In a bold move to uplift lower-income earners in non-traditional jobs, Singapore has upgraded its Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme for 2024. Now, qualifying platform workers can receive up to $3,267 a year. This targeted support responds to the growing gig economy, where many workers deal with irregular income and lack standard employment benefits.

Bridging Financial Gaps for Non-Standard Employment

At its core, the WIS scheme aims to deliver consistent financial help to lower-wage workers while encouraging long-term savings through CPF contributions. For gig workers—like food delivery riders and private-hire drivers—it fills a critical gap.

These workers often miss out on employer-backed benefits, but WIS steps in with direct cash payouts and MediSave contributions. By linking support to CPF, the program not only offers immediate relief but also strengthens financial readiness for medical needs and retirement.

Who Qualifies for Workfare Support?

To receive WIS benefits, platform workers must meet specific criteria. Applicants must:

• Be Singapore citizens aged 30 or older as of December 31 in the qualifying year (those with disabilities can qualify younger)
• Earn between $500 and $3,000 per month, assessed both monthly and as a 12-month average
• Live in a property with an annual value of $21,000 or less
• Own no more than one residential property
• Make compulsory CPF MediSave contributions

These conditions help target the scheme to those who need it most, while reinforcing savings for the future.

Monthly Payments Coming in 2025 for Better Support

Starting in 2025, platform workers will receive monthly WIS payments, replacing the current quarterly model. This shift makes support more accessible and helps workers manage their monthly expenses more effectively.

Each month, 10% of the benefit will go directly into the worker’s PayNow-NRIC-linked bank account as cash. The remaining 90% will be funneled into their MediSave account, promoting long-term financial wellness alongside short-term relief.

No Application Needed—Auto-Enrollment Makes It Easy

To make things simple, the WIS program uses an automatic enrollment process. Workers don’t need to apply. The CPF Board determines eligibility based on income data submitted by platform operators.

If any issues arise—such as income not being reported or CPF contributions being missed—it’s up to the worker to first sort it out with the platform operator. If unresolved, they can then approach the CPF Board for help to ensure they receive the correct benefits.

Stay Compliant to Receive Full Benefits

To receive the full annual benefit of $3,267, workers must remain compliant with CPF requirements. That means:

• Reporting income correctly
• Ensuring timely MediSave contributions
• Checking CPF transaction records regularly

Staying informed and proactive helps prevent any interruptions in payouts and ensures full access to the WIS benefits.

Securing the Present While Investing in the Future

The updated WIS scheme is more than just a financial aid tool—it’s a holistic support system that helps build economic stability and retirement security. For many gig workers who don’t have employer benefits, the monthly support and mandatory savings create a stronger financial foundation.

A Future-Ready Framework for Gig Workers

Singapore’s commitment to enhancing the WIS scheme reflects a growing awareness of the gig economy’s significance. By bringing platform workers into national financial and savings programs, the government ensures broader coverage and lasting support. Eligible workers should stay alert, track their contributions, and make the most of this inclusive and sustainable system.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.