As costs-of-living continue to rise in Singapore, families find it increasingly hard to cope with unaffordable utility bills. The government has recognized the issue and in the B2025 speech by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong announced the enhancement of the Assurance Package (AP) with an additional cash out of $1.2 billion. The cost-of-living (COL) U-Save will be one of the highlights of the B2025 package-a one-time utility subsidy aiming to ease the bills of electricity and water for Singaporeans.
How the $760 U-Save Rebate Works
The rebates will be credited directly to SP Services utility accounts of eligible households automatically in April 2025 and October 2025. HDB families that meet the necessary criteria can receive up to $760 for Financial Year (FY) 2025. It doubles the normal amount of GSTV-GST-U-Save so as to provide severe relief from the reeling demands of living necessities.
Utility bills are becoming increasingly of concern, with imminent adjustments in carbon taxes and water prices. There is a structured system of cash payouts instituted by the Government whereby no household would be caught off-guard by these rises. Allowing the payout to be done over the calendar year creates the option for families to plan their finances without being stunned by an abrupt bill.
Eligibility Criteria for the B2025 COLA-Save Rebate
- To be eligible, the following must apply to the household:
- Lived in an HDB flat with at least one Singaporean owner or occupier.
- No one in the household should own more than one residential property.
Households with properties in multiple ownership.
Automatic credit into utility accounts prevents the need for application. Thus, the smooth process ensures assistance is given to qualified families without cumbersome paperwork.
| HDB Flat Type | Total U-Save for FY 2025 |
|---|---|
| 1- and 2-room | $760 |
| 3-room | $680 |
| 4-room | $600 |
| 5-room | $520 |
| Executive / Multi-Gen | $440 |
Rebate Amounts Based on HDB Flat Type
| Month | Type of U-Save Rebate |
|---|---|
| April 2025 | Regular U-Save + COL U-Save |
| July 2025 | Regular U-Save + AP U-Save |
| October 2025 | Regular U-Save + COL U-Save |
| January 2026 | Regular U-Save + AP U-Save |
Quarterly Payments Breakdown
- 1-room and 2-room HDB flats-$95.00 quarterly
- Larger flats-Reduced amount according to flat size (scaled intervention)
Furthermore, beginning July 2023, an additional $20 would be provided for every household to help alleviate rising utility costs.
Why This Support Is Important For Families In Singapore
- Utility bills make up a significant chunk of monthly expenses, especially for lower- and middle-income families. The U-Save rebate helps significantly to:
- Alleviate financial burden for vulnerable households.
- Relieve some cash outlay for necessities such as food, healthcare, and education.
- Provide a recurrent, but smaller, payout instead of a lump sum that would be depleted quickly.