In 2025, Singapore continues to care for senior citizens with two main financial assistance programs: the Assurance Package (AP) Seniors’ Bonus and the Silver Support Scheme (SSS). These efforts are directed at easing cost-of-living issues and providing a safety net for retirement for older Singaporeans. Depending on their situation, qualifying seniors may receive up to $1080 quarterly. Here is an overview of the criteria for being eligible, payment amounts, and the schedule for disbursement of payments.
Assurance Package (AP) Seniors’ Bonus
The AP Seniors’ Bonus forms part of the larger Assurance Package, which helps shield eligible citizens from the negative impacts of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase. For 2025, the cash payout amount for qualifying seniors will range between $200 and $300.
Qualified applicants are seniors who are Singapore citizens, at least 55 years old in 2025, with Assessable Income (AI) for the Year of Assessment 2023 not exceeding $34,000, and homes with an Annual Value (AV) as at July 31, 2024 of not more than $31,000, and who do not own residential property other than their primary home.
The payout amount is correlated with the AV of the property. Seniors residing in properties with AV not exceeding $21,000 will receive $300. Those residing in properties with an AV between $21,001 and $31,000 will receive $200.
The payment will start to disburse in February 2025. Seniors linked to PayNow using their NRIC will receive the payment earliest on February 5, and only if they do so by January 25, 2025. Payment via GIRO will be disbursed on February 13, while those who registered for payment via GovCash will receive their payment on February 21.
Silver Support Scheme (SSS)
The Silver Support Scheme provides quarterly cash support to seniors that have very little or no family support and who had low income during their employment time. The cash handout may be up to $1,080 per quarter, depending on the type of housing and household income.
To be eligible, seniors must be Singapore citizens aged 65 and above. Total CPF contributions for a person should not exceed $140,000 by the time he or she reaches 55 years old, signaling low lifetime wages. In general, he/she must be residing in a 1-5 room HDB flat. He or she must not own any private property. Monthly household income per person must not exceed $2,300.
For these seniors, the quarterly payout depends on the type of HDB flat they live in. Seniors living in 1- and 2-room flats will receive the full amount of $1,080 every quarter. Those living in 3-room flats will receive $860. Seniors living in 4-room flats will get $650, while eligible seniors living in 5-room flats receive $430, provided they do not own them.
All payouts are credited automatically on a quarterly basis. For the January to March quarter, payouts will be disbursed on December 31 of the previous year. Payouts will be made for April to June on March 31. Older Singaporeans will receive the payment for July to September by June 30 and the October to December payout on September 30.
How to Check Eligibility and Receive Payment
The elderly should receive official communications to inform them about eligibility and the expected payout amount. Additionally, the Singpass app provides a seamless way to view the payout information under the government benefits section. The senior members can also log in to the official government sites with their Singpass account for one last verification or update.
No application is required under either scheme- eligibility checks are carried out automatically by the government. For this reason, seniors are encouraged to keep their bank and contact particulars updated with the relevant agencies and link their NRIC to PayNow to facilitate speedy payment.
Conclusion
In 2025, Singapore’s Assurance Package and Silver Support Scheme act as critical lifelines for seniors. With benefits amounting to as much as $1,080 per quarter, the array of initiatives are carefully targeted at those most in need of financial support. By being abreast of eligibility criteria and payout schedule, seniors can make better financial arrangements for themselves and enjoy the nation’s good charge towards inclusive support.