KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Silver Support helps seniors who earned low wages during their working years.
- Eligibility depends on CPF savings, home type, and household income.
- Seniors who qualify automatically get payouts from the quarter they turn 65.
If you’ve ever sat at a Kopitiam with an older uncle wondering how he gets by with today’s rising prices, the Silver Support Scheme is one of the quiet but meaningful safety nets many seniors rely on.
It’s designed for older Singaporeans who worked hard, earned modest wages, and now need extra help in retirement.
The thing to remember is this: Silver Support isn’t based on applications. It’s assessed automatically every year, so seniors don’t have to run around or fill up forms.
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Here’s a clean breakdown of who qualifies.
Silver Support Scheme 2025 Quick Summary Table
| Criteria Category | What It Means | Who It Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime wages | CPF contributions ≤ $140,000 by age 55; self-employed workers ≤ $27,600 annual net trade income (ages 45–54) | Seniors with low earnings |
| Housing type | Living in 1–5 room HDB; no ownership of large flats or private property | Determines household wealth |
| Household support | Household per-person income ≤ $2,300 | Ensures help goes to those with limited support |
Silver Support Scheme 2025 Eligibility
The whole purpose of the Silver Support Scheme is simple: support seniors who had low incomes during their working years and now have less to retire on. We all know someone like that — the auntie who worked long shifts at a coffee stall, or an uncle who did gig jobs without stable CPF contributions.
Silver Support targets this group through three clear criteria used together: lifetime wages, housing type, and household income.
1. Low Lifetime Wages
To qualify, a senior must have earned modest wages across their working life.
Here’s how it’s measured:
- CPF contributions must not exceed $140,000 by age 55.
This includes everything in the Ordinary Account and Special Account, including amounts withdrawn for housing, education, and investments.
For self-employed folks:
- Their average annual net trade income from ages 45 to 54 must be ≤ $27,600.
(Net trade income is what’s left after business expenses and capital allowances, based on IRAS rules.)
This condition ensures that seniors who genuinely earned less get priority.
2. Housing Type Requirements
Next, Silver Support checks where the senior lives.
To qualify, they must:
- Live in a 1- to 5-room HDB flat
- Not own — or have a spouse who owns — the following:
- A 5-room or larger HDB flat
- Any private property
- Multiple properties
This helps target those who don’t have high-value housing assets.
3. Low Household Support
Even if a senior’s own income was low, Silver Support also checks the household situation.
To qualify:
- The household income per person must not exceed $2,300.
This matters because a senior might be living with working-age children who provide regular support — so the scheme directs help to seniors who truly need additional aid.
When Will Seniors Receive Silver Support?
Here’s the good part — no need to apply.
- CPF Board reviews Silver Support eligibility automatically every year.
- If a senior turns 65 and qualifies, payouts start in the same quarter they turn 65.
- Seniors who qualify will receive a notification letter in December of the year before the payouts begin.
From Jurong East to Pasir Ris, seniors don’t need to worry about missing out because of paperwork.
We’ve put all the key Singapore government payouts for 2025–2026 on one page – GST Voucher, Assurance Package, Silver Support, and SG60 Vouchers.
Check payouts & eligibility overviewHow to Check Eligibility Yourself
Even though everything is automatic, seniors can still look up their status anytime.
You just need:
- Singpass login
- Access to the Silver Support (SS) e-services
Parents, grandparents, or even neighbours who aren’t familiar with digital services can ask a family member to help check — as long as it’s done together for privacy reasons.
FAQs
Do I have to apply for Silver Support?
No. Everything is automatic. CPF Board reviews eligibility every year and sends a letter if you qualify.
What if my income or housing situation changes?
Silver Support is reviewed yearly, so changes to your home type or household income may affect future eligibility.
Will I still get Silver Support if I work part-time?
Yes, as long as your lifetime wages and household income meet the criteria.
Do self-employed seniors qualify?
Yes. They simply need to meet the net trade income limit set for ages 45 to 54.
When exactly do payouts start?
Payouts start in the quarter you turn 65, provided you meet all three criteria.
