Understanding the Income Criteria for Silver Support
The Silver Support Scheme in Singapore provides financial support to seniors aged 65 and above with lower incomes. Eligibility is determined through an automatic assessment by the CPF Board, considering several income-related factors.
Calculating Your Household Monthly Income Per Person
A key criterion is the household monthly income per person, which must not exceed $2,300 for 2025. This is calculated by summing the gross monthly income of all related family members living at the same address and dividing it by the total number of household members. Gross income includes basic wages, bonuses, allowances, and other sources. If a household has no income, the Annual Value of the property is considered instead.
Lifetime Wage Assessment via CPF Contributions
Lifetime earnings are assessed through a senior's total CPF contributions made by age 55, including amounts in the Ordinary and Special Accounts. This total should not exceed $140,000.
Special Considerations for the Self-Employed
Seniors who were self-employed or platform workers have an additional income check. Their average annual net trade income (gross trade income minus allowable business expenses as per IRAS) between ages 45 and 54 must not have been more than $27,600.
Comparison of Income Criteria and Payout Tiers (2025)
The quarterly payout amounts for the Silver Support Scheme are tiered based on both household income and HDB flat type. Here is a comparison of the payout tiers for eligible seniors in 2025:
| HDB Flat Type | Household Monthly Income Per Person ≤ $1,500 | Household Monthly Income Per Person > $1,500 and ≤ $2,300 |
|---|---|---|
| 1- and 2-Room | $1,080 per quarter | $540 per quarter |
| 3-Room | $860 per quarter | $430 per quarter |
| 4-Room | $650 per quarter | $325 per quarter |
| 5-Room | $430 per quarter | $215 per quarter |
Note: For 5-room HDB flats, the senior and their spouse must not own it, and must not own any private property.
The Role of Property Ownership
Property ownership is also a factor in determining eligibility, as the scheme targets seniors with less means. Generally, to be eligible, the senior must live in a 5-room or smaller HDB flat and neither the senior nor their spouse should own any private property, a 5-room or larger HDB flat, or multiple properties.
Conclusion
Eligibility for Singapore's Silver Support Scheme is based on a comprehensive assessment of various income components. This includes a household monthly income per person ceiling of $2,300, a limit of $140,000 on lifetime CPF contributions by age 55, and for former self-employed individuals, a historical average annual net trade income cap of $27,600. These criteria, alongside property ownership rules, ensure the scheme supports financially vulnerable elderly Singaporeans. Eligibility is automatically reviewed annually. Further details can be found on the official CPF website(https://www.cpf.gov.sg/member/retirement-income/government-support/silver-support-scheme).
