More than 2.4 million Singapore citizens are due to receive between S$400 and S$600 in cash under the Enhanced Budget 2026 Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment. The payment is for eligible Singapore citizens aged 21 and above in 2026 who live in Singapore, own no more than one property and have Assessable Income for YA 2025 of no more than S$100,000. Eligible recipients do not need to submit a separate application.
Who is eligible?
According to the Ministry of Finance and GovBenefits, you must meet all of the following core conditions:
- be a Singapore citizen;
- be residing in Singapore;
- be aged 21 or above in 2026;
- have Assessable Income for Year of Assessment 2025 of no more than S$100,000;
- own no more than one property.
Important: this is not a flat S$600 payment for every eligible adult. The amount is determined by Assessable Income and the Annual Value of the place of residence.
How much will you receive?
| Assessable Income (YA 2025) | AV up to S$15,000 | AV above S$15,000 up to S$31,000 | AV above S$31,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to S$22,000 | S$600 | S$500 | S$400 |
| Above S$22,000 up to S$39,000 | S$500 | S$500 | S$400 |
| Above S$39,000 up to S$100,000 | S$400 | S$400 | S$400 |
The income test uses Assessable Income for YA 2025, which generally refers to income earned in 2024 as assessed by IRAS. The Government also uses the Annual Value (AV) of your place of residence to target more support at people with fewer means.
Do you need to apply?
No separate application is required. If you meet the eligibility conditions, the payment is made automatically. You can log in to the GovBenefits e-services with Singpass to check your eligibility.
When will the payment be made?
The payment method affects when you receive the money:
| Payment method | What you need to know | Payment timing |
|---|---|---|
| PayNow-NRIC | Default mode if your NRIC is linked to PayNow with a participating bank. The Government advised linking by 30 August 2026 for the earliest payment. | By 9 September 2026 |
| Bank crediting | For those without PayNow-NRIC who have provided bank-account details to the Government. The published cut-off for updating bank details for this payout was 31 August 2026. | By 17 September 2026 |
| GovCash | For eligible recipients without PayNow-NRIC and without a bank account previously provided to the Government. | By 24 September 2026 |
What should you prepare?
There is no claim form to submit, but the following are useful for checking and receiving the payment smoothly:
- Singpass access, so you can use the GovBenefits e-services;
- your NRIC-linked PayNow status, if you want to use PayNow-NRIC;
- up-to-date bank-account details registered with the Government if you are using bank crediting;
- your latest eligibility information shown in GovBenefits if you want to confirm the assessed amount.
Why might your amount be S$400 instead of S$600?
The benefit is means-tested using more than one indicator. A person with lower Assessable Income can still receive S$400 rather than S$600 if the Annual Value of the residence is higher. Conversely, a person with AI up to S$22,000 and AV up to S$15,000 receives the maximum S$600.
Who will not qualify?
Examples specifically addressed by the official scheme information include:
- people who own more than one property;
- Singapore citizens who are residing overseas;
- people whose Assessable Income for YA 2025 is above S$100,000;
- people who do not meet the age requirement for 2026.
How will you be notified?
Eligible recipients may receive an SMS notification from “gov.sg” before and after the benefit is credited. People without a mobile number registered with Singpass may receive a letter at the address on their Singapore identity record.
Scam warning: official messages will not ask you to click a payout link
The Ministry of Finance states that official SMS notifications for this payout will only tell recipients about their benefit. The messages will not ask you to reply, click links or provide information. Government officers will also never ask you over the phone to transfer money or reveal bank-login details.
Before the September payout: practical checks
- log in to GovBenefits with Singpass to confirm eligibility;
- check whether your NRIC is linked to PayNow if you expect the PayNow route;
- do not assume S$600 is automatic — check the AI and AV tiers;
- if you are using bank crediting, confirm that the Government has your correct bank details;
- ignore SMS or calls that ask you to click a link, transfer money or disclose bank credentials.
Frequently asked questions
Does every Singaporean adult get S$600?
No. The payment ranges from S$400 to S$600 and is subject to age, residence, Assessable Income, property ownership and Annual Value conditions.
Do I have to apply for the Cost-of-Living Special Payment?
No. Eligible recipients receive it automatically. You can check your eligibility through GovBenefits using Singpass.
I did not link my NRIC to PayNow by 30 August. Will I lose the payment?
Missing the PayNow-NRIC deadline does not by itself mean you lose an otherwise valid entitlement. Your payment may instead be made through bank crediting or GovCash, depending on the account information the Government has for you.
Which income year is used?
The eligibility test uses Assessable Income for YA 2025, which is based on income earned in 2024.
Can Singapore citizens living overseas receive it?
No. The official scheme says the payment is intended for Singapore citizens residing in Singapore.
Official information and eligibility check
- GovBenefits — Budget 2026 Measures
- Ministry of Finance — Enhanced B2026 COL Special Payment press release
- GovBenefits — check eligibility with Singpass
