Singapore is set to launch a new initiative in April 2025 aimed at supporting those who have lost their jobs involuntarily. The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme will provide financial assistance while encouraging active participation in job search activities.
Eligible individuals can receive up to S$6,000 over six months under this program. The payouts will be distributed on a tiered basis, with higher amounts given in the initial months to provide immediate financial relief.
Qualifying Activities and Point System
To qualify for the monthly payouts, jobseekers must engage in specific activities designed to enhance their employment prospects. These include submitting job applications, attending career coaching sessions, participating in career preparatory workshops, and enrolling in eligible training courses.
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The scheme introduces an “activity points” system, where participants must accumulate a certain number of points each month to receive their payouts. In the first month, jobseekers can earn points by updating their resumes online, attending a career fair, using the CareersFinder tool on MyCareersFuture portal, and going for career coaching.
As the months progress, the requirements become more stringent. From the fourth to sixth month, jobseekers must submit at least five job applications monthly to continue receiving payouts.
Government Perspective
Dr. Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Manpower, emphasized that the scheme is “more than just financial payouts and a job.” It provides a framework to guide jobseekers on concrete steps towards employment.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria for the scheme include being a Singapore citizen aged 21 and above (from April 2025) or a permanent resident aged 21 and above (from Q1 2026), having an average monthly income of S$5,000 or less in the last 12 months, being previously employed in Singapore for at least six months in the past 12 months, becoming unemployed due to involuntary reasons such as retrenchment or business closure, and residing in a property with an annual value of S$31,000 or less.
Expected Impact
The government expects around 60,000 Singapore residents to be eligible for the scheme annually, covering more than 60% of involuntarily unemployed persons.
Manpower Minister Tan See Leng stated that the scheme represents a reset in government policies and Singaporeans’ attitudes. However, he emphasized that personal responsibility remains a cornerstone of the country’s social compact.
Broader Workforce Initiatives
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme is part of a broader effort by Workforce Singapore (WSG) to shift from crisis-response support to early preparation for industry changes. This includes initiatives like personalized career coaching and online tools to identify skills gaps.
As the job market continues to evolve, these measures aim to equip Singaporean workers with the necessary skills and support to navigate employment challenges effectively.
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