Inside Singapore: Jobseeker Support scheme, explained

Singapore’s SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme opened for applications today, 15 April.

The government-backed initiative offers temporary financial assistance to lower- and middle-income workers actively seeking new employment.

Payouts of up to S$6,000 (US$4,500) will be spread across six months to cushion the financial blow of involuntary unemployment.

Accountability beyond Jobseeker payouts

First unveiled by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his 2024 National Day Rally, the Jobseeker Support scheme is not a handout but an agreement with the government that jobseekers who require a little extra help will remain accountable, search for work opportunities, and thus be productive members of society.

“We understand that bouncing back from involuntary job loss can be very challenging for many jobseekers,” said Lynn Ng, assistant chief executive of Workforce Singapore’s Careers Connect Group.

Applicants will need to actively engage in jobseeking activities each month and accumulate points to qualify for monthly payouts. The point-based system acts like a scoreboard for motivation, designed to nudge jobseekers toward meaningful progress – be it attending interviews, engaging in career coaching, or networking with industry players.

In total, 13 job search-related activities are recognised. Some activities, such as resume updates or completing SkillsFuture courses, have monthly caps to prevent overreliance on easier tasks. Jobseekers can pick and choose their preferred activities, allowing for flexibility without becoming a free-for-all.

“We would rather have a points-based system that gives them the flexibility than to insist that jobseekers must do five things to qualify for the support,” Ng noted.

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Who qualifies for the Jobseeker Support scheme?

The scheme targets Singaporean citizens aged 21 and above who were earning up to S$5,000 per month on average before being retrenched, dismissed, or laid off due to medical or business-related reasons.

To qualify, applicants must have worked for at least six of the past 12 months, reside in a property with an annual value of S$31,000 or less, and have been unemployed for at least a month. Importantly, they must not have previously benefitted from the scheme in the past three years.

As a one-off concession, individuals who lost their jobs on or after 1 April 2024, but do not meet all eligibility criteria, may still qualify if they apply by 15 June 2025.

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How the Jobseeker Support payouts stack up

The scheme’s financial support tapers off over six months, starting with S$1,500 in the first month, then S$1,250, and S$1,000 in the third month, followed by three monthly payments of S$750.

However, the amount disbursed is also capped by the applicant’s previous monthly income. For instance, someone who used to earn S$900 per month will not receive more than that amount during the first three months of support.

Each month, jobseekers must complete enough activities to reach a 10-point threshold. If they fall short – for example, only accumulating eight points in the third month – they will forfeit that month’s payout. However, points roll over to the next month, so those eight points would carry forward.

The reverse is also true: any surplus points earned can be banked. A person who earns 16 points in their first month will start their second month with six points already in the bag. It’s a system designed to reward consistency without penalising bursts of early enthusiasm.

There’s a caveat, however. The clock stops at six months. If someone misses a month’s payout and doesn’t make up for it later, that money is lost to them.

Claiming the cash assistance

Successful applicants must provide documentation such as termination letters or medical certificates to justify their unemployment status. They must also upload proof of completed job search activities – such as screenshots or meeting records – on WSG’s digital portal, which will track their progress. Random checks will be conducted to maintain the integrity of the scheme.

Payouts, which may take three to four weeks to process, will be made via PayNow linked to NRIC, GIRO, or GovCash. Each month, recipients must declare that they remain unemployed to continue receiving support.

Manpower Minister Tan See Leng estimates that around 60,000 Singapore residents, or more than 60% of those involuntarily unemployed, will benefit from this scheme annually.

The government has earmarked over S$200 million each year to fund it, and plans are in motion to extend eligibility to Permanent Residents aged 21 and above starting in Q1 2026.

The scheme is not intended to serve as a long-term financial lifeline. “It is in their interest to get a job as soon as possible,” said a WSG spokesperson.