In May 2025, the Singapore government will disburse a one-time cash assistance of up to $900 to eligible senior citizens.
This initiative is part of the Assurance Package (AP) Seniors’ Bonus, designed to support lower-income seniors in coping with the rising cost of living.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the $900 Senior Bonus, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Age: Be a Singapore citizen aged 65 years or above by December 31, 2025.
- Residency: Reside in Singapore.
- Property Ownership: Own no more than one property.
- Annual Value (AV) of Residence: The AV of the home, as of July 31, 2024, must not exceed $31,000.
- Assessable Income: Annual assessable income must be $34,000 or less for the Year of Assessment 2023.
These criteria ensure that the assistance reaches seniors who are most in need.
Payout Structure
The amount disbursed under the AP Seniors’ Bonus varies based on age and the AV of the senior’s residence:
| Age Group | Annual Value of Home | Payout Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 65 and above | Up to $21,000 | $300 |
| 65 and above | $21,001 – $31,000 | $200 |
| 55 to 64 | Up to $21,000 | $250 |
| 55 to 64 | $21,001 – $31,000 | $200 |
Note: Seniors aged 55 to 64 are also eligible for the AP Seniors’ Bonus, but the maximum payout is $250.
Disbursement Timeline
The $900 Senior Bonus will be disbursed in February 2025. Eligible seniors will receive the payment through the following methods:
- PayNow-NRIC: Direct credit to bank accounts linked to the senior’s NRIC.
- Bank Credit: For seniors who have provided their bank account details to the government.
- GovCash: For seniors without bank accounts, the payment can be collected at OCBC ATMs using GovCash.
Seniors are encouraged to ensure their bank account details are updated to facilitate smooth disbursement.
Complementary Support Schemes
In addition to the AP Seniors’ Bonus, eligible seniors may benefit from other government support schemes:
Silver Support Scheme
Provides quarterly cash supplements to seniors aged 65 and above who had low incomes during their working years and now have less in retirement.
The amount ranges from $215 to $1,080 per quarter, depending on housing type and household income.
MediSave Top-Ups
As part of the Assurance Package, eligible seniors will receive MediSave top-ups of $150 annually from 2023 to 2025, totaling $450. These top-ups help seniors with their healthcare expenses.
Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers
All Singaporean households will receive $500 CDC Vouchers in May 2025, which can be used at participating heartland merchants and hawkers. An additional $300 will be disbursed in January 2026.
The $900 Senior Bonus in May 2025 underscores Singapore’s commitment to supporting its senior citizens amid rising living costs.
By targeting assistance to those most in need, the government aims to ensure that seniors can maintain a decent standard of living.
Seniors are encouraged to stay informed about their eligibility and ensure their personal details are up to date to receive the full benefits of the available support schemes.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the $900 Senior Bonus?
No application is required. Eligible seniors will be automatically assessed and notified.
How will I know if I am eligible?
Eligible seniors will receive a notification letter from the government before the disbursement.
What should I do if I don’t have a bank account?
Seniors without bank accounts can collect their payment via GovCash at OCBC ATMs.