Singapore Confirms $490 Cost Of Living Payment For 1.2 Million – Are You On The List?
In response to ongoing inflationary pressures, the Singapore government has announced a one-off cash payout of up to S$490 for approximately 1.2 million citizens under the 2025 Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment initiative.
This measure, part of the enhanced Assurance Package (AP), aims to provide immediate financial relief to eligible Singaporeans.
Overview of the COL Special Payment
The COL Special Payment is designed to support lower- to middle-income Singaporeans in managing daily expenses amid rising living costs. Eligible individuals will receive a cash payout ranging from S$200 to S$490, depending on specific criteria such as income levels and property ownership.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the COL Special Payment, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Citizenship: Must be a Singaporean citizen.
- Residency: Residing in Singapore.
- Age: Aged 21 years and above in 2025.
- Assessable Income (AI): Not exceeding S$100,000 for the Year of Assessment 2024.
- Property Ownership: Own no more than one property.
These criteria ensure that the support is directed towards those most affected by the current economic climate.
Payout Structure
The amount received under the COL Special Payment varies based on the individual’s assessable income and property ownership status:
| Assessable Income (AI) | Property Ownership | Payout Amount (S$) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to S$22,000 | Owns 0 to 1 property | $490 |
| S$22,001 – S$34,000 | Owns 0 to 1 property | $340 |
| S$34,001 – S$100,000 | Owns 0 to 1 property | $200 |
Note: Individuals owning more than one property are not eligible for this payout.
Disbursement Schedule
Eligible recipients will receive their COL Special Payment in September 2025. The funds will be directly credited to individuals’ bank accounts through PayNow-NRIC or GIRO. Those not registered for these services will receive notifications on alternative arrangements.
Additional Support Measures
The COL Special Payment is part of a broader suite of support initiatives under the Assurance Package, including:
- U-Save Rebates: Additional rebates of up to S$760 to help households offset utility bills.
- Service & Conservancy Charges (S&CC) Rebates: Rebates covering 1.5 to 3.5 months of S&CC for HDB households.
- Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers: Total of S$800 in vouchers disbursed in May 2025 (S$500) and January 2026 (S$300) to support local spending.
| Support Measure | Details | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| COL Special Payment | Up to S$490 cash payout | Singaporeans aged 21+, AI ≤ S$100,000, ≤1 property |
| U-Save Rebates | Up to S$760 to offset utility bills | HDB households, ≤1 property |
| S&CC Rebates | 1.5 to 3.5 months of S&CC rebates | All HDB households |
| CDC Vouchers | S$800 total (S$500 in May 2025, S$300 in Jan 2026) | All Singaporean households |
The 2025 Cost-of-Living Special Payment reflects the Singapore government’s commitment to supporting its citizens amid economic challenges. By providing targeted financial assistance, the initiative aims to alleviate the burden of rising living costs for eligible individuals and households.
Residents are encouraged to check their eligibility and ensure their banking details are up to date to receive the support seamlessly.
FAQs
How can I check my eligibility for the COL Special Payment?
You can verify your eligibility by logging into the GovBenefits portal using your Singpass credentials.
What if I don’t have PayNow-NRIC or GIRO set up?
If you’re not registered for PayNow-NRIC or GIRO, the government will provide alternative arrangements for you to receive your payout.
Are the CDC Vouchers transferable or can they be exchanged for cash?
No, CDC Vouchers are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. They are intended to be used at participating merchants, hawker stalls, and supermarkets.