by Age Group

Age Group	Max WIS (Before 2023)	Max WIS (2023 Onward)
30–34	Not eligible	$1,400
35–44	$1,133	$2,000
45–54	$1,667	$2,400
55–59	$2,200	$2,800
60 and above	$2,667	$2,800

This tiered structure ensures older workers receive higher benefits to better support healthcare and retirement readiness.

WIS SEP Payment Schedule

Workfare payouts for SEPs are made once a year, typically based on the prior year’s work performance and MediSave contributions.

Key Milestones

• Income Declaration: SEPs must declare their NTI for the work year via IRAS.
• Contribution Deadline: MediSave payments must be made by the end of the following year.
• Payout Timing: Eligible SEPs typically receive their payment by end-April of the following year.

For example, SEPs completing work in 2024 and declaring their income in March–April 2025 (with MediSave paid) will receive WIS by April 2025.

Delays in income declaration or MediSave payments can postpone the payout.

WIS SEP Payment Process: Step-by-Step

To successfully receive the WIS payout, self-employed individuals must complete the following:

1. Declare Net Trade Income (NTI)

• Use IRAS’s online tax filing system (typically open from 1 March to 18 April).
• Declare actual earnings for the year, as WIS depends on this figure.

2. Make MediSave Contributions

• Ensure MediSave contributions for the work year are made by 31 December of the following year.
• CPF Board will automatically assess the amount due based on declared income.

3. Update Bank Account for Payout

• Ensure that bank details are linked to PayNow (NRIC) or registered with the CPF Board.
• If no bank is linked, payment will be issued via GovCash at OCBC ATMs.

Following these steps ensures timely disbursement and avoids any issues with eligibility or payment processing.

Why WIS Is Important for Self-Employed Workers

The WIS scheme provides more than just financial top-ups—it promotes:

• Retirement savings through structured MediSave contributions.
• Healthcare readiness, as MediSave can be used for insurance premiums and medical bills.
• Income security, by providing a guaranteed annual supplement to buffer low or inconsistent earnings.

SEPs often operate outside traditional employee benefits systems. WIS ensures they are not left out of Singapore’s inclusive growth efforts.

It also encourages formal income declaration, which has long-term benefits including eligibility for other government assistance schemes and better retirement planning.

Where to Get Help or More Info

You can check your eligibility, view payout status, and find MediSave instructions at the official Workfare portal:
https://www.workfare.gov.sg

Alternatively, log in using Singpass to the CPF Board’s myCPF portal to manage contributions and check WIS updates.

FAQs