Over 2.4 million Singaporeans to get up to S$600 under Enhanced Cost-of-Living Special Payment from Sep 9

SINGAPORE, 13 AUGUST 2026 —

The Singaporean government has announced that over 2.4 million Singaporeans will receive a one-off cash payment of between S$400 (US$312) and S$600 under the Enhanced Budget 2026 Cost-of-Living (COL) Special Payment, starting from September 9. This payment is aimed at supporting adult Singaporeans living in Singapore who have an assessable income of up to S$100,000 (US$78,100) and own no more than one property.

The COL special payment was first introduced by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong during Budget 2026, with initial plans to provide eligible Singaporeans with payments ranging from S$200 to S$400. However, in April, Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey Siow announced that the one-off payment would be topped up by S$200, increasing the total payment amount to between S$400 and S$600.

According to the MOF, the purpose of this payment is to help Singapore citizens with their living expenses, with a focus on providing more support to lower-income individuals.

To be eligible for the COL special payment, Singaporeans must meet specific criteria, including having an assessable income of up to S$100,000 and owning no more than one property. The amount each person receives will depend on their assessable income and the annual value of their home. Eligible Singaporeans will automatically receive their payments from September 9, and they can check their eligibility on the GovBenefits website.

Recipients will also receive an SMS notification before and after the payment is credited, while those without a registered mobile number will receive a letter at their listed address.

The Enhanced Budget 2026 Cost-of-Living Special Payment is part of the Singaporean government's efforts to mitigate the impact of rising living costs on its citizens. With over 2.4 million Singaporeans set to benefit from this payment, it is expected to provide significant support to those who need it most. The payment amounts will vary depending on individual circumstances, with those in lower-income brackets likely to receive the higher end of the payment range.

Details on the exact payment amounts and eligibility criteria are available on the GovBenefits website, providing transparency and clarity for eligible Singaporeans.

In terms of regional impact, the COL special payment is likely to have a positive effect on the overall economy, as it will put more money in the pockets of Singaporeans and encourage consumer spending. This, in turn, could boost economic growth and support local businesses. However, the impact on neighboring countries, including Malaysia, is less clear, as the payment is specifically targeted at Singaporean citizens.

Nevertheless, the move is seen as a proactive step by the Singaporean government to address the concerns of its citizens and support those who are struggling with rising living costs.

Stakeholders, including Singaporean citizens and business owners, have welcomed the announcement, seeing it as a timely and necessary measure to support those in need. The payment is expected to provide a much-needed boost to lower-income households, helping them to cope with the rising cost of living.

As one of the measures introduced by the government to support its citizens, the COL special payment is seen as a positive step towards addressing the challenges faced by Singaporeans.

As the payment is set to be disbursed from September 9, eligible Singaporeans can expect to receive their payments automatically, without the need to apply or take any further action. The MOF has assured that the payment process will be smooth and efficient, with recipients receiving notifications before and after the payment is credited.

With the Enhanced Budget 2026 Cost-of-Living Special Payment, the Singaporean government is demonstrating its commitment to supporting its citizens and addressing the challenges posed by rising living costs.

Looking ahead, the COL special payment is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of over 2.4 million Singaporeans, providing them with much-needed financial support to cope with the rising cost of living. As the Singaporean government continues to monitor the economic situation and adjust its policies accordingly, it is likely that further measures will be introduced to support its citizens and promote economic growth.

For now, the Enhanced Budget 2026 Cost-of-Living Special Payment is a welcome move, providing timely and necessary support to those who need it most. Details on the long-term impact of the payment and future plans to support Singaporean citizens are not yet available, but the government's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by rising living costs is clear.

Related: Ministry of Finance · Prime Minister · Singapore