As if it weren’t bad already, high inflation has made the need for aid pertinent. The little assistance that has come can arrive just in time for some Singaporeans. Starting from April of 2025, through the Assurance Package (AP), eligible citizens can avail cash payouts of up to $2,250 against GST augmentation — being a government initiative to cushion the blow of rising GST.
Be it the professional just starting out, a retiree depending on CPF, or a parent trying to make ends meet, this guide will elucidate just what you stand to gain — and the simplest way to claim it.
What Is the Assurance Package (AP)?
The Assurance Package is a government program stretching over several years to aid Singaporeans with the GST hike that took effect in stages signifying a rise from 7% to 9%. The government would like to note that while the revenue generated by the tax increase is expected to be used for national needs over the long term, namely healthcare and ageing support, such increases can severely affect the lower and middle-income families.
Hence, the Assurance Package gives annual cash payouts, top-ups to MediSave, and vouchers to ease their burden and make sure that no Singaporean is left behind.
How Much Will You Receive in April 2025?
In April 2025, eligible Singaporeans can receive up to $600 as part of the broader $2,250 total payout distributed between 2022 and 2026.
Breakdown of Payout (2022–2026):
| Year | Income ≤ $34,000 | $34,001–$100,000 | Owns >1 Property |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $200 | $150 | $100 |
| 2023 | $400 | $250 | $200 |
| 2024 | $400 | $250 | $200 |
| 2025 | $400 | $250 | $100 |
| 2026 | $200 | $150 | $100 |
| Total | $1,600 | $1,050 | $700 |
Additional benefits such as the Seniors’ Bonus and CDC Vouchers make up the full $2,250.
Who Gets the Payout in April 2025?
To qualify, they must meet 4 key criteria:
- Singapore Citizenship – Only Singaporeans qualify.
- Age 21 and Above – The person must be at least 21 years old in the year 2025.
- Annual Assessable Income (AI) ≤ $100,000 – Full payout if AI is $34,000 or under. Partial payout if income is between $34,001 and $100,000.
- Own One Property or None – Owning more than one property means a lesser payout.
Examples:
- Jane, 29 years old, earns $30,000 a year and stays in her HDB flat. She qualifies for the full payout.
- David, 45 years old, earns $90,000 and owns two properties. He gets a reduced payout.
- Lily, a 24-year-old student, will have to wait for her 21st birthday to qualify.
How Will Cash Be Distributed?
No application is required. The money will automatically be paid to eligible Singaporeans. Payments will follow the payout through the account setup that they have.
Disbursement Methods:
- PayNow-NRIC (Fastest): Cash will be credited to the bank through this method, linked with NRIC
- Bank Credit: The payout is deposited in the bank account that has been registered with the government.
- GovCash: For people without a bank account, cash can be withdrawn from any OCBC ATM islandwide using NRIC and Singpass.
What Other Benefits Are Provided Under the Assurance Package?
The cash payout forms only part of the additional assistance offered. Other components will help stretch your dollar:
- CDC Vouchers – To the value of $500 in 2024, usable at hawkers and heartland merchants;
- MediSave Top-Ups – For seniors 55 and above, up to $450;
- GST Voucher – Cash – Targeted annual cash payouts for lower-income households;
- Seniors’ Bonus – Extra assistance for older Singaporeans based on income and property ownership.
- These benefits are automatically triggered — no applications are involved.
How to Check Your Eligibility and Update Your Details
To ensure a smooth payout, it’s important to keep your information updated.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Go to govbenefits.gov.sg
- Log in with Singpass
- View your benefits breakdown
- Update your PayNow-NRIC or bank details if necessary