KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Silver Support Scheme payouts enhanced under Budget 2024 continue into 2026, benefiting more low-income seniors.
- Quarterly payouts increased by 20%, with household income threshold raised to S$2,300 per person.
- Eligible seniors do not need to apply; assessments are done automatically by CPF Board each year.
Singapore’s ageing population has prompted stronger support for seniors, especially those living alone with limited retirement savings. Enhancements announced in recent Budgets ensure continued assistance into 2026 and beyond.
Singapore Seniors Support Key Dates and Amounts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Age | 65 years and above |
| Income Threshold | Up to S$2,300 per person |
| Payout Frequency | Quarterly |
| Highest Quarterly Payout | S$1,080 |
| Application Needed | No (automatic assessment) |
Understanding the Enhanced Silver Support Scheme 2026
The Silver Support Scheme provides quarterly cash payouts to seniors who earned lower incomes during their working years. It complements, but does not replace, CPF LIFE payouts.
What Continues in 2026
The 20% increase in quarterly payouts, announced in Budget 2024, remains fully in effect. The higher household income threshold ensures seniors living alone or with modest family support are not excluded.
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet all the following:
- Singapore Citizen aged 65 and above
- Low lifetime CPF contributions, assessed up to age 55
- Housing type: Living in a 1- to 5-room HDB flat
- No ownership of private property or multiple properties
- Household income per person not exceeding S$2,300
Quarterly Payout Amounts
- 1- & 2-room HDB: S$1,080
- 3-room HDB: S$860
- 4-room HDB: S$650
- 5-room HDB (selected cases): S$430
Seniors living alone in smaller flats receive higher support due to the lack of shared expenses.
Additional Financial Help for Seniors Living Alone
Silver Support forms the base, but several schemes work alongside it to ease daily expenses.
ComCare Long-Term Assistance
For seniors unable to work and without family support, this provides:
- Monthly cash assistance
- Subsidised treatment at public healthcare institutions
Applications are handled through Social Service Offices.
GST Voucher (GSTV) Scheme
Eligible seniors typically receive:
- GSTV – Cash: Annual payout (usually August)
- GSTV – U-Save: Utility bill rebates credited directly
- GSTV – MediSave: Annual MediSave top-ups for those 65 and above
Using Your Home to Support Retirement
For many seniors, their HDB flat is their main asset. Several schemes allow value to be released without losing housing security.
Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS)
You sell part of your remaining lease to HDB while retaining a shorter lease.
- Proceeds top up your CPF Retirement Account
- Higher monthly CPF LIFE payouts
- Cash bonus:
- Up to S$30,000 for 1–3 room flats
- Up to S$15,000 for 4-room flats
Silver Housing Bonus (SHB)
For seniors who downsize:
- Sell current flat and buy a 3-room or smaller HDB
- Receive up to S$30,000 in cash
- Suitable for seniors living alone in larger flats
Healthcare and Ageing-in-Place Support
Living alone increases health and safety risks. Several schemes focus on keeping seniors safe at home.
Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE)
Subsidies of up to 95% for:
- Grab bars
- Slip-resistant flooring
- Wheelchair ramps
Home Caregiving Grant (HCG)
Provides up to S$400 per month for seniors who need daily assistance but prefer staying at home.
Community Care Apartments
Senior-friendly housing with:
- On-site activities
- Basic care services
- 24/7 emergency monitoring
Social Support and Staying Connected
Financial stability alone is not enough. Social connection reduces isolation risks.
Active Ageing Centres
Offer:
- Health checks and exercise sessions
- Group meals and activities
- Volunteer opportunities
Silver Generation Ambassadors
Home visits help seniors:
- Understand government schemes
- Get referrals to social and healthcare services
How to Receive the Support
- Silver Support: No application needed
- GST Vouchers: Automatic if you are signed up for government payouts
- ComCare and caregiving grants: Apply via Social Service Offices
[Link to Official Source – Apply Here]
Why This Matters
With rising living and healthcare costs, seniors living alone face higher financial pressure. The continued enhancements into 2026 ensure support keeps pace with real needs, reducing the risk of seniors falling through the cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CPF LIFE affect Silver Support payouts?
No. Silver Support supplements CPF LIFE and is assessed separately.
What if I live in private property with no income?
Private property owners are generally not eligible, but appeals may be considered in hardship cases.
Is the Majulah Package the same as Silver Support?
No. Majulah is a separate, time-limited initiative. Silver Support is ongoing.
How do I check my eligibility?
Log in to the CPF website using Singpass to view eligibility and payment history.
Are there grants for electricity bills?
Yes. GSTV – U-Save rebates directly offset utility charges.
Conclusion
Living alone as a senior in Singapore does not mean facing retirement without support. With enhanced Silver Support payouts, housing monetisation options, and healthcare assistance, multiple safety nets are in place.
Staying informed and acting early is key. Seniors or caregivers needing immediate help should visit the nearest Social Service Office or call the Agency for Integrated Care hotline at 1800-650-6060.
