In response to inflationary pressures and the impact of the GST hike, the Singapore government will provide a Cost-of-Living Special Payment of S$200 to S$400 in 2025 under the Assurance Package. This one-off payout is part of a broader strategy to help lower- and middle-income Singaporeans cope with rising everyday expenses.
This COL Special Payment complements other components of the Assurance Package and is automatically credited—no paperwork or application required.
Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Name | Assurance Package – Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment |
| Amount | S$200 to S$400 |
| Eligibility | Citizens aged ≥21, lower/middle-income groups |
| Disbursement Date | August 2025 |
| Application Needed | No – Automatic Payout |
| Disbursement Method | PayNow-NRIC or bank transfer |
Who is Eligible?
To receive the S$200–S$400 Cost-of-Living Payment, Singapore Citizens must:
- Be aged 21 and above in 2025
- Have an Assessable Income (AI) of S$100,000 or less (Year of Assessment 2024)
- Own no more than one property
- Be a Singapore Citizen residing in Singapore
Eligibility is determined based on IRAS and HDB data, and the payout is directly credited with no manual application required.
Payout Breakdown
| Income Level (YA 2024) | Property Ownership | Payout Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ S$22,000 | Owns ≤1 property | S$400 |
| > S$22,000 and ≤ S$34,000 | Owns ≤1 property | S$350 |
| > S$34,000 and ≤ S$100,000 | Owns ≤1 property | S$200 |
| > S$100,000 or owns multiple properties | Not eligible | S$0 |
Note: These figures are based on the individual’s income, not household income.
When Will You Get Paid?
| Date | Event/Payout | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | COL Special Payment (S$200–S$400) | Credited to eligible citizens’ accounts |
The funds will be disbursed via:
- PayNow-NRIC (fastest method)
- Bank credit if PayNow is not linked
- Notification via SMS or Singpass app
How to Check If You Qualify
Use the Assurance Package Benefits Checker via:
- The gov.sg portal
- Singpass dashboard
- Community Centres (for in-person help)
- Official government hotlines for GSTV and AP queries
Make sure your PayNow-NRIC is set up to avoid delays.
Why This Payment Matters
This S$200–S$400 Cost-of-Living payout reflects the government’s commitment to equitable growth and inclusive support, especially as households face rising prices in food, utilities, and transport. The payout:
- Eases short-term living expenses
- Supports working adults and vulnerable groups
- Works alongside GST Vouchers, U-Save rebates, and CDC vouchers
Related Government Support in 2025
Eligible Singaporeans may also receive:
| Support Scheme | Amount/Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GST Voucher – Cash | S$350 – S$700 | Based on income and housing type |
| Assurance Package – Cash | S$200 – S$400 | One-off in addition to GSTV |
| CDC Vouchers | S$300 (Aug 2025) | For all Singaporean households |
| U-Save Rebates | Up to S$760/year | For HDB households to offset utilities |
| MediSave Top-ups | S$150 – S$300 | For seniors and children |
These schemes combined can total over S$1,000 per individual for qualifying residents.
Common Questions Answered
Q1: Do I need to apply for this Cost-of-Living payment?
A: No. It will be credited automatically if you qualify.
Q2: I am a PR—do I get this?
A: No. This payment is only for Singapore Citizens.
Q3: What if I don’t have PayNow?
A: The amount will be credited to your registered bank account, though it may take slightly longer.
Q4: Will this affect my other payouts?
A: No. This is an additional one-off benefit and does not reduce your GSTV or U-Save entitlements.
Conclusion
The S$200–S$400 Cost-of-Living Payment in 2025 is a key part of Singapore’s multi-pronged effort to keep living affordable, especially for those most impacted by economic changes. With no applications needed and payments sent directly to eligible individuals, it’s a fast and effective way to support everyday Singaporeans.
To ensure you receive yours on time, link your PayNow to your NRIC and stay updated through Singpass and gov.sg channels.