In a major relief effort for unemployed Singaporeans, the government has officially rolled out the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme, offering cash support of up to S$6,000 over six months. This new initiative, launched in April 2025, is part of a broader move to help retrenched or job-seeking individuals cope with rising costs while staying motivated to rejoin the workforce.
Let’s break down how this works, who is eligible, and what other support you may qualify for if you’re currently out of work in Singapore.
What Is the Jobseeker Support Scheme?
The Jobseeker Support Scheme is designed to assist Singapore citizens who have recently lost their jobs involuntarily. It offers tiered monthly payouts that gradually reduce over six months. The goal is to provide immediate financial aid while encouraging active job search and upskilling during the period of unemployment.
Payout Breakdown:
- S$1,500 for the first month
- S$1,250 for the second month
- S$1,000 for the third month
- S$750 for each of the next three months
This adds up to S$6,000 for eligible individuals across a six-month period. However, once the individual finds a new job, the payouts will stop.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for this scheme, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a Singapore citizen aged 21 years or older
- Must have been involuntarily unemployed for at least one month
- Previously earned an average monthly income of S$5,000 or less
- Worked for at least six months in the last year
- Live in a property with an annual value not exceeding S$31,000
- Have not received payouts under this scheme in the past three years
This is a targeted scheme, meant to reach individuals most vulnerable to financial difficulties due to retrenchment or company closure.
What Do You Need to Do?
To keep receiving payments during the six-month support period, applicants must actively look for jobs or participate in training/upskilling activities. The government requires individuals to:
- Attend career coaching sessions
- Apply for job openings
- Show proof of job search efforts or course participation
This approach ensures that the financial assistance is tied to efforts toward re-employment or personal development.
How to Apply?
You can apply through the official SupportGoWhere portal, which lists financial schemes and allows online application submission. You’ll need to provide employment history, income details, and documentation of retrenchment or job loss.
Once approved, payments will be credited monthly to your bank account, starting from the date of approval.
Other Support Measures You Should Know
Apart from the Jobseeker Support Scheme, the Singapore Government has launched several other initiatives to help citizens manage the cost of living.
1. Cost-of-Living Special Payment
Eligible Singaporeans received a one-time payout of S$200 to S$400 in September 2024 to offset inflationary pressures. This benefit was automatically credited and aimed to ease household financial strain.
You can check the scheme and other relief options on the SupportGoWhere portal.
2. SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme
Mid-career workers aged 40 and above can benefit from this scheme, which provides monthly training allowances up to S$3,000 for eligible full-time upskilling programs. It’s part of the government’s broader plan to prepare workers for future job demands while offering financial support during training.
Why This Matters Now
Singapore’s unemployment rate remains relatively low, but the government is taking proactive steps to shield vulnerable groups from economic shocks. This includes those recently retrenched due to sectoral shifts, restructuring, or company closures.
The tiered payment model ensures urgent relief upfront, while reducing dependency over time. More importantly, it encourages continued job-seeking behavior, preventing long-term unemployment and promoting productivity in the economy.
Final Thoughts
The new SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme reflects Singapore’s commitment to social resilience offering real, practical support when people need it most. If you’ve recently lost your job or know someone struggling to get back on their feet, this could be a valuable lifeline.
