Singapore to offer up to $6,000 in aid for unemployed under new scheme

The scheme will be launched in April 2025.

Singapore will provide up to $6,000 over six months for eligible involuntarily unemployed individuals, starting with a maximum payout of $1,500 in the first month and decreasing thereafter under the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) Scheme.

Monthly payouts are capped at the individual's average pre-unemployment income and shall end once a new job is secured.

To qualify for the JS payouts, individuals must actively apply for a new job, attend career coaching, or participate in training courses. Applicants must also be employed for at least six months in the past twelve months prior to the application for support.

The JS Scheme will focus on lower and middle-income individuals or those who were previously earning an average of $5,000/month or less as well as those facing more difficulties in their job search. Applicants must have been employed for at least six months in the past twelve months prior to the application for support.

“We estimate that around 60,000 Singapore residents will be eligible for the scheme per year, which will account for more than 60% of involuntarily unemployed persons,” the Ministry of Manpower said.

The JS Scheme will be launched in April 2025.