Singapore’s Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme is set to undergo significant changes in 2025, especially for platform workers. The transition from annual to monthly payments and adjustments in Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions are key modifications aimed at ensuring better financial stability and long-term benefits for these workers.
Key Changes in WIS for Platform Workers
From 2025 onwards, platform workers eligible for WIS will receive payments monthly instead of annually. This shift will provide more consistent financial support, helping workers better manage their expenses. Additionally, platform operators will be required to deduct CPF contributions from workers’ earnings. This change aligns platform workers’ benefits with those of traditional employees, ensuring they accumulate savings for retirement and healthcare needs. By 2029, workers who make equivalent CPF contributions will receive higher WIS payouts, matching the benefits of regular employees.
Eligibility Criteria for WIS as a Platform Worker
To qualify for WIS under the updated scheme, platform workers must be Singaporean citizens and above 30 years old by the end of the work year or have an age-related disability. Their monthly income, including net earnings from platform work, should be between $500 and $3,000, with an average gross monthly income not exceeding $3,000 in the past 12 months. They must reside in a property with an annual value of not more than $21,000 as of December 31 of the previous year and own no more than one property. If married, the worker and their spouse must jointly own no more than one property, with the spouse’s assessable income not exceeding $70,000 in the previous Year of Assessment. Special conditions apply to persons with disabilities, caregivers, and ComCare recipients, even if their earnings are below $500.
WIS Payment Structure
WIS payments will be tiered based on age groups. Workers aged between 30 and 34 can receive up to $1,633 annually, while those aged 35 to 44 may receive up to $2,333. Workers between 45 and 59 can expect a maximum of $2,800, whereas those aged 60 and above can receive up to $3,267. Persons with disabilities are eligible for the maximum payout of $3,267, regardless of their age.
Distribution of WIS Payments
WIS payments will be allocated in a structured manner. Ten percent of the payout will be credited to the worker’s PayNow NRIC-linked bank account or, if unavailable, to their registered bank account or GovCash. The remaining ninety percent will be deposited into the worker’s MediSave account to support healthcare expenses.
Payment Schedule
Starting in March 2025, WIS payments will be disbursed monthly. Payments for work done in January will be made by the end of March, while payments for work done in February will be made by the end of April. This two-month delay structure will continue for all subsequent payments. GovCash payments will be available in the first week of the scheduled month.
Steps for Platform Workers
The CPF Board will automatically assess eligibility based on income data submitted by platform operators, requiring no additional action from workers. However, workers should ensure that their platform operator deducts the correct CPF contributions. In case of discrepancies, they should directly contact their operator or report the issue to the CPF Board.
The enhanced WIS scheme underscores Singapore’s commitment to improving financial stability and social security for platform workers. These changes align platform workers’ benefits with those of traditional employees, offering them greater economic security in an evolving labor landscape.
