KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- WIS in 2026 continues to pay eligible Singapore workers in a mix of cash and CPF, not cash-only.
- Lower-wage employees can receive up to S$4,900 a year, boosting income now and retirement savings later.
- Most employees get 40% cash + 60% CPF, while self-employed workers receive mainly MediSave support.
Extra cash is good. But extra cash plus CPF is what makes the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) different from most other payouts.
As we head into 2026, WIS continues to support lower-wage Singaporeans by topping up both take-home income and retirement savings at the same time. This balance is intentional — help with daily expenses today, while quietly building CPF for the future.
For workers feeling the squeeze from higher living costs, WIS remains one of the most practical schemes around. No fancy conditions. You work, you contribute, you get supported.
Workfare Income Supplement 2026
| Category | Employees & Most Platform Workers | Self-Employed Persons (SEPs) |
|---|---|---|
| Max annual WIS (illustrative) | Up to S$4,900 | Lower tier, varies by income |
| Cash portion | 40% | 10% |
| CPF portion | 60% (OA / SA / MA) | 90% to MediSave |
| Payment timing | Monthly | Annual |
| Application needed | No (auto-assessed) | Income declaration required |
What exactly is WIS — and why the split matters
WIS is designed for Singapore citizens earning lower monthly incomes. Instead of giving a pure cash handout, the Government splits the support between cash and CPF.
This structure serves two purposes. First, the cash portion helps with immediate needs — groceries, transport, utilities, school expenses. Second, the CPF portion grows over time and supports housing, healthcare, and retirement.
Honestly speaking, this is why WIS doesn’t feel like “spend today, gone tomorrow” money. Part of it sticks with you for the long run.
What changed going into 2026
The biggest upgrades came from Budget 2024, and they remain in effect through 2025–2026.
The key change most workers notice is the higher annual support. Eligible employees can now receive up to S$4,900 a year, depending on age and income tier. That’s a meaningful bump compared to earlier years.
Another practical change affects platform workers. From 2025 onwards, eligible platform workers receive WIS monthly instead of once a year, helping smooth cashflow. As CPF rules for platform workers gradually align with employees through 2029, their WIS treatment increasingly follows the employee model.
How WIS payments are split
Employees and most platform workers
If you’re treated like an employee for CPF purposes, WIS is split 40% cash and 60% CPF.
The cash portion goes straight to your PayNow (NRIC-linked) or registered bank account. The CPF portion is credited into your CPF accounts according to CPF allocation rules.
Self-employed persons (SEPs)
SEPs receive 10% in cash and 90% into MediSave. This reflects how SEPs handle their own CPF contributions and healthcare funding.
One important detail: employees and platform workers usually receive WIS monthly, while SEPs receive it annually after income declaration and MediSave contributions are confirmed.
Who qualifies for WIS (quick overview)
Eligibility is assessed automatically using CPF and income records. You generally must:
- Be a Singapore citizen
- Meet the income ceiling for your age band
- Work a minimum number of months in the year
- Have CPF contributions (employees) or declared income with MediSave contributions (SEPs)
Older workers receive higher WIS support, recognising shorter runway to retirement. Because thresholds are updated from time to time, it’s best to check your own status via CPF e-services rather than guessing.
Real-life examples (simplified)
Example A: Employee earning S$1,700/month
Anna qualifies for a higher WIS tier.
- Annual WIS: S$4,900
- Cash (40%): S$1,960 paid across the year
- CPF (60%): S$2,940 added to her CPF balances
She gets help with monthly expenses now, while her CPF quietly grows.
Example B: Self-employed worker
Ben qualifies for a smaller WIS amount based on his declared income.
- 10% goes to cash
- 90% goes into MediSave
Less cash upfront, but stronger healthcare protection over time.
These figures are examples. Actual payouts depend on age, income, and the official WIS schedule.
How and when you’ll get paid
For employees and platform workers, WIS is usually credited monthly for eligible work months. Cash goes to your PayNow or bank account, CPF goes into your CPF accounts.
If no bank details are linked, payments may be made via GovCash — which is slower and less convenient. No need to overthink: just keep your PayNow and bank details updated.
SEPs receive WIS once a year after income declaration and MediSave contributions are settled.
Why WIS uses cash + CPF instead of cash only
There’s a reason this structure hasn’t changed.
Cash provides immediate relief. CPF provides long-term security. And because WIS is tied to work, it encourages continued participation in the workforce rather than discouraging it.
For most Singaporeans, this balance makes more sense than a one-off payout that disappears after a few months.
What platform workers and SEPs should watch out for
Platform workers should note that monthly WIS payments started in 2025, and CPF alignment will continue progressively until 2029. Expect treatment to become closer to employees over time.
SEPs must remember that income declaration and MediSave contributions are essential. Miss either step, and WIS won’t be paid — even if income qualifies.
How to check your WIS (and fix issues fast)
Log in to CPF e-services to view your eligibility and payment history. If you expected WIS but didn’t receive it, check whether CPF contributions were made correctly.
If something looks off, start with your employer or platform. CPF Board and MOM can step in if needed.
Using WIS wisely — short term and long term
The cash portion works best for essentials: clearing high-interest debt, building a small emergency buffer, or covering monthly bills.
The CPF portion does its job quietly. Over time, these credits compound and improve housing options, healthcare coverage, and retirement income. Small amounts add up more than many people realise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WIS automatic or must I apply?
For employees and most platform workers, WIS is assessed automatically. No application needed. SEPs must declare income and make MediSave contributions.
Will WIS affect other government assistance?
WIS is meant to complement other schemes. Whether it affects other support depends on each scheme’s rules, so always check specific programme conditions.
How can I estimate my WIS payout?
You can refer to published WIS tables by age and income, but the most accurate way is to log in to CPF e-services and view your computed entitlement.
Final thoughts for Singapore workers
WIS isn’t flashy. But it’s one of the most practical schemes around.
By combining cash support with CPF savings, the 2025–2026 WIS enhancements give lower-wage Singaporeans some breathing room now, while quietly strengthening retirement security. If you’re working and eligible, it’s worth checking your CPF account regularly — that’s where the real picture shows.
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