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Singapore Residents who were previously earning an average gross monthly income of S$5,000 or less and residing in a Singapore property with an annual value of S$31,000 or less may be eligible if they meet all other criteria.
Effective 15 April 2025 (Tuesday), Singapore citizens who fall under the 'lower-to-middle-income involuntarily unemployed' category will be able to apply for the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) scheme, which allows temporary financial support to jobseekers who wish to take part in meaningful job search activities.
This initiative, dubbed as a major move under Forward Singapore, is a result of discussions with the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Labour Movement with the aim to lessen the strain on the involuntarily unemployed and their families.
Singapore residents who were previously earning an average gross monthly income of S$5,000/month or less and residing in a Singapore property with an annual value of S$31,000 or less are eligible for this scheme if they meet all other criteria, as follows:
- The applicant is a Singapore citizen aged 21 and above. Applications for Permanent Residents aged 21 and above will be open from Q1 2026.
- Has earned an average gross monthly income of $5,000 or less in the past 12 months (excluding employer CPF contributions). This includes only the period(s) when the individual was employed and earning an income.
- Was previously employed in Singapore for at least six months in the past 12 months.
- Became unemployed due to involuntary reasons such as retrenchment, cessation of business, dismissals, or termination due to illness, injury, or accident.
- Resides in a property in Singapore with an Annual Value of S$31,000 or less.
- Has not received a payout from this scheme in the past three years.
- Has been unemployed at least one month from the last date of employment prior to receiving payouts.
Successful applicants who are actively job-seeking will be provided with a temporary financial support of up to S$6,000 over the course of six months.
Upon approval of their application, participants will take part in activities that aim to jobseekers build momentum in their job search by guiding them on activities to develop their skills and confidence to secure their next role including job application, attending career coaching or participating in a career fair.
To apply, applicants will need to submit the following documents online:
- Official letter or notification of termination/dismissal by formal employer
- Medical certificate or an official letter from the medical institution/doctor if applicant was made involuntarily unemployed due to medical reasons.
In addition, applicants will need to provide their past employment details including former employer's contact details as WSG will need to contact them to verify the applicant's credentials.
Processing will take up to 10 days and the applicant will be informed of the application outcome via email.
Citizens who wish to apply for the JS scheme can do so from 15 April 2025, whereas for Permanent Residents can do so in Q1 2026. Those who require dedicated help and support on their application can approach JS ambassadors at the following touchpoints:
READ MORE: Queries on Singapore's upcoming SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme addressed in Parliament
Infographics / Provided
Lead image / SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme
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