The scheme, named SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support, began accepting applications via its official website on April 15, The Straits Times reported.
Singaporeans aged 21 and above are eligible if they have worked in the city-state for at least six months in the past year and earned an average monthly income of S$5,000 or less during that period.
They must have been unemployed for at least one month since their last day of work due to reasons beyond their control, such as retrenchment, business closure, or termination due to health issues. The property they reside in must also have an annual value of S$31,000 or less.
Those who lost their jobs on or after April 1, 2024, and are still unemployed may also apply under a one-time concession, provided they meet all other criteria and apply by June 15.
The scheme is currently available only to citizens but will be extended to permanent residents starting in the first quarter of 2026.
To qualify for monthly payouts, participants must complete job search activities and accumulate at least 10 points each during the first three months and 5 points for each subsequent month.
There are 13 eligible activities that each grant one to four points and most have monthly limits on how many times they can be counted.
Participants are required to upload proof of completion, such as screenshots or emails, through an online portal that tracks their progress, CNA reported, citing Workforce Singapore, the agency overseeing the scheme. WSG plans to conduct random checks on these submissions.
Qualified individuals can receive S$1,500 in the first month, S$1,250 in the second month, S$1,000 in the third and S$750 for each of the remaining three months.
However, these monthly payments are capped at each applicant’s previous average gross monthly income. For instance, if a qualified applicant’s average monthly income was S$900, their monthly payout under the scheme will not exceed that amount.
The government support will be provided for up to six months or until the applicant secures a job, whichever comes first, according to The Business Times.
A WSG spokesperson emphasized that the S$6,000 payout is not intended to cover the financial needs of an entire household.
“So it is in their interest to get a job as soon as possible,” the person said.
Last month, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon said around S$200 million will be allocated per year for the scheme, which he expects to support about 60,000 individuals annually, or more than 60% of those who are currently involuntarily unemployed.
