New activities-based SkillsFuture scheme to give eligible jobseekers up to S$6,000 over 6 months

The government will provide eligible jobseekers with financial support of up to S$6,000 over six months, through the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) scheme.

According to Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon, the JS scheme targets lower-and-middle income workers, and will involve the government setting aside more than S$200 million for the scheme.

The JS scheme will be launched in mid-April 2025.

Workforce Singapore (WSG) will be sharing more information on the application process ahead of its launch.

Involuntarily unemployed individuals can also visit WSG and NTUC-e2i’s centres island-wide for support in their job search, Koh pointed out.

He added that around 60,000 individuals are expected to be eligible for the scheme each year, which accounts for more than 60 per cent of those involuntarily unemployed.

The scheme will also provide jobseekers with a framework to guide them along the activities they should embark on to find a new job.

How does the scheme work?

According to Koh, jobseekers will be guided to complete activities like attending a career fair, updating their resume and going for career coaching.

Jobseekers can also tap on Workforce Singapore's (WSG) resources and speak to WSG’s career coaches, allowing them to benefit from professional guidance.

Throughout this process, they will also receive temporary financial support of up to S$6,000 over six months under the scheme.

The amount they receive will be dependent on the activities they participate in, according to MOM.

Koh: JS scheme should not be viewed in isolation

In addition, the JS scheme should not be viewed in isolation, Koh added.

There are other schemes in place to provide financial support for those undergoing substantial reskilling or experiencing financial hardships, he said.

As an example, Koh said if a jobseeker enrols in long-form training while job searching, he can apply for both the JS scheme and the SkillsFuture Level-up Programme.

"Over a six-month period, he will receive up to S$21,000, comprising S$15,000 of training allowance and S$6,000 of JS scheme payouts," Koh said.

In addition, jobseekers from households with financial difficulties may also receive additional social assistance from ComCare based on their needs.

He added:

"The JS scheme will be an added boost to Singapore’s ecosystem of support for unemployed individuals, empowering them to take ownership in navigating a difficult chapter of their lives, to emerge with better outcomes."

Top images via Skillsfuture SG Facebook