The Singaporean government has unveiled a special initiative aimed at assisting citizens with rising living costs.
This initiative, known as the Cost-of-Living Special Payment, will provide one-time payouts ranging from S$200 to S$600 to approximately 2.9 million Singaporeans in December 2025.
The payouts are designed to offer much-needed relief to lower- and middle-income households, ensuring they can manage essential expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities.
Overview of the Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment
The Cost-of-Living Special Payment is part of a broader effort by the government to mitigate the effects of inflation and rising daily living costs.
This one-time financial relief is targeted at individuals whose incomes and asset ownership fall within specified limits.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Singapore Citizens aged 21 and above in 2025 |
| Assessable Income (AI) | Up to S$34,000 for the maximum payout |
| Property Ownership | Must own no more than one property |
| Payout Amount | Between S$200 and S$600 |
| Disbursement Date | December 2025 |
| Official Source | Singapore Government Press Release |
Understanding the Cost-of-Living Special Payment
The COL Special Payment forms part of Singapore’s Assurance Package (AP), which aims to support citizens who are struggling with daily living expenses. The initiative is particularly focused on assisting those in lower and middle-income brackets.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the COL Special Payment, individuals must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Applicants must be Singapore Citizens aged 21 or above in 2025.
- Assessable Income (AI): This refers to total income before deductions, as calculated by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). Payout eligibility is based on income brackets:
- Up to S$22,000: Eligible for S$600 payout.
- S$22,001 to S$34,000: Eligible for S$400 payout.
- S$34,001 to S$100,000: Eligible for S$200 payout.
- Above S$100,000: Ineligible for the payout.
- Property Ownership: Applicants must not own more than one property. This rule ensures that assistance is targeted at those with fewer assets.
How to Check Your Eligibility for the $600 Payout
To confirm your eligibility for the COL Special Payment, follow these steps:
- Assess Your Income: Review your Assessable Income for the 2024 Year of Assessment (income earned in 2023) and ensure it falls within the applicable income brackets.
- Verify Property Ownership: Confirm that you do not own more than one property.
- Age Check: Make sure you are 21 years or older in 2025.
For more detailed information or personalized assistance, visit the GovBenefits website.
Disbursement Details
The COL Special Payment will be credited in December 2025. Here’s how the payment will be made:
- Direct Bank Transfer: If you have registered your bank account details with the government, the payment will be directly deposited.
- Cheque: If your bank account details are not registered, a cheque will be mailed to your registered address.
Additional Support Measures
Beyond the COL Special Payment, the government has rolled out other initiatives to provide support to various segments of the population:
- Assurance Package MediSave Top-Up:
- Eligibility: Singaporeans aged 20 and under, or 55 and above.
- Benefit: Annual top-up of S$150 for MediSave from 2023 to 2025, totaling S$450.
- Purpose: To help seniors and younger citizens with their healthcare expenses.
- AP Seniors’ Bonus:
- Eligibility: Low-income senior Singapore citizens aged 55 and above.
- Benefit: Cash bonus of S$200 to S$300 in February 2025.
- Purpose: To provide financial support to senior citizens.
The Cost-of-Living Special Payment is an important initiative by the Singaporean government to ease the financial burden on its citizens, particularly those in lower and middle-income groups.
By providing direct financial relief, the government aims to help individuals manage rising living costs and ensure that they can continue to thrive amid economic challenges.
Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and prepare for the disbursement of the payment in December 2025.
FAQs
Who is eligible for the $600 Cost-of-Living Payout?
Singaporean citizens aged 21 and above in 2025, with an Assessable Income of up to S$34,000 and no more than one property, are eligible.
How much will I receive if my income is above S$22,000 but below S$34,000?
If your Assessable Income is between S$22,001 and S$34,000, you will be eligible for a S$400 payout.
When will the $600 Cost-of-Living Payout be disbursed?
The payout will be credited in December 2025 either via bank transfer or cheque.