Workfare Skills Support (WSS) Scheme

WSS scheme is administered by SWDA. It supports lower-wage workers across all occupations by funding training, so they can build new skills and grow their long-term earning potential.

Tell Me How

What is WSS Scheme

The Workfare Skills Support (WSS) scheme is part of Singapore’s broader Workfare system, which supports lower-wage workers through income supplements and skills development.

Training

WSS focuses specifically on training. It rewards eligible workers for taking and completing courses, and helps offset the cost of doing so.

Lower-wage Workers

WSS is open to lower-wage workers in any job, not limited to a specific industry or role. Whether you work in retail, food services, cleaning, administration, driving, or another lower-wage occupation, you may qualify if you meet the criteria below.

Who is Eligible for WSS Scheme

You may qualify for WSS (Basic) if you meet all of the following as at 31 December of the work year:

Singapore Citizen

Aged 30 years and above (13 years and above for Persons with Special Needs)

Earning a Lower Wage

Gross monthly income of not more than $2,500 for the month worked

Living in a Lower-Value Property

Property annual value of $13,000 or less, assessed as at 31 December of the preceding year

Limited Property Ownership

Own fewer than two properties. If married, this applies jointly with your spouse, and your spouse’s assessable income for the preceding Year of Assessment must be less than $70,000

Not sure if you qualify? Check your eligibility here by logging in with your Singpass. This is the fastest and most accurate way to confirm your status, since eligibility is assessed individually by the government.

Funding Breakdown

What Support Does WSS Provide

WSS gives you three forms of support when you complete eligible training.

A. Training Commitment Award (TCA)

Trainees can receive a TCA of up to $1,000 cash awards.

$100 for any two of the following, capped at $200 per WSS eligibility period for 4 achievements during the trainee’s eligibility period:

  • WSQ Statement of Attainment (SOA)
  • Academic CET Modular Certificate/ Post-Diploma Certificate
  • Other certifiable courses supported by SWDA
Course(s) completed before 1 July 2023

$500 per qualification for WSQ Qualification or Academic CET Qualification

Course(s) completed from 1 July 2023

$800 per qualification for WSQ Qualification or Academic CET Qualification

B. Training Allowance (TA)

Trainees who are eligible for TA* can receive $6 per training hour capped at 180 training hours per WSS eligibility year.

To be eligible for TA, individual must:

  • Have taken course(s) eligible for TA after 1 July 2020
  • Complete and pass the course
  • Have paid for his/her own training
  • Not be barred from receiving SWDA or e2i grants

*The TA is applicable to selected courses in sectors which have adopted the Progressive Wage Model (PWM), as well as outcome-based courses conducted by CET Centres appointed by SWDA

C. Absentee Payroll (AP)
Sponsoring employers are eligible for AP at up to 95% of trainee’s hourly basic salary, capped at $13 per hour.

Eligible courses: Visit https://courses.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/search

How Do I Claim For WSS Scheme

Training Commitment Award (TCA)
  • $500 per qualification for WSQ Qualification or Academic CET Qualification
  • Individuals who are eligible for WSS are eligible for TCA if they achieve the Full Qualification and/or complete eligible courses within the WSS eligibility period stated. It will take up to 3 months for TCA to be disbursed
  • Individuals will be notified of their TCA payment via SMS and/or letter by CPF board
Training Allowance (TA)

TA is only applicable to trainees who are employed.

  • Employee with regular CPF contributions
    • No application is required
    • If you are eligible for TA, it will be credited to your PayNow registered (NRIC-linked) bank account in 1 to 5 months after course completion
  • Self-employed and do not have regular CPF contributions
    • Submit your TA claim online via your Singpass here and provide documents to prove active employment within 4 months from your course end date
    • If you are eligible for TA, it will be credited to your PayNow registered (NRIC-linked) bank account within 3 months from your claim submission
Absentee Payroll (AP)

Your employer may log in to GoBusiness to submit the claims.

FAQs

The WSS Scheme covers various courses, including WSQ Qualifications, Academic CET Modular Certificates, and certifiable courses supported by SWDA.

You can check your eligibility here by logging in with your Singpass.

Employers can log in to GoBusiness to submit claims for Absentee Payroll, which reimburses them for up to 95% of the trainee’s hourly basic salary.

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