To support lower- and middle-income households amid inflation, the Singapore Ministry of Finance (MOF) has confirmed that around 2.4 million residents will receive a one-time Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment. The payout, announced under Budget 2025, will range from $200 to $400 and is scheduled to be disbursed between November and December 2025.
This financial relief forms part of the broader Assurance Package enhancement and includes additional schemes like U-Save rebates, CDC vouchers, and S&CC subsidies to ease the cost burden on Singaporeans.
Key Details of the MOF Payout 2025
- Payout Program: Cost-of-Living Special Payment 2025
- Authority: Ministry of Finance, Singapore
- Target Group: Citizens and Permanent Residents
- Payment Amount: $200–$400 based on income tier and property ownership
- Start Date: November 2025
- Disbursement Channels: PayNow (linked to NRIC) and GIRO bank transfer
Overview of the Financial Support
Under the $1.9 billion top-up to the Assurance Package, the COL Special Payment offers targeted assistance to those most impacted by rising living costs. This effort builds on previous years, which saw similar payouts ranging from $200 to $500.
The government will also distribute CDC vouchers, S&CC rebates, and U-Save credits as part of this package to help households manage essential expenses like utilities and service fees.
Payout Amount Breakdown
The cash payout varies between $200 and $400 depending on:
- Annual assessable income (below $100,000)
- Residential property ownership (must own no more than one property)
- Age (must be 21 or older in 2025)
Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 MOF Payout
To qualify, applicants must meet all the following conditions:
- Must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Must be aged 21 or above in 2025
- Must reside in Singapore during the assessment period
- Annual income must be under $100,000
- Must not own more than one residential property
Ineligible individuals include those with multiple properties or higher income brackets.
Payment Dates and Bank Requirements
MOF will begin disbursing payouts in November 2025. The exact date depends on the recipient’s chosen bank method:
- PayNow-NRIC Users:
- Link NRIC by: 26 November 2025
- Receive Payment: ~5 December 2025
- GIRO Transfers (DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB):
- Register account by: 27 November 2025
- Receive Payment: By 13 December 2025
Claim Process for MOF Support
There is no need to apply for the COL Special Payment if your records are already in the system. Eligible residents will receive funds automatically.
- Singpass App Alerts: Keep your Singpass App active for payout notifications.
- SMS Updates: Only messages from official ‘gov.sg’ senders are valid. Beware of phishing or scam attempts via SMS or WhatsApp.
Additional Financial Assistance in 2025
Besides the COL payout, Singaporeans can also benefit from:
- CDC Vouchers: Distributed to families to offset grocery and everyday purchases
- U-Save Rebates: Applied to electricity and water bills
- S&CC Rebates: Reduce conservancy charges for HDB households
- Healthcare Subsidies: Support for senior and medical care
FAQs
Who qualifies for the COL payout in 2025?
Singapore Citizens or PRs who are 21+, earn under $100,000 annually, and own only one property.
How much money will each eligible person get?
Eligible adults will receive between $200 and $400 depending on their income level and household composition.
When will the payments be sent?
Disbursements begin in November 2025 and are expected to conclude by mid-December 2025.
Is an application necessary?
No application is needed if your previous eligibility and bank records are updated with the government.
What if I haven’t linked PayNow to my NRIC?
You can still receive your funds via GIRO to a registered bank account with DBS/POSB, OCBC, or UOB.
How can I avoid scams?
Do not click on any links in unofficial SMS or messages. Use the Singpass App and visit www.mof.gov.sg for authentic information.
Where to get help?
Call the MOF hotline at 1800-2222-888 for support or visit the official site.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.