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The Government has been investing more resources in enhancing existing schemes to extend more help to Singaporeans amidst the rising global inflation and its surrounding challenges. About 1.5 million Singaporeans will receive up to S$300 cash under a special GST voucher payment in August 2022, according to Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
This payment will be made on top of the regular GST Voucher (GSTV) cash payout of up to S$400, which was announced earlier this year. Recipients of GSTV can therefore expect to get up to S$700 in August. This move aims to support about 1.5 million lower-income to middle-income workers, as well as retirees without income.
Apart from this, all Singaporean households will receive a credit of S$100 for utilities by September 2022 to help offset their bills. Furthermore, eligible taxi main hirers and private hire car drivers will also receive a one-off relief of S$150 in August to cushion the higher fuel costs.
The following schemes will be enhanced to support those who are in need.
INCREASED CASH PAYOUT FROM GST VOUCHER SCHEME
To further offset the GST expenses of lower income to middle-income Singaporean households, enhancements to the GSTV scheme announced at Budget 2022 will be made. In August 2022, more Singaporeans will qualify for the GSTV cash payouts as the annual Assessable Income threshold will be increased from S$28,000 to S$34,000.
Eligible individuals will get up to S$400 of regular cash payout this year, which will be further increased to up to S$500 in 2023. Additionally, GSTV cash recipients will receive a Special Payment of up to S$300 in cash as part of the targeted support package announced last month.
JOBS GROWTH INCENTIVE EXTENSION (JGI)
JGI is a salary support scheme that provides employers with 15% to 50% salary support for new employees. It encourages employers to hire mature jobseekers who have not been working for at least six months, as well as persons with disabilities or ex-offenders.
The Government will extend the current phase of JGI from September 2022 to March 2023 as part of the targeted support package.
ENHANCED WORKFARE INCOME SUPPLEMENT
The Workfare Income Supplement aids lower-wage Singaporean workers whose earnings are in the bottom 20% of the working population. Eligible workers will receive support via CPF top-ups and cash to supplement their retirement savings and income.
Enhancements will be made from 2023 to provide higher annual payouts of up to S$4,200 for eligible Singaporean workers. More individuals will qualify for this support too.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT VOUCHERS DISTRIBUTION
To cope with the fare adjustment enacted in December 2021, households with a monthly household income of S$1,600 per person and below are eligible for Public Transport Vouchers.
If you have received a public transport voucher in the previous exercise, you would automatically receive a voucher via post. Otherwise, you may apply online until 31 October 2022 at go.gov.sg/ptv.
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Searching for other schemes that you are eligible for? Do check out SupportGoWhere or go to your nearest Social Service Office.
