New Government Initiative to Aid Jobless Singaporeans

Starting mid-April, the Singapore government will roll out a new initiative named SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support, aimed at providing financial assistance to unemployed citizens. Eligible Singaporeans aged 21 and above, who have worked in the city-state for at least six months in the past year and had an average monthly income of S$5,000 or less, can receive up to S$4,500.

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify, applicants must have been unemployed for at least one month due to reasons beyond their control, such as retrenchment, business closure, or health issues. Additionally, the annual value of their residence must not exceed S$31,000. The payouts will cease once the recipient secures employment.

Applicants are also required to engage in a series of employment-related activities each month, including updating their resumes and attending career fairs and workshops. These activities are designed to offer professional guidance and boost job seekers' confidence in their job search journey.

Financial Support and Training Opportunities

With an allocation of about S$200 million, the scheme is expected to support approximately 60,000 people annually, covering more than 60% of those currently involuntarily unemployed. The initiative complements other financial aid programs, such as SkillsFuture Level-Up, which provides training allowances for mid-career citizens. A retrenched worker engaging in long-form training could receive up to S$21,000 over six months, combining payouts and training allowances.

Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon emphasized the scheme's goal to not only provide financial support but also to help job seekers regain their sense of identity and self-worth upon returning to work.