In this fast-changing labour market with constant upheavals, getting a job is by no means adequate to retain a career. Skill acquiring has now more or less been a must to sustain an even relatively steady income stream in a sustained career. Its upgrading to an average worker in Singapore also stands as a ticket to economic self-sufficiency and improvement to propping future.
In 2025, the Workfare Skills Support (WSS) has introduced a great leap down to the Basic scheme by the very government. This targeted government scheme supports training through paying low-wage workers either a training allowance, incentives for course completion or salary support to employers, and of course, peer-to-peer learning.
By 2025, it goes further to explain the workings of the WSS-Basic scheme, beneficiaries, extent of assistance and how one can apply.
What Is WSS-Basic Scheme?
WSS-Basic scheme is an initiative of the Singapore Government for providing grants to upgrade the skills for low-income citizens through certified skills courses. This is to ensure that workers are able to secure jobs, have their pay increased and move forward in their career.
Aid has been provided under the scheme in three broad categories:
- Training allowance: $6 for each hour during training for self-sponsored workers
- Training Commitment Award (TCA): An award of up to $1,000 for completing a course
- Absentee payroll: That salary reimbursement of employers during training hours for the participant
Scheme overview
| Scheme Component | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Training Allowance (TA) | $6 per hour (up to 180 hours per year) |
| Training Commitment Award (TCA) | Up to $1,000 for completing full qualification or two short courses |
| Absentee Payroll (AP) | Employer reimbursed up to $13 per hour of basic salary |
| Target Group | Low-income Singaporeans aged 30 and above |
| Maximum Monthly Income | $3,000 |
| Property Limit | Less than 2 properties, Annual Value under $21,000 |
| Application Process | Employees – automatic, Self-employed – manual claim |
Training Allowance
The government pays $6/hour to citizens who are self-sponsoring their course fees and complete a training duration that records a maximum of 180 hours within a year.
This grant is applicable to the following courses:
- Outcome-based courses
- Courses related to progressive wage model (PWM)
Training Commitment Award
Up to $1,000 will be given to a citizen who completes either a full course or two short modular courses.
| Qualification Type | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| WSQ or Academic CET Full Qualification | $800 per qualification |
| Complete 2 Short Courses | $100 |
| Maximum Benefit | $1,000 per individual |
This award therefore addresses skills that will benefit an individual in future long-term career development and not short certificate programs.
Absentee Payroll
Employers sending their staff to skill training may be reimbursed a maximum of 95% of the wages of the employees at a maximum of $13 per hour.
It thus gives opportunities for companies to bring in quality sharpening of skills for their employees without worrying about productivity or wages.
Eligibility for WSS-Basic Scheme
The government is sure that assistance actually goes to those who require it most; hence, there are certain eligibility criteria:
- Singapore citizen
- At least 30 years old (13 years for Persons with disabilities)
- Self-employed or employed, with CPF or MediSave contributions
Income & property eligibility (effective from July 2025):
- The maximum monthly income could not be above $3,000.
- The annual value of residence should be lesser than $21,000.
- Own less than 2 properties.
For married individuals:
- Joint assets should also be less than two.
- Spouse’s annual taxable income should be less than $70,000.
How can people submit an application?
- Employers: Apply online through the Enterprise Portal for Jobs and Skills.
Conclusion
The WSS-Basic scheme carves not only a path for the low-income groups in Singapore to update their skills but also for self-reliance and empowerment. Financial assistance of up to $1,000, rewards for course completion, and salary reimbursement to the employer make this scheme truly attractive. This may turn the career for one eligible or someone who knows an eligible person.
FAQs
Q1. What is the WSS-Basic Scheme and who is it meant for?
A. The WSS-Basic Scheme is a government support initiative for lower-wage Singaporeans. It helps them upskill through funded training. The goal is to improve their employability and income stability.
Q2. How much financial support can I receive through this scheme?
A. You can get up to $6 per training hour, $1,000 in course completion rewards, and 95% wage support for employers. The actual benefit depends on your training type and employment status.
Q3. Am I eligible for WSS-Basic in 2025?
A. You must be a Singapore citizen aged 30 or older (13+ for those with disabilities), with income under $3,000. You also need to meet property and employment contribution criteria.
Q4. How do I claim WSS-Basic benefits if I’m self-employed?
A. You need to submit a Training Allowance claim with proof of self-employment and course details. This can be done online after completing approved training.
Q5. Can employers benefit from this scheme too?
A. Yes, employers get reimbursed up to 95% of employees’ basic wages for approved training. This makes it easier to train staff without affecting business operations.