Finding a job can be challenging, and losing one unexpectedly can be even more daunting.
Recently, the Singaporean government announced a new initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to job seekers, offering up to SGD 6,000 (approximately RM22,000) over six months to help them stay afloat while searching for employment.
Up to RM22,000 in financial aid for job seekers
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme, set to launch in mid-April, will allocate SGD 200 million (around RM738 million) to assist those who have lost their jobs involuntarily, such as through retrenchment, dismissal, or company closure.
According to The Straits Times, eligible job seekers can receive financial support while completing employment-related activities like career coaching and job-matching services.
The scheme is expected to benefit about 60,000 people annually, covering over 60 per cent of those facing involuntary unemployment.
Structured payouts to support the unemployed
To qualify, individuals must have been unemployed for at least a month and previously earned an average monthly salary of SGD 5,000 (approximately RM18,400) or less within the past year.
Their property’s annual value must not exceed SGD 31,000 (around RM114,400), ensuring the scheme focuses on lower- and middle-income job seekers.
Successful applicants will receive:
- SGD 1,500 (about RM5,500) in the first month
- SGD 1,250 (around RM4,600) in the second month
- SGD 1,000 (approximately RM3,700) in the third month
- SGD 750 (about RM2,800) per month for the remaining three months
The payments will stop once the individual secures a job.
Activities required to qualify for payments
To receive the payouts, job seekers must participate in employment-related activities, such as:
- Updating their resume online
- Attending a career fair
- Using the WSG CareersFinder tool for career planning
- Completing career coaching sessions
If they remain unemployed after the first month, additional activities like submitting four job applications, attending a workshop, or completing a training course will be required for the second payout.
More than just financial assistance
Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon highlighted that the scheme is not just about financial support but also aims to provide a structured job-seeking process to help individuals regain confidence in the job market.
For those undergoing long-term training while searching for employment, they may also qualify for the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, allowing them to receive up to SGD 21,000 (around RM77,300) in combined training allowances and job seeker payouts over six months.
A step towards stronger career development
In addition to this scheme, Singapore offers various career development initiatives, including Polaris programmes, where employed individuals receive personalised career guidance.
These programmes, available for a fee, have already benefited over 620 workers since their launch in November 2023.
Manpower Minister Tan See Leng emphasised that lifelong learning is crucial for career resilience, citing studies showing that literacy skills among Singaporeans decline as early as their mid-30s.
To address this, SGD 200 million (approximately RM738 million) will be used to expand employer-led training programmes to ensure workers continuously upgrade their skills.
With these efforts, Singapore is taking proactive steps to support job seekers and strengthen workforce resilience, ensuring individuals not only receive financial aid but also gain the necessary skills and confidence to secure long-term employment.
What do you think about this? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
READ ALSO:
