Workfare is a key pillar of Singapore’s social security landscape to provide support for low-wage workers so that they will have the best chance to progress. Workfare supplements the income and CPF savings of low-wage workers, encourages work and enhances their skills and employability for the future.
WIS | Workfare Income Supplement Scheme Encourages older low-wage workers to work regularly by supplementing their income and retirement savings.
WTS
The WIS Scheme rewards work by providing more income and CPF savings to older low-wage workers when they work and stay employed.
Qualifying Criteria
- Singapore citizens
- 35 years old and above
- Work at least 2 months in
a 3-month period - Average gross monthly income of
$1,700 or less1 - Stay in a property with Annual Value of
not more than $13,000
1. Average gross monthly income includes basic salary and additional wages like overtime pay and bonuses
Please click here for more information on WIS
To ensure that low-wage workers benefit from economic growth, and particularly in view of the
strong economic recovery in 2010, the Minister of Finance announced a one-off WSB over and above the regular
WIS payment. The WSB will reward work done in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and be given in four payments.
As with WIS, older workers will receive higher WSB amounts. Employees will receive up to $2800
in WSB. The payments will be made fully in cash. Self-employed persons (SEPs) will receive up to $1,868
in WSB, with half given out in cash and half going into their CPF-Medisave accounts. For more information on WSB, please click here.
WTS Workfare Training Support Scheme Encourages older low-wage workers to upgrade their skills through training. It also supports employers in sending their low-wage workers for training.
WTS
The WTS Scheme complements the WIS Scheme by encouraging older low-wage workers to go for and complete training so that they can take on more productive work, improve their employability and move out of low-wage employment.
Qualifying Criteria
- Singapore citizens
- 35 years old and above
- Average gross monthly income of
$1,700 or less1 - Stay in a property with Annual Value of
not more than $13,000
1. Average gross monthly income includes basic salary and additional wages like overtime pay and bonuses
WTS Scheme comprises 3 components:
Course Fee Funding and Absentee Payroll
Low-wage Workers:
- Enjoy higher course fee funding of up to 95% for any Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) and/or WSQ Employability Skills courses.
Employers:
- Receive the same course fee funding as workers
- Claim higher Absentee Payroll of up to 95% to cover the salaries of their low-wage workers away on training.
Workfare Skill-Up
A structured training programme for low-wage workers to gain basic literacy skills. It comprises:
- Motivational Workshops and Support Networks Designed to build confidence to attend and complete training through group support and guidance.
- Literacy Training Programmes Basic literacy training in reading,listening and speaking in English.
Training Commitment Award
WIS recipients get up to $400 a year for successful completion of training.
Please click here for more information on WTS
Workfare Hotline: 1800-222-6622, Mon - Fri, 8.00am to 6.00pm
Email:
WIS and WSB: member@cpf.gov.sg
WTS: wda_enquiry@wda.gov.sg
