Posted by In response to escalating living expenses, the Singapore government has introduced the Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment.
This initiative aims to provide financial relief to approximately 2.9 million Singaporeans aged 21 and above in December 2025.
Eligible individuals will receive a one-time cash payout ranging from S$200 to S$600, depending on their income and property ownership status.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the COL Special Payment, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Citizenship: Must be a Singapore Citizen.
- Age: At least 21 years old in 2025.
- Residency: Residing in Singapore.
- Assessable Income (AI): Annual AI not exceeding S$100,000.
- Property Ownership: Own no more than one property.
The Assessable Income is based on the Year of Assessment 2024, reflecting income earned in 2023.
Payout Structure
The amount disbursed is determined by the individual’s Assessable Income:
| Assessable Income (AI) | Payout Amount (S$) |
|---|---|
| Up to $22,000 | $600 |
| $22,001 to $34,000 | $400 |
| $34,001 to $100,000 | $200 |
| Above $100,000 or owns >1 property | Not eligible |
Note: Individuals owning more than one property are ineligible, regardless of income.
Disbursement Details
Payments will be made in December 2025 through the following methods:
- PayNow-NRIC: Default method for those who have linked their NRIC to PayNow. Payments will commence from 5 December 2025.
- Bank Credit: For individuals without PayNow-NRIC linkage but have provided bank details, payments will start from 16 December 2025.
- GovCash: For those without PayNow-NRIC linkage or bank details, payments will be available from 24 December 2025.
Recipients will be notified via SMS or letter upon successful disbursement.
Additional Support Measures
Beyond the COL Special Payment, the government has implemented supplementary schemes:
1. Assurance Package (AP) MediSave Top-Up
- Eligibility: Singaporeans aged 20 and below or 55 and above.
- Benefit: Annual top-up of S$150 to MediSave accounts from 2023 to 2025, totaling S$450.
- Purpose: To assist with healthcare expenses.
2. AP Seniors’ Bonus
- Eligibility: Lower-income senior citizens aged 55 and above.
- Benefit: Cash bonus ranging from S$200 to S$300 in February 2025.
- Purpose: To provide financial support to senior citizens.
The Cost-of-Living Special Payment is a significant step by the Singapore government to alleviate financial pressures faced by its citizens.
By targeting lower- and middle-income groups, the initiative ensures that assistance reaches those most affected by rising living costs.
Eligible individuals are encouraged to verify their status and ensure their payment details are up to date to receive the benefits promptly.
FAQs
How can I check my eligibility for the COL Special Payment?
You can verify your eligibility by logging into the GovBenefits portal using your Singpass credentials.
What should I do if I haven’t linked my NRIC to PayNow?
To receive payments promptly, link your NRIC to PayNow through your bank before 23 November 2025.
Are there any other support measures available besides the COL Special Payment?
Yes, additional schemes like the AP MediSave Top-Up and AP Seniors’ Bonus are available to provide further financial assistance.