Prices of daily essentials in Singapore have been steadily creeping up in recent years, and many households have been feeling the pressure. From a simple hawker meal to weekly grocery runs, every dollar now stretches a little less. Recognising these challenges, the Singapore Budget 2025 has rolled out two major support schemes — the SG60 Vouchers and the CDC Vouchers. Together, these initiatives aim not only to ease the cost-of-living burden but also to strengthen community ties by supporting local businesses.
These vouchers aren’t just about free money. They are carefully structured to help Singaporeans manage rising costs while ensuring that support flows back into neighbourhood economies. Let’s take a closer look at what they mean for households, families, and the broader community.
What Are SG60 Vouchers?
The SG60 Vouchers were introduced as part of Singapore’s 60th anniversary celebrations in 2025. They provide direct, practical relief for everyday expenses.
Key Details:
- Every Singaporean aged 21 and above will receive S$600 in SG60 Vouchers.
- Seniors aged 60 and above will get an additional S$200, bringing their total to S$800.
- Vouchers will be distributed from July 2025 and remain valid until 31 December 2026.
- Redemption is digital via RedeemSG with Singpass, though in-person help is available at Community Centres/Clubs (CCs).
- Usage is split evenly:
- 50% at hawkers and heartland merchants
- 50% at supermarkets
This structure ensures that households can use the vouchers for both fresh, cooked meals and daily grocery essentials.
Example in Daily Life
Imagine a young family of four. The parents, both in their 30s, receive S$600 each, giving them S$1,200 worth of SG60 vouchers. With half usable at supermarkets, that’s S$600 to cover groceries like rice, cooking oil, and fresh produce. The other half can help pay for daily meals at hawker centres when cooking isn’t possible. For seniors, the extra S$200 recognises the higher healthcare and living costs they often face.
What Are CDC Vouchers?
The CDC (Community Development Council) Vouchers are another familiar form of support. They have been distributed regularly in recent years to cushion households against inflation. Budget 2025 extends this scheme with even more assistance.
Key Details:
- All Singaporean households will receive S$800 in CDC Vouchers.
- Disbursed in two tranches:
- S$500 in May 2025
- S$300 in January 2026
- Each tranche is split:
- S$250 for hawkers and heartland merchants
- S$250 for supermarkets
- The May tranche is valid until 31 December 2025.
High Uptake and Impact
CDC vouchers have consistently seen strong response. Over 97% of households claimed earlier tranches, and more than 83% of the value was spent within the validity period. This shows that families find them genuinely useful, especially for everyday needs.
Why Do These Vouchers Matter?
1. Helping Families Manage Inflation
With food inflation and utility costs weighing heavily on households, both SG60 and CDC vouchers provide direct relief. Instead of waiting for trickle-down benefits, families can use these vouchers immediately for essentials.
2. Supporting Heartland Businesses
By limiting usage to hawkers, heartland shops, and local supermarkets, the government ensures that support circulates within Singapore’s domestic economy. Small businesses benefit directly from increased spending.
3. Ensuring Fair and Inclusive Support
- Wide coverage: Every Singaporean household gets CDC vouchers, and every adult gets SG60 vouchers.
- Extra care for seniors: Higher amounts for older citizens help address their specific needs.
- Accessible for all: Even those less tech-savvy can seek help at CCs or SG Digital Hubs.
4. Encouraging Practical Spending
Cash handouts can be saved or spent abroad, but vouchers guarantee spending on food and essentials areas where households really need relief.
How Families Can Maximise Their Vouchers
Here are a few strategies households can use:
- Plan grocery purchases – Use supermarket vouchers for bulk buys like rice, noodles, and frozen foods to stretch their value.
- Save hawker vouchers for busy days – Perfect for working parents who need affordable meals without cooking.
- Combine with discounts – Many supermarkets run weekly promotions; vouchers can be stacked with these to save more.
- Share meals with family – Seniors living with children can pool their vouchers to cover larger household needs.
SG60 vs. CDC Vouchers: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | SG60 Vouchers | CDC Vouchers |
|---|---|---|
| Who gets them | All Singaporeans aged 21+ | All Singaporean households |
| Amount | S$600 (21–59 yrs), S$800 (60+) | S$800 per household |
| Distribution | July 2025 | May 2025 & Jan 2026 |
| Expiry | Dec 2026 | Dec 2025 (for May tranche) |
| Usage split | 50% hawkers/merchants, 50% supermarkets | 50% hawkers/merchants, 50% supermarkets |
| Purpose | Celebrating SG60, easing costs | Direct household cost-of-living relief |
Together, they complement each other: SG60 gives individuals flexibility, while CDC ensures every household gets support.
Real Impact on the Ground
Take a household of four: a couple in their 40s, one elderly parent, and a child.
- Parents: S$600 each in SG60 vouchers → S$1,200
- Elderly parent (60+): S$800 in SG60 vouchers
- CDC vouchers for the household: S$800
In total, this family would receive S$2,800 worth of vouchers between mid-2025 and early 2026. That amount could cover several months of groceries or subsidise hundreds of hawker meals a meaningful buffer against inflation.
FAQ,s
Q1. How do I claim SG60 vouchers?
You can claim them via RedeemSG using your Singpass from July 2025. For those who need help, Community Centres and SG Digital Ambassadors will provide assistance.
Q2. Can I use both SG60 and CDC vouchers at the same place?
Yes, as long as the merchant or supermarket accepts both voucher types. Many hawkers and supermarkets already support them.
Q3. What happens if I don’t spend the vouchers by the expiry date?
Unused vouchers will lapse after the deadline (CDC by Dec 2025, SG60 by Dec 2026), so it’s best to plan spending early.
Q4. Why not just give cash instead of vouchers?
Vouchers encourage spending on essentials and at local businesses, ensuring the money supports both households and community merchants.
Q5. Are permanent residents (PRs) eligible?
No, both SG60 and CDC vouchers are for Singapore Citizens only.
Conclusion
The Singapore Budget 2025 has made it clear that supporting households against rising costs is a priority. The SG60 Vouchers celebrate the nation’s 60th year in a practical way, while the CDC Vouchers continue to provide reliable, familiar support. Together, they put real value into the hands of Singaporeans, helping families manage inflation without sacrificing their daily comforts.
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.
