The Singapore government has announced that eligible citizens will receive a one-time payment of up to S700 in December 2025.This measure is an enhancement of the existing Assurance Package, designed to provide relief from rising living costs and pers is ten inflations’∗∗S700 bonus for Singaporeans** aims to provide targeted support to middle and lower-income households.
S$700 Bonus for Singaporeans in 2025
| Key Fact | Details |
| Payout Amount | Up to S$700 per eligible individual. |
| Eligibility Snapshot | Singaporean citizens, aged 21+, with an assessable income under S$100,000 and who own no more than one property. |
| Payment Date | December 2025. |
| Stated Purpose | To mitigate the impact of the rising Singapore cost of living and provide support for households. |
Government Aims to Ease ‘Cost of Living Pressures’
The announcement was a key feature of the 2025 Budget statement delivered by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong. The government stated the cash payment is a direct response to ongoing economic pressures, including elevated core inflation, which has affected household expenses across the nation.
“We understand the concerns that Singaporeans have regarding the cost of living,” Mr. Wong said in his budget speech. “This targeted support is part of our commitment to help families manage their expenses, ensuring that our economic progress is inclusive and benefits all.”
This payout is an enhancement to the Assurance Package, a multi-year support programme first introduced to cushion the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase. Officials confirmed this additional payment acknowledges that inflation has remained more persistent than initially projected.
Who is Eligible for the S$700 Bonus for Singaporeans?
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has released specific criteria to ensure the payment reaches those most in need. Eligibility for the full S$700 payout will be assessed automatically based on government records, and no application is necessary.
Citizenship and Age Requirements
To qualify, an individual must be a Singaporean citizen and at least 21 years of age in the calendar year 2025. Permanent Residents and foreigners are not eligible for this cash payment.
Income and Property Criteria
The government has implemented income and property ownership limits to target the support effectively. An individual’s Assessable Income for the Year of Assessment 2024 must not exceed S$100,000. Additionally, the individual must not own more than one property. These criteria are designed to exclude higher-income individuals and property investors from the payout.
Payment Schedule and Disbursement Details
The MOF has confirmed the 2025 government payout is scheduled for disbursement in December 2025, ahead of the year-end festive season. To ensure a smooth and efficient process, payments will be made digitally by default.
Citizens with a PayNow account linked to their National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) will receive the payment directly into their bank account. Those without a PayNow-NRIC linkage will receive the funds via direct bank crediting based on the bank account details registered with the government. The ministry encourages citizens to link their NRIC to PayNow by November 2025 to ensure timely receipt of the funds.
Economic Context and Expert Analysis
The decision comes as Singapore’s core inflation, which excludes private transport and accommodation costs, is projected to remain between 3.0% and 4.0% in early 2025, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). While direct cash injections can sometimes fuel inflation, economists suggest the targeted nature of this payment may limit its broader inflationary impact.
“A one-off, targeted transfer like this is generally less inflationary than a broad, sustained stimulus,” said Dr. Kelvin Tan, a senior lecturer in economics at the National University of Singapore. “It functions more as a temporary social safety net, helping lower-income groups absorb price shocks without significantly increasing overall aggregate demand.”
The government’s strategy appears to be a balancing act between providing immediate relief and maintaining long-term fiscal prudence. The total cost of this measure is estimated to be approximately S$1.9 billion, which has been provisioned for within the overall budget.
This cash bonus is one component of a wider suite of support measures announced in the budget. Other initiatives include additional Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers and enhancements to social support schemes, all aimed at creating a comprehensive support system for Singaporeans. The government has advised citizens to visit the official Gov.sg website for the most accurate and updated information regarding their eligibility and payment status.
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FAQs
1. How do I check if I am eligible for the S$700 bonus?
Eligibility is assessed automatically based on government data. Citizens will be notified via their Singpass app, SMS, or letters closer to the payment date in December 2025.
2. Do I need to apply to receive this payment?
No. The payment will be disbursed automatically to all eligible Singaporeans. The government has warned the public to be wary of phishing scams asking for personal information to “apply” for the bonus.
3. When exactly in December 2025 will I receive the money?
The specific date in December has not yet been announced. The Ministry of Finance will provide more details in the second half of 2025. Those with PayNow-NRIC linked accounts can expect to receive the payment earliest.
4. Is this S$700 payment taxable?
No. Government support payments and transfers like this bonus are not considered taxable income.
