In a competitive and constantly shifting job market, staying employable means more than just showing up—it requires continuous skill development. For lower-wage Singaporeans, gaining access to training and upgrading opportunities can be the game-changer that improves career prospects and income stability.
To support this, the Singapore government offers a targeted program called the Workfare Skills Support – Basic (WSS-Basic) scheme. It provides a structured set of financial incentives and support measures to encourage upskilling among citizens earning lower wages. Whether through direct training allowances, course completion rewards, or employer grants, the initiative aims to make lifelong learning both affordable and practical.
This article breaks down how the WSS-Basic scheme works in 2025, what support you can expect, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Table of Contents
What is the WSS-Basic Scheme?
The WSS-Basic initiative is a government-backed effort to support lower-income Singaporean workers through subsidised training and upskilling opportunities.
The goal is to encourage participation in certifiable skills courses, ultimately enhancing employability, income growth, and job mobility.
Support is offered through three main components:
- Training Allowance (TA) for self-funded individuals
- Training Commitment Award (TCA) for successful course completions
- Absentee Payroll (AP) to help employers fund employee training time
By combining these incentives, the scheme lowers both the direct and indirect cost of training, making it easier for workers and businesses to prioritise learning.
Summary
| Component | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Training Allowance (TA) | $6 per hour for self-sponsored courses (capped at 180 hours yearly) |
| Training Commitment Award (TCA) | Up to $1,000 total for completing full qualifications and short courses |
| Absentee Payroll (AP) | Up to 95% of basic hourly wage reimbursed to employers (max $13/hour) |
| Target Audience | Lower-wage Singaporeans age 30+ (13+ for persons with special needs) |
| Income Ceiling (2025) | Monthly income must not exceed $3,000 |
| Property & Wealth Cap | Residential AV < $21,000 and ownership of fewer than two properties |
| Application Process | Auto-disbursed or manual claim depending on employment type |
Training Allowance
Self-sponsored Singaporeans who attend approved courses under the WSS-Basic scheme are eligible for a training allowance of $6 per training hour, up to a maximum of 180 hours per eligibility year.
This is specifically available for:
- Courses that are outcome-based
- Courses aligned with the Progressive Wage Model (PWM)
Training Commitment Award (TCA)
To further encourage commitment to learning, the scheme rewards successful course completions with a Training Commitment Award of up to $1,000.
Here’s how it works:
| Qualification Type | Award Amount |
|---|---|
| WSQ or Academic CET Full Qualification | $800 per qualification |
| Any 2 eligible short courses (modular) | $100 for every 2 completed |
| Maximum Total per Individual | $1,000 |
Qualifying Short Courses Include:
- WSQ Statements of Attainment
- CET Modular Certificates
- SkillsFuture-approved certifiable courses
The award promotes meaningful, long-term skill acquisition—not just short workshops but qualifications that boost career growth.
Absentee Payroll (AP)
Employers also benefit from the WSS-Basic scheme. When they send eligible employees for training, they can receive up to 95% of the employee’s basic hourly salary, capped at $13 per hour.
Conditions:
- The training must be an eligible course listed by Workforce Singapore (WSG)
- Employers must confirm course eligibility before enrolling staff
This component supports businesses in strengthening their workforce without worrying about lost productivity or costs.
Who Is Eligible for WSS-Basic?
To ensure the support reaches those who need it most, WSS-Basic is targeted at Singaporeans with lower incomes and limited assets.
General Eligibility
- Must be a Singapore Citizen
- Aged 30 years or older
(Only 13 years old for persons with disabilities) - Employed or self-employed with CPF or MediSave contributions
Financial & Property Criteria (Effective July 2025)
- Monthly income not more than $3,000
- Residential property Annual Value (AV) under $21,000
- Must own fewer than two properties
For Married Applicants
- Combined property ownership with spouse must be fewer than two
- Spouse’s annual assessable income must be below $70,000
These criteria help the scheme focus on workers facing economic challenges, ensuring maximum impact and fairness.
How to Apply for WSS-Basic Support
The process varies depending on your employment type. The scheme is designed to reduce admin hassle and ensure timely disbursement.
For Employees
- No application needed
- Payouts are processed automatically after training is completed
For Self-Employed Persons
Must submit a Training Allowance (TA) claim, including:
- Proof of self-employment (e.g. ACRA registration, recent contracts)
- Course information (title, provider, dates)
For Employers
- Apply online through the Enterprise Portal for Jobs and Skills
- Must verify course eligibility before submission
- Cannot combine multiple types of wage support (i.e., AP and TA cannot be claimed for the same individual during the same period)
FAQs
Q1: Who is WSS-Basic for?
A = It’s designed for lower-income Singaporean workers aged 30 and above (13+ for special needs individuals).
Q2: How much can I earn from training awards?
A = You can receive up to $1,000 in Training Commitment Awards each eligibility year.
Q3: Do employers get any support?
A = Yes, they can claim Absentee Payroll of up to $13/hour for approved training time.
Q4: Do I need to apply if I’m employed?
A = No, payouts are automatically processed after course completion for eligible employees.
