The rising cost of living has been a constant concern for households in Singapore, especially with global inflation, higher utility costs, and everyday essentials becoming more expensive. To ease these pressures.
The government has rolled out several cost-of-living support measures in 2025, including cash payouts, CDC vouchers, and rebates. Among the highlights is the much-talked-about $490 payment, along with the continuation of the popular CDC Vouchers scheme.
These initiatives are designed to provide timely relief for families, seniors, and lower- to middle-income households, ensuring that Singaporeans have extra support to manage daily expenses.
What Is the Singapore 2025 Cost of Living Support?
The Cost of Living Support Package 2025 is a combination of financial assistance programmes aimed at helping households cope with rising expenses. Instead of a single payout, the support comes in different forms such as:
- Direct cash assistance (including the reported $490 one-time payout)
- CDC Vouchers worth $800 per household
- U-Save rebates to offset utilities for HDB households
- SG60 vouchers for eligible Singaporeans in celebration of the nation’s 60th birthday
This layered approach ensures that every Singaporean benefits in some way, regardless of age or housing type.
The $490 Payment – What We Know So Far
One of the biggest talking points in 2025 is the $490 payout. While not officially branded as a standalone scheme, it is part of the broader relief measures targeting middle-income Singaporeans.
Key Details:
- Amount: $490 per eligible adult Singaporean
- Distribution period: Scheduled for August 2025
- Eligibility: Citizens aged 21 and above, with priority for those in lower- and middle-income groups
- Disbursement: Automatically credited into PayNow-linked bank accounts or through cheque for those without PayNow
This payout provides immediate cash flow relief that families can use for groceries, transport, or healthcare costs. For example, a household of four adults could receive nearly $2,000 in total support from this payment alone, easing monthly expenses significantly.
CDC Vouchers 2025 – $800 for Every Household
The CDC Vouchers Scheme 2025 continues to be a cornerstone of Singapore’s relief measures. Every household has been given $800 worth of digital vouchers, disbursed in two tranches:
- $300 in January 2025
- $500 in May 2025
Where Can You Use Them?
- Hawker centres and coffee shops (great for daily meals)
- Heartland shops such as provision stores and clinics
- Supermarkets for groceries and essentials
This scheme not only benefits households but also supports local small businesses. For example, a family could use part of their vouchers at NTUC FairPrice for weekly groceries while spending the rest at a nearby hawker stall.
Expiry date: All vouchers must be used by 31 December 2025.
Other Relief Measures in 2025
Beyond the $490 payout and CDC vouchers, households will also benefit from additional schemes:
1. U-Save Rebates
- Amount: Between $440 and $760, depending on HDB flat type
- Disbursement: April and October 2025
- Purpose: To offset rising electricity and water bills
2. SG60 Vouchers
- A special initiative to mark Singapore’s 60th year of independence
- $600 for citizens aged 21 and above
- $800 for seniors aged 60 and above
- Distribution: July 2025
- Expiry: Valid until 31 December 2026
3. Tax Rebates
- A 60% personal income tax rebate, capped at $200 for the Year of Assessment 2025
- Provides relief for working adults
Together, these schemes ensure that the support is well-rounded covering daily expenses, utilities, celebrations, and tax obligations.
Who Is Eligible for the Support?
Eligibility varies depending on the scheme, but here’s a quick breakdown:
- $490 Payment:
- Singapore Citizens aged 21 and above
- Income and property ownership may be considered
- Automatic distribution (no application required)
- CDC Vouchers 2025:
- Every Singaporean household is eligible
- Claimable via Singpass at go.gov.sg/cdcv
- U-Save Rebates:
- Only for eligible HDB households
- Automatically credited to utilities account
- SG60 Vouchers:
- Citizens aged 21+ get $600
- Citizens aged 60+ get $800
Why the Support Matters – A Quick Analysis
While $490 may not seem like a huge sum at first glance, when combined with vouchers and rebates, the average household could be receiving well over $2,000 worth of support in 2025.
For instance:
- A family living in a 4-room HDB could receive:
- $490 per adult (let’s assume 2 adults) = $980
- $800 in CDC Vouchers
- $600 SG60 Vouchers each = $1,200
- U-Save rebates = ~$500
Total relief: ~$3,500
This shows the government’s intention to provide meaningful support across multiple touchpoints, rather than relying on a single payout.
FAQ,s
Q1. How do I claim the $490 payment in 2025?
You don’t need to apply. The payout will be credited automatically to your PayNow-linked bank account. If you don’t have PayNow, a cheque will be mailed.
Q2. Can PRs (Permanent Residents) receive the $490 payout or CDC vouchers?
No, these benefits are exclusive to Singapore Citizens. However, households with mixed PR-Singaporean members still receive CDC vouchers.
Q3. What happens if I don’t claim my CDC vouchers digitally?
You can still collect physical vouchers at Community Centres or through authorised representatives. But digital claim via Singpass is the fastest and most convenient method.
Q4. Can I use CDC vouchers to pay for online purchases?
Currently, CDC vouchers can only be used at participating physical outlets such as supermarkets, hawkers, and neighbourhood shops.
Q5. What if I miss the expiry date of 31 December 2025 for CDC vouchers?
Unused vouchers will be forfeited, so it’s best to plan your spending ahead of time.
Conclusion
The Singapore 2025 Cost of Living Support package including the $490 payment, CDC Vouchers, U-Save rebates, and SG60 vouchers offers much-needed relief to households navigating rising expenses. While each scheme may seem small on its own, together they form a powerful safety net that directly addresses daily costs, utilities, and celebrations. For families, this support can mean the difference between financial stress and breathing room.
As Singapore continues to adapt to global economic challenges, these initiatives show the government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. The key now is for citizens to claim and use their ben
Nand Kishor is a content writer covering business, economy, and world affairs. With a background in journalism, he focuses on clear, ethical, and insightful reporting. Outside of work, he enjoys chess, cricket, and writing short stories.