World’s second richest country to give 2.4 million adult citizens up to $470 cash as cost-of-living support

The world's second richest country, Singapore, plans to give up to 2.4 million adult citizens a cash payment of up to $470 as cost-of-living support. This payment, known as the Cost-of-Living Special Payment, will be given to citizens aged 21 and above who live in the city-state, have an assessable income of no more than S$100,000 in the 2025 assessment year, and own no more than one property.

Eligible recipients will receive the payment automatically starting from September 9. The government announced this move as part of its 2026 national budget, with the aim of helping Singapore citizens with their living expenses, particularly those with lower incomes. The payment is an addition to a second support package unveiled in response to the Middle East conflict, which includes an extra S$300 in Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers for every household.

Additionally, around 1.5 million eligible Singaporean adults are currently receiving a cash payout of either S$450 or S$850 under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Voucher scheme, which helps lower- and middle-income Singaporeans offset GST and everyday living costs.

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