KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Silver Support payouts in 2026 reflect a 20% increase following Budget 2024 enhancements.
- Quarterly payouts range from S$180 to S$1,080 depending on HDB flat type and household income.
- No application is required; eligibility is assessed automatically by CPF Board each year.
The Silver Support Scheme continues to play a critical role in supporting lower-income seniors as living and healthcare costs rise. In 2026, enhanced payouts and wider eligibility will provide additional relief for eligible Singapore Citizens aged 65 and above.
Silver Support Details for 2026
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Payout Increase | 20% increase from previous rates |
| Eligible Age | 65 years and above |
| Income Ceiling (Full) | PCI ≤ S$1,300 |
| Income Ceiling (Partial) | S$1,300 < PCI ≤ S$1,800 |
| Payment Frequency | Quarterly |
| Application | Not required |
What Is the Silver Support Scheme?
The Silver Support Scheme provides quarterly cash payouts to seniors who had low lifetime earnings and limited CPF savings. It is a long-term support measure, separate from healthcare or one-off assistance packages, and is reviewed regularly to keep pace with inflation.
From 1 January 2025, changes to payout levels and eligibility took effect, with 2026 being the first full year where all enhancements apply.
Major Enhancements Effective in 2026
1. Higher Quarterly Payouts
All eligible seniors will receive 20% more per quarter. For example, seniors living in 1- or 2-room HDB flats under the full payout tier now receive S$1,080 per quarter, up from S$900 previously.
2. Higher Household Income Threshold
The Per Capita Household Income (PCI) ceiling has been raised to reflect wage growth:
- Full payout: PCI up to S$1,300
- Partial payout: PCI between S$1,300 and S$1,800
This helps seniors who live with working family members remain eligible.
3. Updated Lifetime Wages Criteria
The CPF contribution limit used to assess lifetime earnings has been adjusted upwards to reflect long-term wage trends, ensuring fairness for seniors who worked in earlier decades.
Eligibility Criteria for Silver Support Payout 2026
Age
You must be a Singapore Citizen aged 65 or above. Assessment is done annually.
Lifetime CPF Contributions
- Total CPF contributions by age 55 must not exceed S$140,000
- Self-employed seniors may qualify if their past Net Trade Income was low
Housing Type
- Must live in an HDB flat (1- to 5-room)
- Seniors in 5-room flats receive lower payouts
- Owners of private property or multiple properties are generally excluded
Household Income (PCI)
- Full payout: PCI ≤ S$1,300
- Partial payout: PCI between S$1,300 and S$1,800
Silver Support Payout Amounts for 2026
| HDB Flat Type | PCI ≤ S$1,300 | S$1,300 < PCI ≤ S$1,800 |
|---|---|---|
| 1- & 2-Room | S$1,080 | S$540 |
| 3-Room | S$720 | S$360 |
| 4-Room | S$480 | S$240 |
| 5-Room* | S$360 | S$180 |
*Eligibility applies only if the senior does not own more than one property.
Payout Schedule for 2026
Silver Support payouts are credited quarterly, usually in the first week of the quarter:
- January 2026
- April 2026
- July 2026
- October 2026
Payments are made to the bank account linked to CPF. Seniors without a bank account will receive funds via GovCash.
How to Receive Silver Support
- No application needed
- CPF Board assesses eligibility automatically each year
- Notifications are sent before the first payout, typically in December
- Eligibility can be checked online using Singpass
[Link to Official Source – Apply Here]
Why This Matters
The 2026 enhancement helps seniors manage daily expenses amid higher food, utilities, and healthcare costs. Raising the income ceiling also ensures seniors are not disadvantaged for living with working children, supporting family-based caregiving while maintaining retirement security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Silver Support the same as CPF LIFE?
No. CPF LIFE is funded by your CPF savings, while Silver Support is a government-funded grant. Eligible seniors may receive both.
Can Pioneer or Merdeka Generation seniors receive Silver Support?
Yes. Eligibility is assessed separately from generation-based benefits.
Will my payout change if my child’s income increases?
Possibly. However, the higher S$1,800 PCI ceiling makes it easier to remain eligible.
Are Silver Support payouts taxable?
No. They are not considered taxable income.
Sources (Official Singapore Government Websites)
- Ministry of Manpower (MOM): Silver Support Scheme Overview
- CPF Board: Information on Silver Support Payouts
