Singapore will launch the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) scheme to help involuntarily unemployed persons bounce back from employment setbacks. Workforce Singapore (WSG) will be implementing this scheme from April 2025. As part of the refreshed social compact under Forward Singapore, the Government will introduce the JS scheme to give greater assurance to displaced workers so that they will not face employment setbacks alone. In developing the JS scheme, the Government considered feedback from members of the public during Forward Singapore, the earlier recommendations for the Joint PME Taskforce headed by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF), and examined similar schemes implemented in other countries.
The JS scheme marks a paradigm shift in the Government’s approach to unemployment. The scheme provides temporary financial support to ease the pressure on involuntarily unemployed persons to rush into a new, potentially ill-fitting job. With some peace of mind, coupled with support for job search, we aim to support involuntarily unemployed persons to find a job that makes better use of their skills and experiences. The JS scheme will focus on lower and middle-income individuals (previously earning an average of $5,000/month or less), and on those facing more difficulties in their job search. Applicants must be employed for at least six months in the past twelve months prior to the application for support.
Eligible involuntarily unemployed persons will receive up to $6,000 over six months. To provide an immediate boost, we will pay out $1,500 in the first month of support and taper down the payouts thereafter. Monthly payouts are capped at the individual’s average monthly income prior to involuntary unemployment1. Once the individual successfully secures a new job, he will not be eligible for subsequent monthly payouts. To qualify for the JS payouts, individuals will have to do their part to actively search for a new job, such as applying for jobs, attending career coaching or participating in eligible training courses. The job search condition provides flexibility to individuals to customise their job search efforts. More details on the job search conditions will be shared closer to April 2025.
