In today’s competitive world, learning new skills is not just a bonus—it’s the key to better jobs and a secure future. Recognising this, the Singapore government has introduced schemes to support those in lower-income jobs to improve their skills without worrying about the financial burden. One such initiative is the Workfare Skills Support – Basic (WSS – Basic). This scheme has been specially crafted for Singaporeans earning lower wages, helping them with training-related costs through cash support, course incentives, and even salary subsidies for employers.
The aim is simple, to make upskilling more accessible so that more people can grow in their careers, earn better, and contribute to a skilled workforce. Let’s take a closer look at how the scheme works and who can benefit from it.
What is WSS – Basic?
The WSS – Basic scheme is a government-led programme aimed at helping Singaporeans in low-income jobs to upgrade their skills. The idea is to improve their job opportunities and income levels by encouraging them to take up recognised training courses.
It offers three kinds of financial support:
- Training Allowance (TA) – for individuals who sign up for courses on their own.
- Training Commitment Award (TCA) – a cash reward for completing certain courses.
- Absentee Payroll (AP) – for employers who send their staff for eligible training programmes.
These three components ensure that both workers and their employers are supported during the training journey.
Training Allowance (TA)
If you’re self-sponsored and taking part in approved courses, you can get $6 per training hour, with a cap of 180 hours per year.
But there are two important conditions:
- The course should be an outcome-based one.
- It must be aligned with the Progressive Wage Model (PWM).
Also, the course needs to start during your valid WSS eligibility period. This benefit makes it easier for workers to take time off to study without worrying too much about loss of income.
Training Commitment Award (TCA)
To reward those who complete their training, WSS – Basic gives up to $1,000 in cash incentives. Here’s how the reward is given:
| Type of Qualification | Amount |
|---|---|
| WSQ/Academic CET Full Qualification | $800 per course |
| Any 2 of the eligible short courses (combined) | $100 per 2 |
Short courses that count include:
- WSQ Statement of Attainment
- Academic CET Modular Certificate
- Other certifiable courses supported by SSG
This award helps people aim for more than just short-term learning—it encourages long-term skill-building with meaningful impact.
Absentee Payroll (AP) for Employers
For employers, the scheme offers a reimbursement of up to 95% of the basic hourly salary when they send their employees for eligible training. However, the maximum claim is $13 per training hour.
Things to remember:
- Only courses listed by Workforce Singapore (WSG) as AP-eligible are covered.
- Employers must check the course eligibility before registering.
This benefit reduces the cost burden on companies and motivates them to invest in their staff’s learning and development.
Eligibility for WSS – Basic
To apply for WSS – Basic, a person must meet all the following criteria:
General Conditions
- Must be a Singapore Citizen
- Age 30 or above (13 and above for persons with special needs)
- Currently working (either employed or self-employed with MediSave contributions)
Income and Property Conditions
- Monthly income must not be more than $3,000 (from July 2025 onwards)
- The annual value (AV) of the residential property must be below $21,000 as of 31 December of the previous year
- Must not own more than one property
If Married
- Together with spouse, should own fewer than two properties
- Spouse’s annual assessable income should be below $70,000
These conditions ensure the support goes to the workers who truly need it most.
How to Apply for the WSS – Basic Scheme?
The application process is simple and different depending on your employment status:
For Employees
- No need to apply separately.
- If eligible, the benefit is automatically given after course completion.
For Self-Employed Persons
- Must submit a Training Allowance claim form.
- Documents needed include:
- Proof of self-employment (e.g. ACRA records or contract)
- Course details like training provider, course name, and dates
For Employers
- Must apply through the Enterprise Portal for Jobs and Skills.
- Ensure the course qualifies for AP support before applying.
Note: Only one type of wage support (TA, AP, or salary subsidy) can be claimed for the same course by the same person.
Whom to Contact for Help?
For any doubts, you can get in touch with the support team:
- WSS Hotline: 1800 536 8333
(Free for landline calls; charges may apply for mobile users)
You can also visit the official portals to check course eligibility, download forms, or get the latest updates about the scheme.
The WSS – Basic scheme is a smart and inclusive step by the Singapore government to make skill development possible for all, especially those in lower-paying jobs. By offering both financial aid and course incentives, it gives a solid push to workers who want to grow and earn more. Whether you’re an individual looking to upgrade your skills or an employer planning to upskill your team, this scheme is worth exploring.
