In 2025, Singapore’s government introduced several financial assistance initiatives aimed at alleviating the rising cost of living for its citizens. These measures, including the Assurance Package, Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment, and SG60 Vouchers, provide targeted support to different segments of the population. This article provides an overview of these initiatives, detailing eligibility criteria, disbursement methods, and the intended impact on households.
What Is Assurance Package?
The Assurance Package is a multi-year initiative designed to offset the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase. In 2025, eligible Singaporeans aged 21 and above will receive between $700 and $2,250 in cash over five years, depending on their income and property ownership. These payments are made annually in December from 2022 to 2026.
Additionally, lower-income senior Singaporeans aged 55 and above will receive the AP Seniors’ Bonus, which provides cash payments ranging from $600 to $900 over three years, from 2023 to 2025. These payments are disbursed in February each year.
Overview
| Support Measure | Target Group | Amount | Disbursement Period | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assurance Package (AP) | Singaporeans aged 21 and above | $700 to $2,250 over 5 years | Annually in December (2022–2026) | Income and property ownership criteria apply |
| AP Seniors’ Bonus | Lower-income seniors aged 55+ | $600 to $900 over 3 years | February each year (2023–2025) | Income and property ownership criteria apply |
| COL Special Payment | Adult Singaporeans | $200 to $400 (one-off) | September 2024 | Income and property ownership criteria apply |
| SG60 Vouchers | Singapore Citizens aged 21+ | $600 (or $800 for seniors) | July 2025 | Age-based eligibility; no application required |
Cost-of-Living Special Payment
To provide immediate relief, the government announced the COL Special Payment in Budget 2024. In September 2024, over 2.4 million adult Singaporeans received a one-off cash payment of $200 to $400. The exact amount depended on factors such as income and property ownership. No application was required for this payment; eligible citizens received it automatically.
SG60 Vouchers
In celebration of Singapore’s 60th anniversary, the SG60 Vouchers were introduced to support citizens in managing daily expenses. All Singapore Citizens aged 21 and above in 2025 received $600 in SG60 Vouchers. Seniors aged 60 and above received an additional $200, totaling $800 in SG60 Vouchers. These vouchers were disbursed across July 2025 and could be used at participating supermarkets, heartland merchants, and hawkers until December 31, 2026.
Conclusion
Singapore’s 2025 cost-of-living support measures reflect the government’s commitment to easing the financial pressures faced by its citizens. Through initiatives like the Assurance Package, COL Special Payment, and SG60 Vouchers, the government provides targeted assistance to those who need it most, fostering a more resilient and supportive community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1.Who is eligible for the $200–$400 COL Special Payment?
Answer= Adult Singaporeans aged 21 and above, subject to income and property ownership criteria.
Q2.How can I use the SG60 Vouchers?
Answer= The vouchers can be used at participating supermarkets, heartland merchants, and hawkers until December 31, 2026.
Q3.Do I need to apply for these support measures?
Answer= Most payments, including the COL Special Payment and SG60 Vouchers, are disbursed automatically to eligible citizens. However, it’s advisable to check your eligibility and ensure your details are up to date through the official government portals.