Enhanced Workfare support offers higher allowances for long-term upskilling from 2026
Singapore is strengthening its push to future-proof lower-wage workers by expanding financial support for long-term skills training, signaling a deeper commitment to inclusive workforce transformation.
Expanded Financial Support for Skills Training
Lower-wage workers in Singapore can begin applying for the enhanced Workfare Skills Support Level-Up scheme from February 9, according to a joint statement by the Ministry of Manpower and Workforce Singapore on January 29. The expanded scheme applies to training programmes starting from March 1 and significantly raises financial support levels for eligible participants.
Under the revised framework, workers undergoing full-time training can receive allowances of up to S$18,000 annually, while those in part-time courses may receive up to S$3,600 per year. This marks a notable increase from previous caps, easing income disruption for workers upgrading their skills.
Who Qualifies Under the Level-Up Scheme
The Level-Up programme targets workers aged 30 and above earning up to S$3,000 per month who are pursuing long-form training. Eligible courses include Nitec programmes, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and selected SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme courses aimed at industry reskilling.
The initiative was first announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during Budget 2025 as part of broader labor market measures to help lower-wage workers remain competitive amid structural economic shifts.
Fixed Allowance for Part-Time Learners
As part of the Budget 2025 announcement, Prime Minister Wong also revealed that workers enrolled in part-time training from early 2026 will receive a fixed allowance of S$300 per month. This measure is designed to defray learning-related expenses and encourage continued education while remaining employed.
Support Across Multiple Training Phases
The Ministry of Manpower and Workforce Singapore confirmed that eligible workers can receive support across multiple periods of long-form training. Individuals may access up to 24 months of training support before turning 40, with an additional 24 months available from age 40 onwards.
This structure allows workers to reskill progressively as industry demands evolve, rather than limiting support to a single training phase.
Alignment With Existing Workfare Programmes
Both the Workfare Skills Support Basic scheme and the Level-Up programme share the same eligibility requirements, ensuring continuity and clarity for applicants. Authorities emphasized that the enhanced scheme builds on existing Workfare frameworks rather than replacing them.
Applications for the Level-Up scheme open on February 9 through official government platforms, with details provided by the Ministry of Manpower and Workforce Singapore.
The expanded Level-Up scheme underscores Singapore’s long-term strategy to create a resilient and adaptable workforce, particularly for lower-wage earners facing rapid technological and economic changes. By pairing higher allowances with flexible training timelines, the policy strengthens social mobility while reinforcing Singapore’s human capital competitiveness, a development closely watched across the region, including Indonesia and Singapore’s broader labor market partners.
Sources: Asia One (2026) , CNA (2026)
Keywords: Workfare Skills Support, Level Up Scheme, Singapore Workforce, SkillsFuture Programmes
