Workfare Income Supplement 2025: If you’re a platform worker in Singapore — think private-hire drivers, food delivery riders, or freelance couriers — there’s some important news for you in 2025. The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme is evolving, and these changes could mean more regular support in your pocket, more CPF savings, and more clarity about your financial future.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the Workfare Income Supplement 2025 updates, especially if you’re part of the gig economy. From eligibility requirements to monthly payments, we’ve got it all covered — in a way that’s easy to follow and packed with insights for both beginners and experienced professionals.
Workfare Income Supplement 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Who it applies to | Platform workers (e.g. delivery riders, private-hire drivers) |
| Effective date | January 1, 2025 |
| Payment frequency | Monthly (instead of annually) |
| Eligibility age | 30 years and above (or any age if PWD) |
| Income ceiling | Monthly income between $500 and $3,000 (with 12-month average not exceeding $3,000) |
| Maximum annual payout | Up to $3,267 for older workers and persons with disabilities |
| Cash vs CPF breakdown | 10% cash, 90% MediSave top-up |
| Official resource | CPF Board – Workfare Income Supplement |
The Workfare Income Supplement 2025 update is a game-changer for platform workers in Singapore. By shifting to monthly payments, introducing mandatory CPF contributions, and offering greater equity in eligibility and payouts, the government is building a more resilient and fair system for gig economy professionals.
Understanding the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS)
The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) is a government support scheme launched in 2007 to help lower-income Singaporean workers. Its goals are simple but powerful:
- Boost monthly income
- Build long-term CPF savings
- Encourage employment
WIS is part of Singapore’s broader commitment to building an inclusive society where hard work is rewarded and financial stability is attainable for all. The scheme complements other support mechanisms like Silver Support and the Progressive Wage Model, creating a holistic safety net.
If you’re a lower-wage worker, WIS acts as a form of financial support while helping you prepare for the future. Until now, platform workers were not fully integrated into the monthly WIS system — but that’s changing in 2025.
Why This Matters for Platform Workers
Platform work is flexible but unpredictable. You don’t have a fixed employer, and CPF contributions have traditionally been voluntary for self-employed workers. As a result, long-term savings can fall behind.
More than 73,000 people in Singapore rely on platform work as a primary or secondary source of income. That includes ride-hailing, food delivery, and freelance logistics. Without structured CPF contributions, many platform workers find it difficult to save for healthcare, housing, or retirement.
The 2025 WIS update aims to fix this by treating platform workers more like traditional employees. This change comes alongside mandatory CPF contributions from both workers and platform companies starting in 2024. With this shift, workers will benefit from structured contributions to their CPF accounts and receive ongoing monthly top-ups through WIS.
What’s New in 2025 for Platform Workers?
1. Monthly Payments
From March 2025, eligible platform workers will receive monthly WIS payouts instead of waiting for an annual lump sum. This provides faster access to financial support and can help with monthly budgeting.
Example: If you’re a 45-year-old delivery rider earning $2,000/month, you could receive a monthly supplement spread out over the year (up to $2,800 annually). Instead of waiting until the end of the year, your support is distributed evenly and predictably.
This change not only improves cash flow but also creates greater transparency in how support is received.
2. CPF Contributions Become Mandatory
Starting in late 2024, platform companies will be required to make CPF contributions on your behalf, and you’ll need to contribute as well. This makes you eligible for monthly WIS payments, just like salaried employees.
Over time, these CPF contributions can significantly boost your MediSave and Ordinary Account balances, which are crucial for healthcare and housing.
- 90% of WIS will go to your MediSave account, which you can use for medical expenses, health insurance premiums, or future healthcare needs.
- 10% will be paid in cash via PayNow or GovCash for immediate spending needs.
This breakdown helps ensure short-term support and long-term security.
Who Is Eligible for WIS as a Platform Worker?
You must meet all of the following criteria to qualify for WIS as a platform worker:
Basic Criteria
- Must be a Singapore Citizen
- At least 30 years old during the work year (no age requirement if you have a disability)
- Actively working as a platform worker (includes ride-hailing, food delivery, and logistics gigs)
Income Criteria
- Monthly earnings must be between $500 and $3,000
- 12-month average income must not exceed $3,000
- Income is assessed based on your CPF contributions
Property Criteria
- You must live in a property with an annual value of $21,000 or below (based on IRAS records)
- You must own no more than one property in your name
Marital Criteria (if married)
- Combined household property ownership should be one property or fewer
- Your spouse’s assessable income must not exceed $70,000 for the preceding year of assessment
Note: You don’t need to apply separately. WIS eligibility is automatically assessed using CPF records. Just make sure your CPF and PayNow accounts are up to date.
How Much Can You Get From WIS?
The maximum annual payouts for platform workers (same as self-employed persons) between 2025 and 2028 are as follows:
| Age Group | Max Annual WIS Payout |
|---|---|
| 30–34 | $1,633 |
| 35–44 | $2,333 |
| 45–59 | $2,800 |
| 60+ | $3,267 |
| Persons with Disabilities (any age) | $3,267 |
Payouts are pro-rated based on how many months you work in the year and how much you earn each month. The more months you meet the criteria, the higher your total WIS.
To estimate your payout, you can use the Workfare Calculator on the CPF Board’s official website.
How Will You Receive Your Payments?
Cash Portion (10%)
- Paid via PayNow (NRIC-linked) — fast, secure, and convenient
- Alternatively, it will go to your registered bank account if PayNow is not available
- If you don’t have a bank account, you’ll receive it via GovCash, which can be collected at OCBC ATMs without a card
CPF Portion (90%)
- Credited directly into your MediSave account
- This helps you pay for MediShield Life, CareShield Life, and other approved healthcare expenses
These payments are designed to be simple, safe, and automated — so you can focus on your work without worrying about paperwork.
What Happens After 2028?
From 2029 onwards, platform workers will enjoy even greater parity with salaried employees. Once CPF contribution rates are fully aligned:
- Platform workers will receive higher WIS payouts, matching the employee-tier benefits
- This move reinforces Singapore’s long-term vision of equal support across all work types
- You’ll accumulate more CPF savings across all three accounts: Ordinary, Special, and MediSave
These changes create a more robust social safety net and help address concerns around gig economy vulnerability.
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FAQs About Workfare Income Supplement 2025
Do I need to apply for WIS if I’m a platform worker?
No, as long as your CPF contributions are submitted and you meet the criteria, your WIS will be automatically credited.
What if I work for multiple platforms?
All your combined income will be considered. CPF contributions from each platform company will be aggregated to calculate your total earnings.
What if I’m new to platform work?
Even if you’ve just started and only meet the income threshold for a few months, you may still receive partial WIS payouts, depending on your CPF contributions.
Can I opt out of CPF contributions?
No. As part of Singapore’s social security framework, CPF contributions are mandatory for eligible platform workers under the new law.
Will WIS affect my other benefits?
WIS is non-taxable and does not affect your eligibility for other government aid schemes, such as ComCare, GST Vouchers, or Silver Support.
