SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme: A Lifeline for Singapore’s Unemployed

In 2025, more than 4,000 unemployed Singaporeans took advantage of the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, following the submission of 10,000 applications. This innovative unemployment benefits program has provided critical financial assistance to many individuals seeking new job opportunities in a challenging economic landscape.

According to Mr. Nicholas Kong, acting director of Workforce Singapore’s (WSG) planning and design division, over 80% of participants received at least one payout by the end of the year. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the scheme, which celebrated its first anniversary in April 2026.

The initiative, which began in April 2025, was designed exclusively for Singapore citizens initially, with plans to extend eligibility to permanent residents starting in early 2026. Participants highlighted how the payouts have afforded them the flexibility to focus on their job searches and enhance their skills for different industries. Many found the financial support to be a crucial buffer while waiting for suitable employment offers, making it easier to navigate the sometimes frustrating application process.

Personal Stories of Resilience

For individuals like Mr. Rahmat Mohamad, aged 53, the support provided through this scheme proved invaluable. After losing his media production job at the end of 2024, he dealt not only with financial strain but also family challenges, including a child with autism and a wife who is unable to work due to health issues.

“The financial burden of unemployment is incredibly hard,” Mr. Mohamad expressed. Thanks to the jobseeker payouts, he was able to enroll in a SkillsFuture-sponsored course in desktop support engineering, which came with a monthly training allowance and additional ComCare assistance.

“This financial backing allowed me to focus solely on my job search without the worry of how to make ends meet,” he stated, reflecting his resolve amidst the challenges of recruitment silence from potential employers.

Concerns for Contract Workers and Long-Term Unemployed

Despite the positive feedback from many, some groups are raising concerns regarding the inclusivity of the scheme. Both contract workers and those facing long-term unemployment are not currently eligible for this support, prompting discussions about potential expansions to the program.

The Manpower Ministry (MOM) anticipates that around 60,000 Singaporeans and permanent residents will qualify for the scheme annually, which represents over 60% of individuals who are involuntarily unemployed.

Eligibility and Application Process

For those who qualify, the scheme offers up to S$6,000 (approximately US$4,600) over six months, provided applicants engage in certain job search activities, such as attending career fairs or meeting with career advisors. Mr. Kong noted that many applicants are often rejected because they are not classified as involuntarily unemployed, particularly if they resigned voluntarily.

Eligibility criteria include an average monthly income of less than S$5,000 during previous employment, having worked at least six months in the past year, and residing in a property with a value of no more than S$31,000 annually. It is important to note that once an individual receives payouts, they must wait three years before applying again.

During the recent Budget debates, representatives from the labour movement advocated for an increase in the scheme’s income cap to S$7,600, aligning it with the median salary of professionals across various sectors. In response, MOM announced plans to review key parameters, including qualifying income, as they gather more insights from overseeing the program.