In 2025, the Singapore government continues its commitment to supporting senior citizens through the Assurance Package (AP) Seniors’ Bonus. Eligible seniors can receive up to $900 in cash payouts over three years, from 2023 to 2025, to help mitigate the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) increase and rising living costs.
Table of Contents
Summary Table: Singapore’s $900 Senior Bonus 2025
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
Age |
55 years and above in 2025 |
Citizenship |
Singapore Citizen residing in Singapore |
Assessable Income |
Up to $34,000 (Year of Assessment 2023) |
Annual Value of Home |
Up to $31,000 as of 31 July 2024 |
Property Ownership |
Must not own more than one property |
Payment Methods |
PayNow-NRIC, Bank Crediting, GovCash |
Payment Dates |
From 5 February 2025 (PayNow-NRIC), 13 February 2025 (Bank), 21 February 2025 (GovCash) |
Additional Support |
Silver Support Scheme for eligible seniors aged 65 and above |
Official Website |
Overview of the Assurance Package Seniors’ Bonus
The AP Seniors’ Bonus is a targeted initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to lower-income senior Singaporeans. It forms part of the broader Assurance Package designed to cushion the effects of the GST hike.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the AP Seniors’ Bonus in 2025, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Age: 55 years and above in the disbursement year.
- Citizenship: Must be a Singapore citizen residing in Singapore.
- Assessable Income: Not exceeding $34,000 for the Year of Assessment 2023 (income earned in 2022).
- Annual Value (AV) of Home: Up to $31,000 as of 31 July 2024.
- Property Ownership: Must not own more than one property.
Payout Details
The AP Seniors’ Bonus provides cash payouts ranging from $600 to $900 over three years. The amount received each year depends on the individual’s age and the AV of their residence.
Disbursement Schedule for 2025:
- Payment Dates:
- PayNow-NRIC: From 5 February 2025.
- Bank Crediting: From 13 February 2025.
- GovCash: From 21 February 2025.
Eligible recipients will be notified via SMS or letter after the payments have been credited.
Payment Methods
Recipients can receive their payouts through the following methods:
- PayNow-NRIC: Linking your NRIC to PayNow is the fastest method to receive the bonus.
- Bank Crediting: For those who have provided their bank account details to the government.
- GovCash: For individuals without bank accounts; cash can be withdrawn from OCBC ATMs using a Payment Reference Number and NRIC.
Additional Support for Seniors
Beyond the AP Seniors’ Bonus, the government offers other schemes to support seniors:
- 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.Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: 65 years and above.
- CPF Contributions: Total CPF contributions by age 55 not exceeding $140,000.
- Housing Type: Reside in a 1- to 5-room HDB flat; neither the individual nor their spouse owns a 5-room or larger HDB flat, private property, or multiple properties.
- Household Income: Monthly household income per person not exceeding $2,300.
Payment Schedule:
- Quarterly Payments: Disbursed in March, June, September, and December.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do I check my eligibility for the AP Seniors’ Bonus?
A1: You can check your eligibility by logging into the govbenefits.gov.sg website using your Singpass.
Q2: Do I need to apply for the AP Seniors’ Bonus?
A2: No application is necessary. Eligible seniors will automatically receive the bonus.
Q3: What should I do if I haven’t linked my NRIC to PayNow?
A3: To receive your payment promptly, link your NRIC to PayNow by 25 January 2025. If not, ensure your bank account details are updated with the government by 27 January 2025.
Q4: Can I receive both the AP Seniors’ Bonus and the Silver Support Scheme payments?
A4: Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for both schemes, you can receive payments from both.
Q5: What is the Annual Value (AV) of my home, and how is it determined?
A5: The AV is the estimated annual rental value of your property, determined by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS). You can check the AV of your property on the IRAS website.
Conclusion
The AP Seniors’ Bonus is a significant initiative by the Singapore government to support senior citizens in managing the rising cost of living. By understanding the eligibility criteria and ensuring your payment details are up to date, you can seamlessly receive the benefits entitled to you. Stay informed through official channels and make the most of the support available.
For more information and updates, visit the official govbenefits.gov.sg website.
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