Posted by In response to the rising cost of living, the Singaporean government has introduced a significant financial support initiative as part of the Budget 2025.
The $1.2 billion enhancement to the Assurance Package (AP), led by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr. Lawrence Wong, aims to help Singaporean households cope with mounting expenses, offering both immediate and long-term relief.
Key Features of the 2025 Cost-of-Living (COL) Rebate Enhancement
A central aspect of this initiative is the B2025 Cost-of-Living (COL) U-Save rebate, which will effectively double the GST Voucher (GSTV) – U-Save rebates for eligible households residing in HDB flats.
This increase will allow households to receive up to $760 in U-Save rebates in Financial Year 2025 to help manage utilities costs. The rebates will be distributed across four quarters, ensuring households receive continuous financial support throughout the year.
Additionally, every Singaporean household will receive $800 in Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers, designed to be used at participating merchants, supermarkets, and hawker centers. This initiative is aimed at reducing financial strain, especially amidst economic uncertainties.
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Breakdown of the $760 Cost-of-Living Rebates
Eligibility Criteria for COL U-Save
To qualify for the B2025 COL U-Save rebates, households must meet the following criteria:
- Must reside in an HDB flat
- The household should own no more than one property
- At least one Singaporean must be an owner or occupier for non-rented flats, or a tenant in fully rented-out flats.
Payment Schedule for COL U-Save
The B2025 COL U-Save rebates will be issued in April 2025 and October 2025, as part of the regular GSTV – U-Save rebates. The rebates will be credited directly to the utilities accounts of eligible households with SP Services Limited.
COL U-Save Rebates Breakdown for FY2025
The following table outlines the total rebates Singaporean households will receive in FY2025, combining regular U-Save, COL U-Save, and Assurance Package U-Save:
| HDB Flat Type | April 2025 | July 2025 | October 2025 | January 2026 | Total U-Save for FY2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1- and 2-room | $95 + $95 | $95 + $95 | $95 + $95 | $95 + $95 | $760 |
| 3-room | $85 + $85 | $85 + $85 | $85 + $85 | $85 + $85 | $680 |
| 4-room | $75 + $75 | $75 + $75 | $75 + $75 | $75 + $75 | $600 |
| 5-room | $65 + $65 | $65 + $65 | $65 + $65 | $65 + $65 | $520 |
| Executive/Multi-gen | $55 + $55 | $55 + $55 | $55 + $55 | $55 + $55 | $440 |
Note: The COL U-Save component includes an additional $20 per quarter as part of the COL Package (announced in September 2023), helping mitigate the impact of rising utility costs. Households that own more than one property are ineligible for U-Save rebates.
Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers
In addition to the utility rebates, the government will provide $800 in CDC Vouchers to every Singaporean household. These vouchers are designed to ease daily expenses and support local spending.
Disbursement Schedule of CDC Vouchers
| Disbursement Month | Amount per Household | Expiry Date |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | $500 | 31 Dec 2025 |
| January 2026 | $300 | 31 Dec 2026 |
| Total | $800 | – |
- $500 in May 2025 (expires December 2025)
- $300 in January 2026 (expires December 2026)
These vouchers can be used at participating hawkers, merchants, and supermarkets, ensuring households have flexibility in covering their grocery and daily expenses.
The $1.2 billion enhancement to the Assurance Package as part of Budget 2025 is a crucial initiative to support Singaporeans amidst rising living costs. The B2025 Cost-of-Living U-Save rebates and CDC Vouchers provide direct, tangible relief, helping Singaporean families manage utility costs and daily expenses.
Through strategic disbursements and clear eligibility criteria, the government ensures broad financial relief, securing a more financially stable future for households across the nation.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the B2025 Cost-of-Living U-Save rebates?
Eligible households must reside in an HDB flat, own no more than one property, and have at least one Singaporean occupier or tenant.
How much can I receive in the CDC Vouchers?
Each Singaporean household will receive $800 in CDC Vouchers, disbursed in two tranches: $500 in May 2025 and $300 in January 2026.
How will I receive the U-Save rebates?
The U-Save rebates will be credited directly to your utilities account with SP Services in April and October 2025.