2.9 Million Singaporeans to Receive $600 Cost-of-Living Payout: In response to rising living costs, the Singaporean government has announced a Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment scheduled for December 2025. Approximately 2.9 million Singaporeans are set to receive a one-time cash payout of up to S$600, depending on specific eligibility criteria.
2.9 Million Singaporeans to Receive $600 Cost-of-Living Payout
The Cost-of-Living Special Payment is a much-needed relief initiative to help Singaporeans cope with rising expenses. This one-time payout, ranging from S$200 to S$600, is part of the government’s broader Assurance Package to support low- and middle-income citizens. To ensure you receive your payout, check your income eligibility, property ownership status, and banking details. The funds will be automatically credited in December 2025, helping millions of Singaporeans manage their daily expenses.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Singapore Citizens aged 21 and above in 2025 |
| Assessable Income (AI) | Up to S$34,000 for maximum payout |
| Property Ownership | Must not own more than one property |
| Payout Amount | Between S$200 and S$600 |
| Disbursement Date | December 2025 |
| Official Source | Singapore Government Press Release |
Understanding the Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment
The COL Special Payment is part of the government’s enhanced Assurance Package (AP), designed to help Singaporeans manage daily expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities. This initiative aims to provide more substantial support to lower- and middle-income individuals.
Eligibility Criteria
To determine if you qualify for the COL Special Payment, consider the following factors:
1. Age
- Requirement: You must be a Singapore Citizen aged 21 or above in 2025.
2. Assessable Income (AI)
- Definition: Assessable Income refers to your total income before deductions, as assessed by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS).
- Income Brackets:
- Up to S$22,000: Eligible for S$600 payout.
- Above S$22,000 and up to S$34,000: Eligible for S$400 payout.
- Above S$34,000 and up to S$100,000: Eligible for S$200 payout.
- Above S$100,000: Not eligible for the payout.
3. Property Ownership
- Requirement: You must not own more than one property. This criterion ensures that assistance is directed towards individuals with fewer assets.
How to Check Your $600 Cost-of-Living Payout Eligibility?
To verify your eligibility for the COL Special Payment:
- Assess Your Income:
- Review your Assessable Income for the Year of Assessment 2024, which pertains to income earned in 2023.
- Ensure your income falls within the specified brackets for the desired payout amount.
- Confirm Property Ownership:
- Verify that you do not own more than one property.
- Age Verification:
- Ensure you are 21 years or older in 2025.
For detailed information and personalized assistance, visit the official GovBenefits website.
Disbursement Details
- Payment Date: The COL Special Payment will be disbursed in December 2025.
- Mode of Payment:
- Direct Bank Transfer: If you have registered your bank account details with the government, the payout will be credited directly.
- Cheque: Individuals without registered bank accounts will receive a cheque mailed to their registered address.
Additional Support Measures
Beyond the COL Special Payment, the Singaporean government has implemented other support measures to assist citizens:
1. Assurance Package (AP) MediSave Top-Up
- Eligibility: Singaporeans aged 20 and below, or 55 and above.
- Benefit: An annual MediSave top-up of S$150 from 2023 to 2025, totaling S$450.
- Purpose: To help seniors and young citizens with their healthcare expenses.
2. AP Seniors’ Bonus
- Eligibility: Lower-income senior Singapore citizens aged 55 and above.
- Benefit: A cash bonus ranging from S$200 to S$300 in February 2025.
- Purpose: To provide additional financial support to senior citizens.
For more details on these programs, refer to the official Singapore Government Press Release.
Singapore $1,080 Payment for Senior Citizens in 2025: Check Eligibility Criteria and Payment Dates
$2,250 AP Cash Payout in Singapore for 2025 – Are You Eligible to Get it? Check Payment Date
S$700 Government Payout 2025 – When ‘SG Bonus’ coming to taxpayers, Eligibility Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How will I be notified about the COL Special Payment?
Eligible recipients will receive notifications via SMS, email, or a letter after the benefits have been credited. To ensure you receive timely updates, make sure your contact details with GovBenefits or CPF Board are up to date.
2. Do I need to apply for the COL Special Payment?
No. The Cost-of-Living Special Payment will be automatically disbursed to all eligible Singaporeans who meet the required criteria. There is no need to apply manually.
3. What should I do if I do not receive my payout?
If you haven’t received your payment by January 2026, you should:
- Check your bank account (if registered for direct deposit).
- Look out for a cheque in the mail (for non-registered bank recipients).
- Contact the relevant government authorities via the GovBenefits website for assistance.
4. Are permanent residents (PRs) eligible for the COL Special Payment?
No. The COL Special Payment is only available to Singaporean citizens aged 21 and above. PRs are not eligible for this payout.
5. Does this payment affect my other government assistance programs?
No. The COL Special Payment is separate from other government aid programs like the Assurance Package MediSave Top-Up and the AP Seniors’ Bonus. Receiving this payout will not reduce your eligibility for other benefits.
