As inflation increments caused pressure on the population, the Singapore government has stepped in to issue a lump-sum compensation known as Cost of Living Payment featuring an amount range of $200 to $400, depending on need. The payout, scheduled in the latter half of 2025, is a part of a larger Assurance Package meant to aid lower- and middle-income households.
Objective of the 2025 COL Special Payment
Utility bills, transport fares, and food prices have seen record hikes in recent times. It looks to give instant relief to households with ever-more-cramped budgets. The amount thereof is graduated by income, the greater sum going to people in higher need. This cash payout should somewhat cushion Singaporeans on daily expenses over the year-end period.
Eligibility Criteria Based on Income and Property Ownership
The basic qualification is a Singapore citizen aged 21 or above in 2025. The payment amount considered depends on that person’s assessable income and property ownership status. Persons currently earning $22,000 or lower and who do not hold ownership of more than one property stand to get the full amount of $400. Those admitted under the higher income groups stand to receive payments of either $200 or $300, depending on their respective income tiers. The payments will be channeled to the eligible groups automatically, without requiring application.
Timeline and Payment Mode
The government has cofirmed that the Cost of Living payments will go straight into bank accounts linked to Singpass in September 2025. Those people who have not registered their bank details with the government yet shall receive the payments via GovCash. The moment the payment is made, SMS messages will be sent out, or notification via the official Singpass app. There is no need to do anything to receive the payments.