The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme (JSS) offers eligible Singapore citizens and permanent residents who have involuntarily lost their jobs up to S$6,000 in tapering monthly payouts over six months. To receive the payouts, jobseekers must complete approved job-search activities and meet the required monthly points target.
Losing a job can create an immediate income gap. The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme (JSS) provides temporary financial support to eligible residents who become involuntarily unemployed. As a form of unemployment benefit in Singapore, it provides short-term support rather than replacing regular employment income. This guide explains who qualifies, how much you can receive, and what you need to do each month to continue receiving payouts.
What is the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme?
Workforce Singapore (WSG), under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), administers the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme. The scheme opened to Singapore citizens in April 2025 and expanded to permanent residents in Q1 2026.
According to WSG, applicants must meet all the following conditions.
| Requirement | Criteria |
| Residency | Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident |
| Age | 21 and above |
| Average gross monthly income | S$5,000 or less over the past 12 months |
| Residential property | Annual Value of S$31,000 or less |
| Employment history | Worked in Singapore for at least six months out of the past 12 months |
| Reason for job loss | Involuntarily unemployed |
| Unemployment duration | Unemployed for at least one month from the last day of employment |
| Previous payouts | No payout from the scheme in the past three years |
The S$5,000 income threshold is based on average gross monthly income. This includes bonuses, allowances, and overtime pay before CPF contributions but excludes employer CPF contributions.
What counts as involuntary unemployment?
Involuntary unemployment means your employment ended for reasons you did not initiate. Qualifying circumstances include:
- Retrenchment
- Cessation of business, such as company closure or winding up.
- Dismissal or termination due to illness, injury, or accident, such as being physically unable to continue the role.
Voluntary resignation does not qualify.
The official eligibility checker can indicate whether your circumstances may qualify. The final decision is made during the application and verification process.
Read more: CPF, ComCare and Jobseeker Support During Unemployment
How much JSS payout can you receive under the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme?
JSS payouts are front-loaded, with the highest amounts paid in the first three months.
| Month | Maximum payout |
| Month 1 | S$1,500 |
| Month 2 | S$1,250 |
| Month 3 | S$1,000 |
| Month 4 | S$750 |
| Month 5 | S$750 |
| Month 6 | S$750 |
| Total | S$6,000 |
Your past average gross monthly income also determines the maximum payout you can receive each month. You will receive the payout through your PayNow-NRIC account after meeting the monthly points target.
What do you need to do to receive the JSS payouts?
You must meet a minimum points target each month by completing eligible job-search activities and uploading proof on the JSS portal to receive your monthly payout. You need 10 points per month for months one to three and five points per month for months four to six.
| Activity | Points | Monthly cap |
| Register with an employment agency | 5 | No limit |
| Attend career coaching or advisory services | 4 | 1x |
| Attend a job interview | 4 | No limit |
| Network with an industry professional | 3 | 1x |
| Update your resume on an online job portal | 2 | 1x |
| Attend a training course listed on MySkillsFuture | 2 | 1x |
| Attend a career-related event, workshop or seminar | 2 | 1x |
| Participate in an employment-related volunteer programme | 2 | 3x |
| Submit a job application on MyCareersFuture or other portals | 1 | 5x |
| Apply for a WSG Career Conversion or Mid-Career Pathways Programme | 1 | 3x |
| Browse or subscribe to career-related content such as CareersCompass | 1 | 2x |
| Attend a SkillsFuture Advice or Skills & Training Advisory Workshop | 1 | 1x |
| Complete the CareersFinder quiz | 1 | 1x |
Job applications alone cannot meet the 10-point target in months one to three because they are capped at five points a month. You will need to combine them with other eligible activities.
How to apply for the scheme
Apply through the JSS portal using Singpass. The application takes about 10 minutes, and you will need:
- An official termination or dismissal letter from the former employer.
- CPF Transaction History for the past 15 months.
If you lost your job due to medical reasons, you must also submit a medical certificate or letter from a doctor or medical institution.
Processing takes up to 10 days. WSG will contact the previous employer to verify the information provided and communicate the outcome via email.
Managing your finances while unemployed
JSS payouts are unlikely to cover all regular household expenses, so it helps to plan for any shortfall early. Areas to review include:
- Compare fixed commitments such as housing, loans, insurance and utilities with each month’s expected payout to see where shortfalls may arise. Dividing your savings by the monthly shortfall gives you a rough idea of how long they may last.
- Insurance premiums remain payable during periods of reduced income. Allowing coverage to lapse can be difficult to reverse, especially if reinstatement involves underwriting requirements, so check early whether deferral or adjustment options are available.
- CPF contributions stop when there is no employment income. Those in their 40s or 50s may need to account for this gap when reviewing progress towards their CPF Full Retirement Sum targets.
For other assistance with housing, healthcare, employment and family needs, SupportGoWhere lists available government support.
Read more: Practical Financial Tips After a Job Loss
What happens when you find a new job?
SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support payouts stop once you secure employment. For example, if you find a new job in month three, you will forfeit the payouts for months four, five and six.
You also cannot reapply for the scheme for three years from the date of your last payout. This applies even if you did not receive all six months of payouts.
Read more: How to Manage Your Finances If You Lose Your Job
Conclusion
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme can provide temporary financial support after an involuntary job loss, but the payouts taper and depend on monthly job-search activity. Planning early for any gap between the JSS payout and your regular expenses can help you manage the transition more effectively.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Jobseeker Support if I resign?
The scheme covers involuntary job loss only. Voluntary resignation does not qualify. Circumstances and supporting documents are assessed during the application.
What happens if I miss the monthly points target?
The JSS payout for that month is not disbursed if the required points target is not met. Payouts for other months are unaffected.
Can I receive the JSS scheme while on another government programme?
Yes, provided you meet all eligibility criteria. For example, a JSS payout can be received alongside a training allowance from a SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme.
