As living costs continue to rise across the world, the Government of Singapore remains committed to helping its citizens cope with daily expenses. In line with this commitment, the government has confirmed a $600 Cost of Living Support Payment for eligible Singaporeans in October 2025.
This initiative aims to ease the financial burden faced by households, particularly those in the low- and middle-income groups, and ensure that every Singaporean continues to enjoy stability and financial security amid inflationary pressures.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the $600 Cost of Living Support — including eligibility, payment dates, disbursement methods, and how to check your status.
🇸🇬 What Is the $600 Cost of Living Support Payment?
The $600 Cost of Living Support Payment is part of Singapore’s broader Cost-of-Living (COL) Support Package for 2025.
This payment provides direct financial relief to help Singaporeans manage higher prices for essential goods, transport, utilities, and groceries.
The government recognizes that inflation and global supply chain disruptions have raised living expenses, especially for vulnerable households. Thus, this payment forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support citizens and strengthen their purchasing power.
This initiative follows similar payouts from previous years — such as the $700 and $300 payments in 2023 and 2024 — showing the government’s consistent effort to provide assistance when needed most.
Who Is Eligible for the $600 Payment?
The eligibility criteria for the $600 Cost of Living Support Payment are designed to prioritize citizens most affected by the rising cost of living.
To qualify, individuals must meet the following conditions:
1. Citizenship
- Must be a Singapore citizen as of October 2025.
- Permanent Residents (PRs) and foreigners are not eligible for this specific payment.
2. Age Requirement
- Must be 21 years old or above in 2025.
- Senior citizens will automatically be included if they meet other eligibility criteria.
3. Income Criteria
- Individuals with an Assessable Income (AI) of up to $100,000 in 2024 are eligible.
- This ensures that low- and middle-income Singaporeans benefit the most.
4. Property Ownership
- Recipients should not own more than one property.
- This condition targets those with moderate financial resources.
5. Residency
- Must be residing in Singapore during the disbursement period.
- Overseas citizens are not eligible unless they are officially registered as Singapore residents.
How Much Will Each Person Receive?
Each eligible Singaporean adult will receive a flat $600 payment in October 2025.
This one-time payout aims to supplement monthly expenses like groceries, transport, utilities, and other essentials. While it may seem modest, it adds meaningful relief to households managing tight budgets.
In previous cost-of-living packages, households also benefited from Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers, U-Save rebates, and MediSave top-ups. Similar complementary measures are expected alongside the 2025 payout.
How Will the Payment Be Disbursed?
The Singapore government uses secure and efficient channels to deliver the funds directly to citizens.
Here’s how payments will be made:
1. Pay Now-NRIC
- If you’ve linked your NRIC to Pay Now, you will receive the payment directly into your bank account.
- This is the fastest and most reliable payment method.
2. GIRO
- Those who do not use Pay Now will get their payments via GIRO, sent to their registered bank account.
3. No Bank Account?
- Citizens without bank accounts will receive a cheque mailed to their registered residential address.
- To avoid delays, it’s essential to ensure your bank and address details are updated in MyInfo or your SingPass profile before October 2025.
Payment Dates: When Will You Get the $600?
The $600 Cost of Living Support Payment is expected to be credited in October 2025.
While the exact date has yet to be officially confirmed, past disbursements usually occurred within the first two weeks of the month.
Here’s a likely timeline based on previous government payouts:
| Payment Method | Expected Date (October 2025) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| PayNow-NRIC | Between October 5–10, 2025 | Instant deposit to linked account |
| GIRO | Between October 10–15, 2025 | Transfer to registered bank account |
| Cheque | After October 20, 2025 | Mailed to registered address |
You can log in to the Assurance Package portal or MyGov portal closer to the date to verify your payout status.
Do You Need to Apply for the Payment?
The $600 Cost of Living Support will be automatically credited to all eligible Singaporeans based on their 2024 income tax records and residency information.
However, if you have changed your bank or residential details, you should update your records in MyInfo before the payout date to prevent delays.
How to Check Your Eligibility and Payment Status
You can easily verify your eligibility and payment details through official government portals:
1. Assurance Package Portal
Visit the Assurance Package official website to check if you qualify and view payment timelines.
2. My Info / Sing Pass
Log in to your MyInfo account using SingPass credentials to confirm your banking details and update your contact information.
3. SMS or Email Notification
Eligible citizens will receive official SMS or email notifications from the government before the payment is disbursed.
Who Benefits the Most?
The $600 payment is especially beneficial for:
- Low- and middle-income workers struggling with daily expenses.
- Elderly citizens with limited retirement savings.
- Families with dependents and single-income households.
- Young adults entering the workforce and managing basic expenses.
The initiative ensures that financial support reaches citizens who truly need it while complementing other national welfare schemes.
Other Financial Assistance Programs in 2025
The $600 payment is part of a larger cost-of-living support framework. Singaporeans may also receive additional help through:
- CDC Vouchers 2025 – Expected to continue, helping households purchase essentials from local stores.
- U-Save Rebates – Credits to offset utility bills for eligible HDB households.
- MediSave Top-Ups – For seniors and lower-income citizens to cover healthcare costs.
- Public Transport Vouchers – To help offset fare increases.
- GSTV – Cash and Rebates – Ongoing support tied to the GST Voucher Scheme.
Together, these measures reinforce the government’s holistic approach to financial resilience for Singaporeans.
What to Do If You Don’t Receive the Payment
If you believe you qualify but haven’t received the $600 payment by the expected date, here’s what you should do:
- Wait for at least two weeks after the payout window — sometimes, processing can take longer.
- Check your Pay Now-NRIC and GIRO details via My Info.
- If still unpaid, contact the Ministry of Finance or your local community center for assistance.
Avoid sharing personal details with unofficial sources or websites claiming to “help you get your payment.” Always verify through official government portals.
Why This Payment Matters
The Cost of Living Support Payment is more than just financial aid — it’s a social safety measure that reflects Singapore’s proactive governance and fiscal responsibility.
By directly depositing funds into citizens’ accounts, the government ensures efficiency, transparency, and accessibility — minimizing administrative barriers while maximizing social impact.
Final Thoughts
The $600 Cost of Living Support for Singaporeans in October 2025 is a timely and meaningful initiative to help households navigate rising living costs.
By automatically crediting eligible citizens, the government ensures that financial assistance reaches those who need it most — quickly and securely.
If you’re a Singapore citizen aged 21 or older, with an income under $100,000, and residing in the country, you’re likely eligible for this payout. Remember to keep your PayNow-NRIC or GIRO details updated to receive the funds smoothly.
FAQs:-
What is the $600 Cost of Living Support for Singaporeans?
It’s a one-time government payment to help citizens manage rising living expenses in October 2025.
When will the $600 payment be issued?
The payment is scheduled for October 2025, with exact dates to be confirmed by the government.
What should I do if I don’t receive the payment?
You can contact the Singapore Ministry of Finance or check your MyInfo account to verify your status.