S$6,000 Support for Jobless Singaporeans

In a bold step to cushion the blow of unemployment while encouraging skill-building, Singapore has launched a new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme in April 2025. The programme offers up to S$6,000 in payouts over six months for eligible Singaporeans who have lost their jobs. More than just a short-term cash benefit, the initiative is tied to meaningful job search activities and training efforts, empowering citizens to re-enter the workforce with better prospects.

This newly introduced scheme marks a shift in Singapore’s employment support strategy, moving from passive assistance to active participation through learning and job-hunting. Here’s a comprehensive look at who qualifies, how payments work, and what steps to take if you’re out of work.

Overview

Feature	Details
Maximum Benefit Amount	S$6,000 over 6 months
Monthly Payment Range	From S$750 to S$1,500
Eligibility Age	Singapore Citizens aged 21 and above
Income Threshold	≤ S$5,000 average monthly income (past 12 months before job loss)
Property AV Limit	Annual Value (AV) of residence must not exceed S$31,000
Application Platform	SkillsFuture official portal (Gov.sg)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this jobseeker scheme, you must:

Be a Singapore citizen aged 21 or above
Have earned S$5,000 or less in average gross monthly income over the 12 months before job loss
Have worked at least six months in Singapore during the eligibility period
Have lost your job involuntarily due to retrenchment, medical unfitness, company closure, or dismissal not due to misconduct
Live in a residence with an Annual Value (AV) of S$31,000 or less

There is a one-time concession for those retrenched after April 1, 2024, even if they haven’t met the six-month employment requirement, as long as they apply by June 15, 2025.

Currently, the scheme is available only to citizens, with plans to extend eligibility to permanent residents by 2026.

How the Monthly Payments Are Structured

Unlike a lump sum payout, the S$6,000 is disbursed over six months in decreasing amounts. This staggered format motivates participants to remain consistently engaged in job-seeking or skills upgrading activities.

Month	Maximum Monthly Payout	Activity Points Required
1st	S$1,500	10 points
2nd	S$1,250	10 points
3rd	S$1,000	10 points
4th	S$750	5 points
5th	S$750	5 points
6th	S$750	5 points

Participants earn points by:

Submitting job applications
Attending career coaching sessions
Enrolling in SkillsFuture-approved training
Joining resume workshops and career fairs

Unused points can be carried forward, offering flexibility in meeting monthly requirements.

Why This Programme Matters in 2025

The timing of the scheme reflects Singapore’s ongoing recovery from the pandemic and broader economic volatility. The government has committed over S$200 million annually, aiming to assist around 60,000 unemployed Singaporeans each year.

This strategy marks a shift toward proactive unemployment assistance, integrating financial relief with skill development. Instead of offering temporary aid alone, the government is pushing for sustainable re-employment by boosting the job seekers’ capabilities and motivation.

Steps After Retrenchment

If you recently lost your job and meet the requirements, don’t delay your application. Here’s how to get started:

Apply via the official SkillsFuture portal or the LifeSG app.
Prepare key documents, including your retrenchment letter, past income records, and residence details.
Choose your job search activities and training modules for each month.
Once approved, your first payment arrives in 3–4 weeks, upon completing the required points for that month.

Disbursements are made through PayNow (linked to NRIC), GIRO, or GovCash, depending on your preference.

If your income slightly exceeds the cap or you didn’t meet the employment duration, you may still appeal under special consideration.