Singapore offers a wide range of free government grants to support residents across different life stages — from education and housing to business development and elderly care. These grants aim to alleviate financial stress, promote economic mobility, and ensure an inclusive society.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the most impactful free grants available in Singapore in 2025 — who qualifies, how much you can get, and how to apply.
Overview of Key Free Grants
| Grant Name | Target Group | Amount Range | Administered By |
|---|---|---|---|
| GST Voucher – Cash | Low-income Singaporeans | Up to $850 | Ministry of Finance |
| CDC Vouchers 2025 | All Singaporean households | $300 – $800 | People’s Association, Gov.sg |
| Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) | Low-wage workers | Up to $4,200/year | CPF Board |
| SkillsFuture Credit | All Singaporeans (25+) | $500 – $1,000 | SkillsFuture Singapore |
| Edusave Scheme | Students (Primary & Secondary) | $230 – $290/year | Ministry of Education |
| Silver Support Scheme | Low-income elderly (65+) | $900/quarter | CPF Board |
| Baby Bonus Cash Gift | Parents of newborns | Up to $11,000 | Ministry of Social & Family Development |
| Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) | SMEs | Up to 70% subsidy | Enterprise Singapore |
Categories of Free Grants in Singapore
1. For Low-Income Individuals & Families
Singapore offers financial aid for vulnerable residents to ease the cost of living:
- GST Voucher Scheme: Annual cash payouts and MediSave top-ups for lower-income households.
- Silver Support Scheme: Quarterly payouts of $900 for elderly Singaporeans with little or no family support.
- ComCare Assistance: Monthly cash support and rental/public assistance for families in temporary hardship.
2. For Workers & Upskilling
To encourage workforce participation and lifelong learning:
- Workfare Income Supplement (WIS): Cash and CPF top-ups for those earning less than $2,500/month.
- SkillsFuture Credit: Every Singaporean aged 25+ gets $500, with occasional top-ups to boost upskilling.
3. For Students & Youth
The government promotes equal education opportunities through:
- Edusave Awards and Grants: Annual contributions for students to fund enrichment programs.
- Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS): Free textbooks, school fees waivers, and transport subsidies for lower-income families.
4. For Parents & Newborns
Raising children comes with support from the state:
- Baby Bonus Scheme: Cash gift of up to $11,000 and CDA matching grants for child-related expenses.
- CDA First Step Grant: $5,000 deposited into a Child Development Account, no matching needed.
5. For Seniors
Singapore ensures senior citizens are supported in retirement:
- Silver Support Scheme: Quarterly payouts based on lifetime income and housing type.
- Pioneer and Merdeka Generation Packages: Annual MediSave top-ups, healthcare subsidies, and discounts.
6. For SMEs and Entrepreneurs
To boost innovation and digital transformation:
- Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG): Up to 70% subsidy for tech adoption and business tools.
- Enterprise Development Grant (EDG): Supports internationalization, innovation, and business upgrading.
- Startup SG Founder Grant: Up to $50,000 for first-time entrepreneurs with approved mentors.
How to Apply for Free Grants
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Check Eligibility | Visit official sites like LifeSG or Gov.sg |
| Gather Documents | NRIC, income statements, CPF contributions, family details |
| Submit Application | Online portals such as MSF, CPF, HDB, or Enterprise Singapore |
| Track Status | Via Singpass-linked dashboards or SMS/email notifications |
Economic & Social Impact
- Over 2 million Singaporeans received GST Vouchers in 2024 alone.
- The CDC Vouchers Scheme injected over $600 million into heartland spending.
- Grants for SkillsFuture and WIS have upskilled over 500,000 Singaporeans, enhancing employability and income.
Common Myths About Singapore Grants
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “Grants are only for the poor.” | Many grants support the middle class, workers, and even businesses. |
| “Applying is difficult and bureaucratic.” | Most processes are now digital, fast, and integrated with Singpass. |
| “You can only get one grant at a time.” | You can receive multiple grants concurrently if eligible. |
| “Only unemployed people get help.” | Many grants support working adults, self-employed, and caregivers too. |
Conclusion
Singapore’s free grant ecosystem is one of the most extensive and accessible globally — covering education, healthcare, employment, parenting, business, and aging. With the right knowledge and Singpass access, every Singaporean household can benefit from at least one form of government support in 2025.
Don’t miss out — check your eligibility, apply early, and make the most of what you’re entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are these grants taxable?
No, most government cash grants (like GST Vouchers or Baby Bonus) are non-taxable.
2. Can PRs apply for these grants?
Some schemes are open to PRs (e.g., PSG), but most citizen-targeted grants are for Singaporeans only.
3. Is there an age limit for SkillsFuture Credit?
No — every Singaporean aged 25 and above is eligible, with no upper age limit.
4. Can I get both WIS and GST Vouchers?
Yes. They are independent schemes and can be claimed together.
5. How can I get updates on new grants?
Subscribe to updates on gov.sg, or use the LifeSG mobile app for real-time grant notifications.