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The scheme will focus on lower and middle-income individuals earning S$5,000/month or less and those struggling in their job search.
In his first National Day Rally (NDR) on 18 August 2024, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in his speech a new move under SkillsFuture, to help those who have become involuntarily unemployed.
Details on this SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) scheme, which will be implemented from April 2025, were released on 27 August 2024 (Tuesday). According to a press release by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), eligible individuals who are involuntarily unemployed will receive up to S$6,000 over six months, with an initial S$1,500 payout in the first month, gradually tapering down in subsequent months.
Monthly payouts are capped at their previous average monthly income, and once they secure a new job, they will no longer be eligible for further payouts.
As Singapore's economic transformation accelerates, workers may face displacement despite their efforts to reskill.
To support these workers, the Government introduced the JS scheme as part of a refreshed social compact under Forward Singapore, with a goal to ensure workers don't face employment setbacks alone.
The development of the JS scheme incorporated public feedback from Forward Singapore, recommendations from the Joint PME Taskforce led by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), as well as insights from similar programmes in other countries.
In his speech at the e2i Coaching Series on 27 August, Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng shared his views on the new JS scheme, saying: "Our starting point is to support displaced jobseekers to rebound into jobs that can fit their skillsets and experiences, instead of just rushing head on into the next available job.
"But at the same time, we do not want displaced jobseekers to delay unnecessarily their return into the workforce, because this would diminish their employability.
"This scheme that we are launching today aims to strike a very careful and delicate balance," he added.
To address public queries about the new scheme, Workforce Singapore (WSG) has released a set of frequently asked questions:
Who can apply?
- Singapore Citizens aged 21+ (from April 2025) or Permanent Residents aged 21+ (from Q1 2026).
- Singapore Citizens aged 21 and above (from April 2025) or Permanent Residents aged 21 and above (from Q1 2026).
- From date of application:
- Earned an average monthly income of S$5,000 or less in the last 12 months (excluding employer CPF contributions). This includes only the period(s) where the individual is employed and earning an income.
- Was previously employed 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.
- Reside in a property with an annual value of S$25,000 or less.
- Has not received a payout from this scheme in the past three years.
How does one qualify for payouts?
- Participants of the scheme must take part in job search and related activities. For example, participants can submit job applications, attend career coaching and career preparatory workshops, or participate in eligible training courses.
- Participants must have been unemployed for at least one month from the last day of employment prior to receiving payout.
How to apply?
More details will be made available closer to the implementation of the scheme, i.e April 2025.
"WSG will launch the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme in April 2025 for Singapore Citizens, followed by Permanent Residents in Q1 2026," Dr Tan commented.
The minister further noted that at launch next year, there may be certain involuntarily unemployed persons who do not qualify for the scheme, as they have been unemployed for more than six months. These individuals will not meet the qualifying condition of having been employed for at least six months in the 12 months prior to scheme application.
Thus, he added: "When the scheme is launched, we will provide a one-off concession and onboard those who become involuntarily unemployed from 1 April 2024, if they are still unemployed at the point of application."
Commenting on the new scheme, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said: "Together with the S$72,000 over a 24-month period under the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, this JS scheme is a good first step in supporting our workers."
Adding his views, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay said: "The scheme marks a first step in the right direction to support involuntarily unemployed persons with financial support, as they would take time to bounce back from employment setbacks.
"With support from the JS scheme, our workers can focus on upskilling, reskilling, and securing meaningful employment without the immediate pressures of financial insecurity."
The scheme is expected to benefit about 60,000 Singapore residents per year.
Lead image and infographics / MOM
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