As part of the Budget 2025 Assurance Package, the Singapore government has proposed an increase in the amount of the Cost of Living (COL) Top-Up of eligible residents by a total of $190. This is a one-time payment that is expected to assist low- and middle-income families to cope with the increasing the price of necessary goods like food, transport, and utilities in the conditions of the continuous inflationary pressure.
Key Details
– Payment Start Date: 28 October 2025
– Sum: $190 maximum per household in need.
– Eligibility: Singaporeans aged 21 years and above whose annual income is not more than 34,000 Singapore Dollars with a maximum of one property.
– Automatic Payment: Jumping into the programs of the government such as the GST Voucher program will not require applications; the eligibility will be evaluated automatically.
– Mode of payment: Direct deposit into registered bank accounts through PayNow-NRIC linkage or government deposit accounts. No cheques or cash payments.
Who Qualifies?
| Category | Eligibility | Payment Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (21+) | Income ≤ $34,000; Own ≤ 1 property | $190 |
| Seniors (65+) | Living in 1–3 room HDB flats + Silver Support | $190 + extra |
| Youth (21–30) | Income ≤ $24,000 | $190 |
| Multi-property owners | Not eligible | $0 |
Important Considerations
– Singaporeans are encouraged to verify their PayNow-NRIC and MyInfo by 24 October 2025, otherwise they will be delayed when it comes to making payments.
– It is a top-up that is added to existing schemes such as GST Voucher, U-Save rebates, and CDC vouchers providing general-purpose assistance in the economic recovery.
– Approximately 1.5 million households will be benefited especially seniors, the poor, and those earning low income and single income families.
FAQs
Q1: Is there a need to apply to the $190 top up on Cost of living?
No, qualified citizens have their payments automatic.
Q2: What will be the date of payment?
Payments begin from 28 October 2025.
Q3: How am I going to be paid?
Directly by depositing through the bank connected with PayNow-NRIC or government accounts.
Q4: Who is not eligible?
Families earning more than 34000 or owning more than one house.
