The Singapore Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) and MediSave Vouchers are among the most important financial support schemes for lower-income workers in the country. In 2025, eligible Singaporeans can receive up to $2800 in Workfare payouts, along with generous MediSave top-ups that help with future healthcare needs. These payments are aimed at encouraging continuous employment, boosting CPF savings, and ensuring that hardworking citizens have a safety net for both daily expenses and medical costs.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know – from eligibility criteria to step-by-step claiming instructions – so that you don’t miss out on these important benefits.
Understanding the Workfare Scheme in Singapore
The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) was introduced by the Singapore Government to provide extra financial help to lower-wage workers, encouraging them to stay employed while building their CPF savings.
Under the 2025 scheme:
- Workers can receive cash payouts of up to $2800 annually.
- Part of the payout is given in cash for daily expenses and part goes into the CPF MediSave account for healthcare and retirement savings.
- Payments are made quarterly, giving consistent financial support throughout the year.
The MediSave Vouchers, on the other hand, are specifically aimed at increasing healthcare savings. These vouchers can be used to pay for approved medical expenses, insurance premiums, and hospital bills.
Who Is Eligible for the $2800 Workfare Payment in 2025?
Eligibility for the Workfare and MediSave vouchers is based on a few key criteria. Here’s a clear breakdown:
- Age Requirement
- You must be 35 years or older.
- For persons with disabilities, there is no minimum age.
- Income Criteria
- Your gross monthly income must be not more than $2,500.
- This includes salary, bonuses, and allowances.
- Employment Status
- You must have worked at least two months in a calendar year.
- Both full-time and part-time workers can qualify.
- Residency
- You must be a Singapore citizen.
- Permanent Residents (PRs) are not eligible for Workfare but may qualify for other schemes.
- Property Ownership
- You must not own more than one property.
How the $2800 Workfare Payout Is Calculated
The exact amount you receive depends on your age, monthly income, and employment type:
| Age Group | Maximum Annual WIS | Cash Portion | MediSave Portion |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 – 44 | $1,700 | 40% | 60% |
| 45 – 54 | $2,500 | 40% | 60% |
| 55 – 59 | $2,800 | 40% | 60% |
| 60 & above | $2,800 | 40% | 60% |
| Persons with disabilities | $2,800 | 40% | 60% |
How to Claim Your $2800 Workfare Payment in 2025
Claiming your payment is straightforward because the process is automatic for most eligible workers. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility
- Log in to the Workfare website or the CPF Board website using Singpass.
- Check your employment records and income details.
Step 2 – Verify Your Bank Account Details
- Ensure that your bank account is registered with PayNow (NRIC-linked) or GIRO for faster payout.
- If you don’t have PayNow linked, payouts may be delayed.
Step 3 – Wait for Automatic Credit
- For eligible individuals, payouts will be automatically credited into your bank account every quarter.
- No manual application is needed unless there is a dispute or missing data.
Workfare Payment Dates for 2025
Payouts are made quarterly:
- March 2025 – For work done between Jan–Mar
- June 2025 – For work done between Apr–Jun
- September 2025 – For work done between Jul–Sep
- December 2025 – For work done between Oct–Dec
Each payout includes both cash and MediSave contributions.
Understanding MediSave Vouchers in 2025
MediSave Vouchers are given alongside the WIS to boost healthcare savings. These funds can be used for:
- Hospital bills
- Outpatient treatments at public hospitals and polyclinics
- Approved insurance premiums such as MediShield Life and CareShield Life
- Chronic disease management payments
These vouchers are credited directly into your CPF MediSave account, so you cannot withdraw them in cash.
How to Use Your MediSave Vouchers
- Pay Hospital Bills – When you are billed at a public hospital, you can request to use MediSave to offset charges.
- Insurance Premiums – Automatically deducted for approved schemes like MediShield Life.
- Chronic Care Treatments – Can be used for ongoing medical conditions at approved clinics.
What to Do If You Did Not Receive Your Workfare Payment
Sometimes payments may be delayed due to incorrect details. If this happens:
- Check your eligibility online via the CPF Workfare portal.
- Ensure your income records from your employer are updated.
- Update your bank account details and PayNow linkage.
- Contact CPF Board at 1800-227-1188 for assistance.
Common Mistakes That Delay Payments
- Not linking NRIC to PayNow.
- Outdated bank details.
- Employer not submitting CPF contributions on time.
- Incomplete work history (less than 2 months of work in the year).
Benefits of the Workfare and MediSave Scheme
This scheme is more than just extra cash – it offers:
- Financial security for lower-income workers.
- CPF savings growth for future retirement.
- Healthcare protection through MediSave top-ups.
- Encouragement to stay employed and remain active in the workforce.
Government Efforts to Improve Support in 2025
The Singapore Government announced that from January 2025, the income cap was increased from $2,300 to $2,500, meaning more workers will now qualify. Additionally, the payout amounts for older workers have been increased to better support their retirement savings.
Final Tips to Ensure You Receive Your Payment
- Keep employment records accurate.
- Make sure CPF contributions are made on time by your employer.
- Always keep your Singpass active for easy access to government services.
- Regularly check the CPF Board’s website for updates.
Conclusion
The Workfare Income Supplement and MediSave vouchers remain one of the most effective ways Singapore supports its lower-income workforce. By ensuring that you meet the eligibility requirements, keeping your employment records updated, and maintaining active bank account details, you can smoothly receive up to $2800 in 2025, along with valuable MediSave benefits that protect your health in the future.