SINGAPORE – More than 1.5 million adult Singaporeans are set to receive up to S$850 in cash payouts starting August 6, as part of the Goods and Services Tax Voucher (GSTV) scheme, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced on July 7.
This year’s disbursement includes enhanced support for lower- and middle-income earners, with adjustments to income thresholds reflecting improved wages among citizens.
Higher Income Threshold for GSTV Cash in 2025
In a move aimed at ensuring continued support for the majority of working Singaporeans, the assessable income threshold for GSTV – Cash has been raised from S$34,000 to S$39,000. This allows more Singaporeans to qualify for the payouts, especially those who may have recently experienced wage growth.
According to MOF, this change is designed to maintain the scheme’s coverage and continue helping households cope with the rising cost of living, especially after the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike.
Who Is Eligible and How Much Will They Receive?
To be eligible for the GSTV – Cash payout, recipients must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Singapore citizen aged 21 and above
- Have an assessable income of S$39,000 or less for the Year of Assessment 2024
- Own no more than one property
- Reside in a property with an annual value of up to S$31,000
Payouts are tiered based on the annual value of the recipient’s place of residence:
- S$850 for those living in homes with an annual value of S$21,000 or below
- S$450 for those whose homes have an annual value between S$21,000 and S$31,000
This structure ensures that higher cash support is given to Singaporeans living in more modest housing, in line with the scheme’s goal of targeting support where it is most needed.
GSTV – MediSave Top-Ups for Seniors
In addition to the cash payouts, the government is also providing MediSave top-ups to eligible seniors under the GSTV – MediSave component.
Approximately 690,000 Singaporean seniors will receive between S$150 and S$450 in their CPF MediSave accounts, depending on their income and housing status.
These top-ups help older Singaporeans with their healthcare expenses and contribute toward long-term medical savings.
Payout Disbursement and Notification
Eligible Singaporeans do not need to reapply if they have previously signed up for GSTV – Cash or GSTV – MediSave. The payouts will be credited automatically starting from August 6, 2025.
Recipients will be notified of their payment status through either:
- SMS alerts from “gov.sg”
- Official letters sent to their registered address
To check eligibility or payout amount, Singaporeans can visit the GovBenefits website at https://www.govbenefits.gov.sg.
MOF advises all Singaporeans to ensure their banking details are up-to-date via their Singpass accounts to facilitate prompt and secure payments.
Total Disbursement to Reach S$1.5 Billion
This round of payouts forms part of a broader government initiative to offset the impact of rising taxes and inflation. The MOF confirmed that a total of S$1.5 billion will be disbursed through the GSTV scheme in 2025.
The GST Voucher scheme remains a key pillar of Singapore’s permanent social support structure, first introduced in 2012. It helps cushion the impact of GST for lower- and middle-income households and ensures that Singapore’s tax system remains progressive and equitable.
Guarding Against Scams
MOF and the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group have also issued a warning against scams related to the GSTV payouts.
Key points to remember:
- No banking or credit card information is required to receive the payouts
- The government will never ask for money transfers or personal financial details via email or phone
- Only SMSes from “gov.sg” should be trusted regarding voucher notifications
Singaporeans who encounter suspicious messages or calls are advised to report them immediately to the Anti-Scam Helpline or visit the Scam Alert website for guidance.
Looking Ahead
With the rising cost of living a pressing concern for many households, the enhanced GSTV scheme is a timely measure to provide financial relief for a wide range of Singaporeans. As incomes rise and public finance strategies evolve, the government has pledged to continue refining support schemes to meet the changing needs of society.
