The Workfare Skills Support (WSS) scheme is a Singapore government initiative that encourages lower-wage workers to upgrade their skills through training support and financial incentives. It complements the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) and aims to enhance employability, productivity, and income stability. As of July 2025, the qualifying income cap has been raised to S$3,000 per month, extending benefits to more workers.
The WSS Support scheme provides both monetary and non-monetary support to lower-income Singaporeans to help them participate in training programmes. It is designed to make lifelong learning achievable, especially for those who may face financial barriers. Through a combination of Training Allowance (TA), Training Commitment Award (TCA), and Absentee Payroll (AP), WSS ensures that both individuals and employers are supported in the upskilling process.
Initially launched as a replacement for the Workfare Training Support (WTS) scheme in 2020, WSS has evolved to suit the needs of a changing workforce. The policy encourages continuous learning by offsetting training costs, rewarding successful completion, and reimbursing employers for wage expenses during employee training time.
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Workfare Skills Support Scheme Purpose and Goals
The scheme’s central goal is to make skills upgrading financially viable for workers earning modest wages. It helps workers maintain employment while improving their long-term earning potential.
- Encouraging participation in accredited training programmes.
- Offering direct financial incentives upon successful course completion.
- Supporting employers to release employees for training without incurring losses.
- Promoting inclusive economic growth by raising the skills of Singapore’s lower-income workforce.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is automatically assessed for CPF-contributing employees, while self-employed persons must apply manually. To qualify for WSS, individuals must:
- Be Singapore Citizens.
- Be aged 30 years and above (or 13 years and above for persons with disabilities).
- Earn an average gross monthly income of S$3,000 or below.
- Live in a property with an Annual Value below S$21,000.
- Own fewer than two properties (individually or as a couple).
- Have a spouse’s assessable income below S$70,000.
Self-employed individuals also need to make MediSave contributions and declare Net Trade Income (NTI) to qualify.
Financial Support Components
The WSS scheme’s structure revolves around three main support elements that cater to both employees and employers.
| Support Type | Purpose | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Training Allowance (TA) | Compensates workers for lost training hours by providing income. | S$6 per training hour, capped at 180 hours per eligibility year. Automatically disbursed to CPF-contributing individuals. |
| Training Commitment Award (TCA) | Rewards trainees for completing full or modular qualifications. | S$800 for a full qualification or S$100 per modular course (up to S$1,000 annually). |
| Absentee Payroll (AP) | Helps employers cover wages during employee training time. | 95% reimbursement of hourly basic salary, capped at S$13/hour. Claimed via Enterprise Portal for Jobs & Skills. |
These components ensure that workers face minimal financial obstacles to learning, while also keeping employers willing to support upskilling initiatives.
Enhancements and Policy Updates
| Period | Change | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | Lowered eligibility age from 35 to 30 years and raised income cap to S$2,500. | Broadened support for about 70,000 additional workers. |
| July 2025 | Raised income cap to S$3,000 per month. | Extended scheme coverage to a wider group of lower-income workers. |
| Early 2026 (Planned) | Introduction of “Level-Up” tier for long-form training. | Monthly allowance of S$300 for part-time trainees or up to 50% income support for full-time study. |
The new Level-Up tier represents a significant step toward supporting deeper qualifications and more extensive training, reflecting Singapore’s shift from short courses to comprehensive skill development.
Course Eligibility and Application Process
Only approved, outcome-based, and certifiable courses are eligible under WSS. This includes:
- Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) courses.
- Academic Continuing Education and Training (CET) modules.
- SkillsFuture-supported courses are aligned with national job frameworks.
For employed workers, WSS payouts (TA and TCA) are credited automatically once course completion is verified.
Employers claiming Absentee Payroll must apply through the Enterprise Portal for Jobs & Skills (EPJS).
Self-employed individuals must submit a TA Claim Form and then file claims within 120 days of course completion with proof of training and business documents.
Programme Administration and Impact
The scheme is jointly administered by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Workforce Singapore (WSG), and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). These agencies oversee funding, ensure course quality, and prevent duplicate claims.
Since its revamp, WSS has significantly increased participation in workforce training. Many lower-wage employees, especially in logistics, hospitality, and digital sectors, have benefited from both cash incentives and improved job mobility. Employers also experience reduced staff turnover and better productivity due to enhanced workforce skills.
Benefits and Importance
WSS Support has contributed meaningfully to Singapore’s social and economic inclusion goals. It encourages lifelong learning while offering financial assurance to those who might otherwise skip training due to cost. The inclusion of employer subsidies ensures that businesses remain invested in employee development.
Through transparent digital systems, automated assessments, and fast PayNow disbursements, the programme demonstrates an efficient model of state-supported workforce upskilling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the main purpose of the WSS scheme?
The WSS scheme helps lower-income Singaporeans improve their employability by providing financial incentives and allowances for attending eligible training programmes.
2. Who is eligible to receive WSS benefits?
Singapore Citizens aged 30 and above (13 and above for persons with disabilities) earning S$3,000 or below per month are eligible, subject to property and spousal income conditions.
3. How much can a participant receive under the Training Allowance?
Eligible trainees receive S$6 per training hour, up to 180 hours per WSS eligibility year, directly credited via PayNow.
4. How does WSS support employers?
Employers receive Absentee Payroll reimbursement of up to 95% of the hourly basic salary (capped at S$13/hour) for employees attending approved training during work hours.
5. What is the upcoming “Level-Up” tier under WSS?
Set to begin in 2026, this tier supports long-term training with a S$300 monthly allowance for part-time trainees or up to 50% income support for full-time learners, encouraging deeper qualifications.
When can I get the money