In 2025, Singapore’s Silver Support Scheme (SSS) has been enhanced to provide increased financial assistance to seniors aged 65 and above who had low incomes during their working years and now have less in retirement.
This initiative aims to bolster the retirement income of approximately 290,000 eligible seniors, ensuring they can better cope with the cost of living in Singapore.
Understanding the Silver Support Scheme
Introduced in 2016, the Silver Support Scheme offers quarterly cash supplements to seniors who had low incomes during their working years and now have less in retirement.
The scheme complements other retirement support measures like the Workfare Income Supplement and CPF LIFE.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the enhanced payouts in 2025, seniors must meet the following conditions:
- Age: Must be a Singapore citizen aged 65 and above.
- CPF Contributions: Total CPF contributions by age 55 should not exceed $140,000. For self-employed individuals, the average annual net trade income between ages 45 and 54 should not exceed $27,600.
- Housing Type: Reside in a 1- to 5-room HDB flat. Neither the senior nor their spouse should own a 5-room or larger HDB flat, private property, or multiple properties.
- Household Income: Monthly household income per person should not exceed $2,300.
Eligibility is assessed automatically, and there is no need to apply. Eligible seniors will receive a notification letter from the CPF Board in December of the preceding year.
Enhanced Quarterly Payouts
Starting from January 2025, the quarterly payouts under the Silver Support Scheme have been increased by 20% across all tiers.
The amount received depends on the senior’s household monthly income per person and the type of HDB flat they reside in.
| HDB Flat Type | Household Income ≤ $1,500 | Household Income > $1,500 to ≤ $2,300 |
|---|---|---|
| 1- and 2-room | $1,080 | $540 |
| 3-room | $860 | $430 |
| 4-room | $650 | $325 |
| 5-room* | $430 | $215 |
*Note: Seniors may live in, but not own, a 5-room HDB flat.
Additionally, seniors receiving ComCare Long-Term Assistance will receive $430 per quarter, regardless of flat type and household income.
Payment Schedule
Eligible seniors will receive their Silver Support payouts quarterly, according to the following schedule:
| Eligibility Period | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| January to March | 31 December (preceding year) |
| April to June | 31 March |
| July to September | 30 June |
| October to December | 30 September |
Payments are credited directly to seniors’ bank accounts via PayNow linked to their NRIC. If no such linkage exists, payments will be made to the bank account registered with the government for receiving payments. In the absence of a registered bank account, payments will be disbursed through.
Steps to Ensure Smooth Payment
- Link NRIC to PayNow: Ensure your NRIC is linked to PayNow for faster and more secure payment.
- Update Personal Information: Keep your personal and household information up to date with the relevant authorities to ensure accurate assessment.
- Check Notification Letters: Look out for the notification letter from the CPF Board in December to confirm your eligibility and payment details.
The enhanced Silver Support Scheme in 2025 reflects Singapore’s commitment to supporting its senior citizens, especially those with limited retirement savings.
By providing increased quarterly payouts and simplifying the disbursement process, the scheme aims to ensure that seniors can enjoy a more secure and dignified retirement.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the Silver Support Scheme?
No, there is no need to apply. Eligibility is assessed automatically based on available data.
How will I know if I’m eligible?
Eligible seniors will receive a notification letter from the CPF Board in December of the preceding year.
What if I don’t have a bank account?
If you do not have a registered bank account, payments will be disbursed through GovCash.