KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- WIS payouts continue in 2026 with higher income caps and bigger annual support.
- Low-wage workers can receive up to S$4,900 a year, split between cash and CPF.
- Most employees don’t need to apply — but self-employed workers must take action.
If you’re earning a modest income in Singapore, WIS can quietly put thousands of dollars back into your pocket each year.
For many workers, it’s the difference between just getting by and having a bit more breathing space.
With recent changes fully kicking in, 2026 is one of the most generous years yet for WIS — especially for older workers, platform workers and the self-employed who do things properly.
What changed — and why 2026 matters more than before
The Government enhanced WIS from 1 January 2025 to keep up with rising wages and living costs. These changes apply directly to WIS payouts you’ll receive in 2026.
Two updates matter most. First, the monthly income cap increased to S$3,000, up from S$2,500 previously. Second, maximum annual payouts went up, with workers aged 60 and above now eligible for up to S$4,900 a year.
Workfare Income Supplement 2026
| Item | Details for 2026 |
|---|---|
| Qualifying income cap | Up to S$3,000 gross monthly |
| Minimum income | At least S$500 per month |
| Maximum annual payout | Up to S$4,900 (age 60+) |
| Cash vs CPF split | 40% cash / 60% CPF or MediSave |
| Employees | No application needed |
| Self-employed | Must declare income & pay MediSave |
Who qualifies for WIS in 2026
You generally qualify for WIS if all these conditions are met for the work year.
You must be a Singapore Citizen, and aged 30 or above as at 31 December of the work year. Persons with disabilities qualify regardless of age, and certain caregivers may also be eligible.
Your gross monthly income must fall between S$500 and S$3,000. For employees, this is assessed month by month using CPF contributions. There’s also an average monthly income test over 12 months, so one-off bonuses don’t usually disqualify you.
There are also property and household income checks, designed to ensure WIS supports lower-income households rather than asset-rich families.
Special cases you shouldn’t ignore
Self-employed persons (SEPs)
If you’re self-employed, WIS is not automatic. You must declare your trade income and make the required MediSave contributions. Miss this step, and you’ll miss your payout — especially the CPF portion.
Platform and gig workers
From Work Year 2025, eligible platform workers receive monthly WIS payouts, similar to employees. As CPF deductions by platform operators become more aligned over time (up to 2029), WIS support may increase further for this group.
How much WIS you can get in 2026
Your payout depends mainly on your age band and income level. For work done from 1 January 2025 onwards, the maximum annual WIS is:
- 30–34 years: up to S$2,450
- 35–44 years: up to S$3,500
- 45–59 years: up to S$4,200
- 60+ years & persons with disabilities: up to S$4,900
How the money is split
WIS is not all cash. 40% is paid in cash, while 60% goes into CPF (or MediSave for self-employed persons). This structure helps with both short-term expenses and long-term retirement needs.
Real example
A 62-year-old worker who qualifies for the full S$4,900 would receive:
- S$1,960 in cash a year (about S$163/month on average)
- S$2,940 into CPF over the year
Actual monthly amounts may vary depending on how many months you worked and your income pattern.
When you’ll get paid — and how to check
For employees, WIS is assessed monthly based on CPF submissions. Payments usually arrive about two months after the work month. For example, January wages typically lead to WIS paid around late March or early April.
For self-employed persons, payment only happens after income declaration and MediSave contributions, so timing depends on how early you settle these.
You can check your status and estimates via CPF online services, and cash will be credited automatically if your PayNow-NRIC or bank details are linked. Otherwise, payments go through GovCash.
Common problems — and how to fix them fast
If your employer isn’t paying CPF, WIS won’t be assessed. Always raise this with HR first. If nothing changes, you can report it to Central Provident Fund Board or Ministry of Manpower.
If your bank details are outdated, update them on GovPayouts immediately to avoid delays.
For self-employed workers, not paying MediSave is the biggest reason for missing WIS. Declare early, pay early — no need to overthink.
What WIS means for different groups in 2026
For workers aged 30–34, WIS provides a solid boost but isn’t meant to be long-term support. Pair it with training schemes to move up the income ladder.
For older workers, especially those 60 and above, WIS is most generous. It rewards continued employment while strengthening CPF savings.
For platform and gig workers, monthly payouts help with cashflow, and future CPF alignment may further increase support.
Practical checklist do this now
Make sure your PayNow-NRIC is linked so cash arrives automatically. Confirm your employer is making CPF contributions every month. If you’re self-employed, declare income and pay MediSave early.
Use the CPF WIS calculator to estimate your 2026 payout. Explore training and skills schemes to boost future earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for WIS?
Employees don’t need to apply — eligibility is assessed automatically through CPF. Self-employed persons must declare income and make MediSave contributions.
I earn S$3,100 a month. Can I still get WIS?
No. The qualifying income cap is S$3,000 per month. If your gross or average monthly income exceeds this, you won’t qualify.
Is WIS taxable?
No. WIS cash payouts and CPF contributions are not taxable income.
Sources & where to check for updates
I relied on official CPF and Ministry of Manpower pages and recent Budget/COS announcements for the 2024–2025 enhancements that carry through into 2026. For the most accurate, personalised result check:
- CPF Board — Workfare Income Supplement (official details, eligibility, calculator and FAQs). cpf.gov.sg
- Ministry of Manpower (policy speeches / COS announcements about WIS changes). Ministry of Manpower Singapore+1
- For skills & training complements: Workforce Singapore (Workfare Skills Support / WSS Level Up). Workforce Singapore
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