The $1080 Silver Support Scheme is a big deal for Singaporean seniors who could use a little extra financial boost in their golden years. If you’re 65 or older and living in an HDB flat, this quarterly payout could help you cover basic expenses and live more comfortably. But here’s the kicker — not everyone gets the full amount.
$1080 Silver Support Scheme Announced for Seniors
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Payout Amount | Up to S$1,080 per quarter |
| Eligibility Age | 65 and above |
| Residency | Must be a Singapore Citizen living in a 1- to 5-room HDB flat |
| CPF Criteria | Lifetime CPF contributions ≤ S$140,000 by age 55 |
| Household Income | Monthly income per person ≤ S$2,300 |
| Top Tier Payment | For those in 1- or 2-room flats with income ≤ S$1,500/person |
| Website | Visit Official MOM Site |
Look, nobody likes to worry about money — especially in your retirement years. The Silver Support Scheme helps ease that burden for the most vulnerable seniors in Singapore. It’s automatic, it’s quarterly, and if you meet the conditions, you could be getting S$1,080 every three months without lifting a finger. So, if you or your loved ones are turning 65 soon, go ahead and check your CPF account, understand where you stand, and don’t leave that money on the table.
What Is the Silver Support Scheme, Anyway?
Launched back in 2016, the Silver Support Scheme was created to support elderly Singaporeans who didn’t have much savings in their CPF and weren’t raking in retirement income. Think of it like a quarterly thank-you check from the government for all those years of hard work.
The scheme has since been updated to reflect the cost of living, and in January 2025, the quarterly payout will reach S$1,080 for the most eligible seniors. That’s over S$4,000 a year — not too shabby if you’re trying to keep the lights on and food in the fridge.
Who Qualifies for the Full $1080?
To score the full $1080 quarterly payout, you need to meet all of these requirements:
Age & Citizenship
- You must be a Singapore Citizen
- 65 years or older in the year of payout
CPF Contributions
- Lifetime CPF contributions must be S$140,000 or less by age 55
- If you were self-employed, your annual net trade income from age 45 to 54 should be ≤ S$27,600
Housing Type
- Live in a 1- or 2-room HDB flat
- Do not own any 5-room or larger HDB flat, private property, or multiple properties
Household Income
- Monthly household income per person must be S$1,500 or less to get the full payout
Important: You don’t need to apply — the government checks your info automatically every year and sends you a letter if you’re eligible.
How Much Will You Get?
The actual payout depends on your housing and income status. Here’s how it breaks down:
Payment Tiers (Effective January 2025)
| HDB Flat Type | Income ≤ S$1,500/person | Income S$1,500–S$2,300/person |
|---|---|---|
| 1- & 2-room | S$1,080 | S$540 |
| 3-room | S$860 | S$430 |
| 4-room | S$650 | S$325 |
| 5-room (not owned) | S$430 | S$215 |
ComCare LTA recipients automatically get S$430/quarter, no matter their income or housing.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
You don’t have to do any guesswork here. The government handles all assessments and notifications. But if you want to double-check:
Step-by-Step:
- Log in to your CPF account via Singpass
- Go to Silver Support Scheme section
- Check your eligibility and view past payouts
Or call the Silver Support hotline at 1800-222-8888 if you’d rather speak with a real person.
Why This Matters for You (and the Community)
This scheme isn’t just about money. It’s about dignity in retirement. It ensures seniors who gave their working years to the nation aren’t left behind.
The scheme also shows a great example of targeted welfare. It’s not a blanket payout — it reaches those who truly need the help. According to the Ministry of Manpower, around 290,000 seniors benefit from Silver Support every year.
FAQs
Q: Can PRs (Permanent Residents) get Silver Support?
A: No. This scheme is only for Singapore Citizens.
Q: Do I need to apply?
A: Nope. Assessment is automatic and done annually.
Q: What if I don’t agree with the outcome?
A: You can appeal by visiting a Social Service Office (SSO) near you.
Q: How is the money paid out?
A: Via PayNow-NRIC, bank transfer, or GovCash for those without bank accounts.
Q: Will this affect my other government benefits?
A: Not at all. Silver Support is on top of other schemes like Workfare or GST vouchers.
