In a major move to help its aging population cope with rising living costs, the Singapore government is rolling out the final round of the Assurance Package (AP) Seniors’ Bonus in 2025. Eligible seniors can receive up to S$900 in total cash payouts over three years — with the latest installment disbursed in February 2025.
This initiative is part of the broader Assurance Package, introduced to cushion the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike, which rose from 7% to 9% between 2023 and 2024. The bonus reflects Singapore’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that vulnerable groups, including low- and middle-income seniors, are not left behind.
What is the AP Seniors’ Bonus?
The Assurance Package Seniors’ Bonus is a targeted financial support measure for Singaporeans aged 65 and above. Introduced in Budget 2022 and enhanced in Budget 2023, it is part of the government’s larger strategy to provide comprehensive support to different segments of society as part of the post-GST hike buffer.
The S$900 payout is distributed in three annual tranches from 2023 to 2025. The amount a senior receives each year depends on the Annual Value (AV) of their place of residence.
According to the Ministry of Finance (MOF), this support aims to “help seniors cope with their daily expenses, particularly during the transitional period of tax adjustments.”
Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 Bonus
To receive the 2025 AP Seniors’ Bonus, seniors must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Must be 65 years or older in 2025, including those turning 65 during the year.
- Citizenship: Must be a Singapore citizen.
- Residency: Must be living in Singapore.
- Income: Must have an assessable income not exceeding S$34,000 for the Year of Assessment 2023.
- Property: Must own no more than one property.
Seniors who meet these criteria will automatically be assessed for the payout — no application is necessary.
For official details, visit the Assurance Package website.
Payout Details for 2025
The exact payout amount depends on the Annual Value (AV) of the senior’s home, as assessed by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). The two payout tiers for 2025 are:
- S$300 for those whose home AV is S$21,000 or less
- S$200 for those whose home AV is between S$21,001 and S$25,000
These amounts reflect the government’s approach to means-testing, ensuring that seniors with fewer financial resources receive more support.
The payouts are part of the cumulative S$900 bonus distributed over the three years, with eligible seniors already receiving S$300 in 2023 and again in 2024.
Disbursement Timeline and Process
The 2025 bonus will be disbursed in February, according to the Ministry of Finance.
Seniors will receive their payments via:
- PayNow-NRIC: Direct bank transfer is the fastest and most convenient method. Seniors must ensure that their NRIC is linked to their PayNow account by January 25, 2025.
- GovCash: Seniors without a bank account will be able to collect their payment through GovCash, which can be accessed at OCBC ATMs islandwide using Singpass for verification.
Part of a Broader Support Strategy
Besides the Seniors’ Bonus, the Assurance Package includes other components such as:
- Cash Special Payments
- Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers
- U-Save and Service & Conservancy Charges (S&CC) rebates
These measures form a layered safety net to ensure that rising costs — from healthcare to daily essentials — are manageable for citizens, especially the elderly.
In Budget 2024, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong reiterated the government’s focus on protecting Singapore’s seniors, emphasizing that “no one will be left behind as we move forward together.”
Conclusion
As Singapore continues to adapt to global economic changes and local fiscal reforms, the AP Seniors’ Bonus stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to inclusive growth. For seniors on fixed incomes, every dollar counts — and the S$900 payout over three years can make a meaningful difference.
Eligible seniors are encouraged to ensure their PayNow-NRIC is set up in time to receive the 2025 payout without delay.