KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Unemployed Singaporeans can receive up to S$6,000 while job hunting and upskilling
- Payouts depend on active job search efforts, not automatic handouts
- Support lasts up to 6 months and is capped by your previous salary
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme 2026 gives involuntarily unemployed Singaporeans up to S$6,000 — not just as relief money, but tied to real job search and upskilling actions.
This isn’t free money for sitting around. You put in effort, the payouts come in.
Singapore unemployment support 2026
| Month | Minimum Points Needed | Maximum Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 10 points | Up to S$1,500 |
| Month 2 | 10 points | Up to S$1,250 |
| Month 3 | 10 points | Up to S$1,000 |
| Month 4 | 5 points | Up to S$750 |
| Month 5 | 5 points | Up to S$750 |
| Month 6 | 5 points | Up to S$750 |
Important: Your payout is capped at your previous average monthly salary.
If you used to earn S$3,500, you won’t receive more than that per month.
What Exactly Is the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme?
This scheme is designed for people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own.
Think retrenchment, company closure, medical reasons — that kind.
Instead of giving blanket unemployment benefits, Singapore’s approach is simple:
Show effort in finding work or upgrading skills, and you get paid.
Support lasts up to 6 months, giving you breathing room to find a suitable role — not just rush into the first offer.
Who Is Eligible in Singapore?
You must tick all these boxes:
Citizenship & Age
- Singapore Citizens, aged 21 and above
- Permanent Residents will be eligible from Q1 2026
Employment & Income
- Worked in Singapore for at least 6 months in the last 12 months
- Earned S$5,000 or less average gross monthly income before job loss
Reason for Unemployment
- Involuntary only
(Retrenchment, dismissal not due to misconduct, business closure, medical)
Property Condition
- Living in a home with Annual Value (AV) ≤ S$31,000
Past Claims
- Must not have received this payout in the last 3 years
If you meet these, you can apply online using SingPass.
How the Points System Works (This Part Matters)
No points, no payout. Simple as that.
Each month, you must hit a minimum points target through approved activities like:
- Submitting job applications
- Attending career coaching sessions
- Going for SkillsFuture or reskilling courses
- Updating your resume or LinkedIn profile
- Networking sessions or job fairs
Different activities earn different points.
Meet the monthly target → payout is released.
Miss it → no payout for that month.
Why This Scheme Is a Big Deal in 2026
Job losses today don’t just affect lower-wage roles.
PMETs, tech workers, and mid-career professionals are all feeling it.
This scheme matters because:
- It keeps cash coming in
- It forces structure during unemployment
- It nudges you to upgrade, not stagnate
For most Singaporeans, that structure is actually helpful — no need to overthink what to do next.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Apply Online
- Go to the MyCareersFuture Jobseeker Support portal
- Log in with SingPass
2. Prepare Your Documents
- Employment history
- Income records
- Retrenchment or termination documents
3. Track Monthly Activities
- Log completed activities
- Monitor points
- Receive payouts once targets are met
Money is credited after verification.
Worth It or Not?
You’re already job hunting anyway.
This scheme simply helps cover expenses while you do it properly.
For anyone hit by retrenchment, this is one of the most practical support measures Singapore has rolled out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I receive the full S$6,000?
Yes, if you meet the points target every month and your previous salary supports it.
2. What happens if I find a job early?
Payouts stop once you’re re-employed. You won’t need to return money already received.
3. Is this taxable income in Singapore?
No. These payouts are considered temporary financial support, not taxable salary.
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