New initiative provides financial support to involuntarily unemployed workers, with specific eligibility criteria
In April 2025, Singapore will launch the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, designed to assist involuntarily unemployed workers with a previous monthly wage of up to S$5,000. This new initiative marks a “paradigm shift”, as described by Manpower Minister Tan See Leng during a visit to the Employment and Employability Institute on August 27.
The scheme will provide temporary financial aid for Singaporean citizens aged 21 and above, with permanent residents being included starting in 2026. Eligible workers can receive up to S$6,000 over a six-month period, with the amount tapering off each month: S$1,500 in the first month, S$1,250 in the second month, S$1,000 in the third month, and S$750 for the final three months. If the jobseeker finds employment within the six months, the payments will cease immediately.
To qualify for the support, individuals must demonstrate an active job search, which includes applying for jobs, participating in career coaching, or engaging in eligible training courses. The initiative aims to provide support to 60,000 residents annually, with an expected total cost of over S$200 million each year.
Minister Tan emphasized that the support is not social assistance, but rather a measure to help workers facing temporary unemployment while they actively seek employment. This marks a significant step towards ensuring workers receive temporary financial assistance during transitions in the labor market.
