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Pillar 6

Social Support

Workfare, Silver Support & Government Assistance

Max Workfare/Year
S$4,200
Max Silver Support/Quarter
S$900
Workfare Recipients
500K+
Silver Support Recipients
200K+

Workfare, Silver Support, education schemes, and other government assistance. Safety nets that many eligible Singaporeans do not claim.

Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)

What is Workfare?

A government scheme that supplements income and CPF for lower-wage Singaporean workers. It encourages continued employment.

Eligibility (2026)

  • Singapore citizen, 30 years and above (or 17+ for those with disabilities)
  • Average monthly income ≤ S$2,500
  • Live in property with annual value ≤ S$13,000
  • Own ≤ 1 property
  • Work at least 6 months in any 12-month period

How Much Can You Get?

Age Max/Year Cash CPF
30 to 34 S$1,400 40% 60%
35 to 44 S$2,100 40% 60%
45 to 54 S$2,800 40% 60%
55 to 59 S$3,500 40% 60%
60+ S$4,200 40% 60%

Payouts are automatic for eligible workers. No application needed.

Silver Support Scheme

What is Silver Support?

Quarterly cash supplements for lower-income seniors who had limited income during their working years.

Eligibility

  • Singapore citizen, 65 years and above
  • Had low lifetime earnings (assessed via CPF history)
  • Live in 1-room to 5-room HDB flat
  • Little or no family support

Quarterly Payouts

1-room or 2-room HDB S$900/quarter
3-room HDB S$630/quarter
4-room HDB S$450/quarter
5-room HDB S$270/quarter

Automatic enrollment for eligible seniors. Paid in March, June, September, December.

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Pro Tip: Eligibility is Based on Lifetime, Not Current

Silver Support eligibility is assessed based on lifetime wage history and CPF contributions, not just current income. A senior living in a 3-room flat with low lifetime CPF can qualify even if adult children are supporting them.

CPF Education Scheme

Using CPF for Education

CPF members can use their OA savings for their own or family members' education at approved institutions.

For Self

  • Use OA for approved courses at local universities/polytechnics
  • Must repay with interest when working

For Family Members

  • Can fund spouse, children, siblings education
  • Student must repay with interest after graduation
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Consider Carefully

Using CPF for education reduces retirement savings and incurs 2.5% accrued interest. For many families, education loans or savings may be a better option than depleting CPF. Always calculate the long-term retirement impact first.

Other Support Schemes

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Medifund

Safety net for Singaporeans who cannot afford subsidized medical bills even after MediShield Life and MediSave.

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ComCare

Short to medium-term assistance for low-income families covering daily needs, healthcare, and housing.

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SkillsFuture

S$500 credit for all Singaporeans 25+ to take approved courses. Does not expire.

Not Sure What You Qualify For?

Many Singaporeans leave benefits unclaimed. We can help you identify all the schemes you may be eligible for.

Common Assumptions vs Reality

Common Belief

"Social support is only for low-income families"

Planning Reality

Many middle-income families qualify for schemes like Workfare (income ≤S$2,500/month), SkillsFuture credits (all Singaporeans 25+), and CPF Education Scheme. Silver Support helps seniors regardless of current income if they had low lifetime earnings. Understanding eligibility can unlock thousands in unclaimed benefits.

Common Belief

"I don't need to know about these schemes"

Planning Reality

Even if you don't qualify now, you may in the future due to job loss, health issues, or retirement. Understanding these schemes helps you plan for contingencies and support family members who may qualify. Many eligible Singaporeans leave benefits unclaimed simply because they don't know they exist.

How This Fits Your Plan