In December 2025, a one-off Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment of up to S$600 will be given out to 2.9 million Singaporeans as part of the government’s efforts to help citizens who are currently experiencing difficulties due to a rise in expenses.
Are you one of those who would benefit from this vital aid? Read on to abstract information on eligibility requirements, amounts, and disbursement specifics so that you do not lose out on this opportunity for help.
What Is the Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment?
The COL Special Payment is a cash payout announced under Singapore’s Assurance Package (AP) to help citizens cope with the higher cost of daily expenses like groceries, transport, and utilities.
This one-time financial aid ranges from S$200 to S$600 depending on income and property ownership status. The government wants to assist low- and middle-income households and therefore make sure those households get the most support.
Read Also: $700 Government Financial Support AP for Singaporeans in 2025
Cost-of-Living (COL) Details
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Singapore Citizens aged 21+ in 2025 |
| Assessable Income (AI) | Up to S$34,000 for maximum payout |
| Property Ownership | Must not own more than one property |
| Payout Amount | S$200 and S$600 |
| Disbursement Date | December 2025 |
| Official Source | Singapore Government Press Release |
Who Qualifies for the $600 Payout?
To determine if you’re eligible, check the following three key factors:
1. Age Requirement
You must be a Singaporean citizen aged 21 or above by 2025.
2. Assessable Income (AI) Threshold
Your annual income (as assessed by IRAS) determines how much you’ll receive:
- Up to S$22,000: Eligible for S$600 payout.
- Above S$22,000 and up to S$34,000: Eligible for S$400 payout.
- Above S$34,000 and up to S$100,000: Eligible for S$200 payout.
- Above S$100,000: Not eligible for the payout.
3. Property Ownership Limit
You cannot own more than one property to qualify. This ensures the aid reaches those with greater financial need.
How to Check If You’re Eligible?
Follow these steps to confirm your eligibility:
- Review Your Assessable Income
- Check your Year of Assessment 2024 income (based on earnings from 2023).
- Ensure it falls within the eligible brackets.
- Verify Property Ownership
- You must not own more than one property.
- Confirm Age Eligibility
- You must be 21 or older by 2025.
For official verification, visit the GovBenefits website.
How Will You Receive the Payout?
- Payment Date: December 2025
- Disbursement Methods:
- Direct Bank Transfer (if you’ve registered your bank details with the government).
- Cheque by Mail (if no bank details are registered).
Pro Tip: To avoid delays, ensure your bank details are updated with the relevant government portals.
Additional Financial Support for Singaporeans
Beyond the COL Special Payment, the government has introduced other relief measures:
1. Assurance Package (AP) MediSave Top-Up
- Who Qualifies? Singaporeans aged 20 & below or 55 & above.
- Benefit: An annual MediSave top-up of S$150 from 2023 to 2025, totaling S$450
- Purpose: Helps with healthcare expenses.
2. AP Seniors’ Bonus
- Who Qualifies? Lower-income seniors aged 55+.
- Benefit: S$200 to S$300 cash bonus in February 2025.
- Purpose: Extra support for older citizens.
For more details, refer to the official government announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How will I be notified about my payout?
Eligible recipients will receive updates via SMS, email, or mail after disbursement. Ensure your contact details are updated with GovBenefits or the CPF Board.
2. Do I need to apply for the COL Special Payment?
No. The payment is automatically issued to eligible citizens—no application required.
3. What if I don’t receive my payout by January 2026?
- Check your bank account (if registered for direct deposit).
- Look for a cheque in the mail (if no bank details are registered).
- Contact authorities via the GovBenefits portal for assistance.
4. Are Permanent Residents (PRs) eligible?
No. Only Singaporean citizens aged 21+ qualify.
5. Will this affect other government aid programs?
No. The COL Special Payment is separate from other schemes like MediSave top-ups or Seniors’ Bonus.