in 2025, the Singapore government continues to roll out financial aid schemes to support its aging population with the rising cost of living. These initiatives include the Assurance Package (AP) Seniors’ Bonus, MediSave top-ups, and the Silver Support Scheme, providing eligible seniors with up to S$1,080 per quarter based on their circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility criteria, payout amounts, and key payment dates seniors should be aware of.
Assurance Package (AP) Seniors’ Bonus
The Assurance Package Seniors’ Bonus provides direct cash assistance to lower-income seniors in Singapore. To qualify, individuals must be Singapore citizens aged 55 or older in 2025. Additional criteria include having an assessable income of S$34,000 or less (based on the Year of Assessment 2023), owning no more than one property, and residing in a home with an annual value of S$31,000 or below.
- Seniors living in homes with an annual value of up to S$21,000 will receive S$300.
- Those residing in properties valued between S$21,001 and S$31,000 will receive S$200.
Payment Schedule:
- February 5, 2025 – PayNow-NRIC recipients.
- February 13, 2025 – GIRO transfers.
- February 21, 2025 – GovCash payments.
To ensure timely disbursement via PayNow, seniors must link their NRIC to PayNow by January 25, 2025.
MediSave Top-Up
All Singaporean citizens aged 55 and above will receive an S$150 MediSave top-up, credited directly to their CPF MediSave account starting February 11, 2025. This can be used for medical expenses, including hospitalization and outpatient treatments.
Silver Support Scheme
The Silver Support Scheme offers quarterly financial assistance to low-income seniors who had limited CPF contributions during their working years and have little family support. Unlike other schemes, this assistance is automatically assessed without the need for an application.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be 65 years or older in 2025.
- CPF contributions from age 55 onwards must not exceed S$140,000.
- Must live in 1- to 5-room HDB flats and not own private property (either alone or jointly with a spouse).
- Household per capita income must be S$2,300 or below per month.
Quarterly Payment Amounts:
- S$1,080 – Seniors in 1- and 2-room HDB flats.
- S$860 – Seniors in 3-room HDB flats.
- S$650 – Seniors in 4-room HDB flats.
- S$430 – Seniors in 5-room HDB flats.
Payment Dates:
- December 31, 2024 – For January to March 2025 payout.
- March 31, 2025 – For April to June 2025 payout.
- June 30, 2025 – For July to September 2025 payout.
- September 30, 2025 – For October to December 2025 payout.
How to Check Eligibility
Seniors can verify their eligibility by logging into the GovBenefits website using Singpass. If eligible, they will receive a SMS notification from “gov.sg”, or a letter by post if no mobile number is registered.
Important Scam Warning:
Government agencies will never request personal information via SMS, WhatsApp, or instant messaging. Legitimate notifications will not include links or ask for replies.
Final Thoughts
These financial aid initiatives are part of Singapore’s ongoing commitment to supporting seniors with their daily expenses and healthcare costs. By ensuring that cash payouts, MediSave top-ups, and quarterly allowances reach those in need, the government aims to provide a secure and dignified retirement for elderly citizens. Eligible seniors should check their details early and update their payment information to avoid delays.
