Everyone aging population should enjoy retirement with dignity and free from worries — this is the very essence behind the Silver Support Scheme (SSS) of Singapore. The cash support program that has been in existence for many years continues to be a source of great help as it provides significant quarterly cash to the elderly citizens who are the 65 and above and among the poorest, thus enabling them to cope with the rising costs of living.
What Is the Silver Support Scheme?
The Silver Support Scheme is a government-sponsored cash supplement aimed at providing financial assistance to older Singaporeans who earned smaller salaries during the whole of their working lives and who now have little or no retirement funds and support left.
Who Is Eligible in 2026?
To qualify, the applicant’s profile has to check the boxes for age, lifetime income history, housing, and household income.
| Eligibility Factor | Requirement | |
|---|---|---|
| Age & Citizenship | Singapore Citizen aged 65 or above | |
| Lifetime CPF Contributions | Total CPF contributions by age 55 not exceeding S$140,000; self-employed/ platform workers assessed on net trade income up to S$27,600 between ages 45–54 | |
| Housing Criteria | Living in a 1- to 5-room HDB flat (5-room occupants must not own the flat) | |
| Household Income Per Person (PCI) | ≤ S$1,300 for full payouts; S$1,300–S$1,800 may qualify for partial payouts |
2026 Quarterly Payout Amounts
Cash supplements are tiered by housing type and per capita household income (PCI) to ensure fair distribution and targeted support:
This framework makes it possible for the most financially challenged seniors to get more support, yet while continuing to serve those who fall just above the lowest thresholds.
Why It Matters
The improvements in 2026 showcase Singapore’s commitment to continuously adjusting its social support to inflation and living costs, whilst promoting family-based caregiving — particularly in cases where seniors cohabit with working family members whose income could otherwise push households over previous thresholds. The higher PCI limits facilitate the eligibility of a greater number of seniors for support.
In a country like Singapore, where the population is getting older, the Silver Support Scheme still holds its ground as the primary means of securing retirement for low-income elderly — it dispenses predictable, regular cash that can help in paying for essentials such as groceries, utilities, and healthcare.