In today’s unpredictable job market, even experienced professionals can face sudden unemployment. Retrenchments, company restructures, and shifting industry demands have caught many mid-career workers off guard.
On top of that, roles once seen as stable are now being replaced by automation and emerging technologies, leaving some unsure of their next move.To support those affected, the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme was developed as a national programme to help Singaporeans regain career momentum and move forward with purpose.
In the words of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong:
“We will do our best to steer Singapore through these choppy waters and provide assistance to any worker who needs help… The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme will provide help for lower and middle-income Singaporeans who get laid off or retrenched.”
This article breaks down how the scheme works, who it’s designed for, and what practical support you can expect—whether that’s coaching or training.
Table of contents
- What Is the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme?
- Who Can Benefit from This Scheme?
- What are the Key Features and Benefits of the Programme?
- How Do You Qualify for Payouts Under the Jobseeker Support Scheme?
- How Vertical Institute Can Help You Gain Points Under the Jobseeker Support Scheme
- Conclusion
What Is the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme?
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme is administered by Workforce Singapore (WSG), a statutory board under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). It’s part of a broader national effort to ensure that Singaporeans have the tools and support needed to stay employable, even during unexpected career transitions.
At its core, the scheme provides:
- Career coaching to guide job seekers through resume building, interview prep, and goal setting
- Temporary financial support of up to S$6,000 over six months for active job seekers, with separate training allowances available through programs like SkillsFuture Level-Up or Mid-Career Pathways.
- Job matching support, connecting participants with hiring employers through curated platforms and events
- Access to digital tools like Career Finder to help individuals identify their strengths and align them with market opportunities
Who Can Benefit from This Scheme?
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme is targeted at lower- and middle-income Singaporeans who are involuntarily unemployed and need structured support to return to the workforce. It’s especially relevant for those who have lost their jobs due to retrenchment, company closure, dismissal, or health-related issues.
Eligibility Criteria Overview
| Requirement | Details |
| Citizenship | Singapore Citizen (PRs eligible from Q1 2026) |
| Age | 21 years and above |
| Income Cap | Earned ≤ S$5,000/month (average gross, past 12 months, excl. CPF) |
| Employment History | Employed in Singapore for ≥ 6 months in the past 12 months |
| Reason for Unemployment | Involuntarily unemployed (e.g., retrenched, dismissed, medically unfit) |
| Property Ownership | Lives in property with Annual Value ≤ S$31,000 |
| Unemployment Period | Unemployed for ≥ 1 month before receiving payout* |
| Lives in a property with Annual Value ≤ S$31,000 | Not received a payout from this scheme in the past 3 years |
A one-off concession allows individuals unemployed for more than 6 months in the past 12 months to apply if they became involuntarily unemployed on or after April 1, 2024, and remain unemployed by 15 June 2025.
What are the Key Features and Benefits of the Programme?
Through the official portal at jobseekersupport.mycareersfuture.gov.sg, eligible individuals can access a suite of services that simplify and strengthen the job search process.
Here’s what the scheme includes:
- Career Coaching Support
One-on-one sessions with trained career coaches who help you clarify your strengths, refine your goals, and stay focused during your job search journey. - Temporary Financial Support
Receive up to S$6,000 over 6 months for active job search participation, with separate training allowances available for full-time training courses through programs like MySkillsFuture. - Enhanced Access to Career Resources
Use tools like the Career Toolkit, resume builders, and digital assessments available on the Jobseeker Support portal to better understand your options and improve your job-readiness. - Personalised Career Plan
Coaches work with you to develop a tailored roadmap that includes reskilling options, job applications, and interview strategies, based on your current experience and future aspirations.
- Job Matching & Events
Gain priority access to curated job opportunities, virtual career fairs, and employer networking events, making it easier to land interviews and secure a role that fits.
How Do You Qualify for Payouts Under the Jobseeker Support Scheme?
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme employs an activities-based points system to encourage active participation in job-seeking efforts. Participants accumulate points by engaging in approved activities, which are necessary to qualify for monthly financial support.
Here’s how the system works:
Approved Activities and Corresponding Points
| Activity | Points | Monthly Cap |
| Register with an employment agency | 1 | 1 time |
| Attend a Skills and Training Advisory or SkillsFuture Advice Workshop | 1 | 1 time |
| Browse or subscribe to career-related content (e.g. CareersCompass) | 1 | 2 times |
| Apply for WSG’s Career Conversion or Mid-Career Pathways Programme | 1 pt | 3 times |
| Submit job applications on MyCareersFuture or other job portals | 1 pt | 5 times |
| Attend a training course on MySkillsFuture | 2 pts | 1 time |
| Update your resume on an online job portal | 2 pts | 1 time |
| Chart your career with the CareersFinder quiz | 2 pts | 1 time |
| Attend a career-related event, workshop or seminar | 2 pts | 3 times |
| Participate in employment-related volunteer programmes | 2 pts | No limit |
| Network with an industry professional | 3 pts | 1 time |
| Attend career coaching sessions or advisory services | 4 pts | 1 time |
| Attend a job interview | 4 pts | No limit |
Note: Activities requiring more effort, such as attending career coaching sessions, yield higher points. Some activities have monthly caps to encourage a diverse range of job-seeking efforts.
How Vertical Institute Can Help You Gain Points Under the Jobseeker Support Scheme
Vertical Institute offers a variety of career and training services that align with the approved activities under the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme. By participating in these VI activities, job seekers can accumulate points to qualify for monthly financial support.
| Vertical Institute Activity | Related Approved Activity | Points | Monthly Cap |
| Enrol in a certified VI course (e.g., Data Analytics, UI/UX Design, Digital Marketing) | Attend a training course on MySkillsFuture | 2 pts | 1 time |
| Participate in VI-hosted career-related webinars or networking events | Attend a career-related event, workshop or seminar | 2 pts | 3 times |
| Get your resume or LinkedIn profile reviewed by our career coaches | Update your resume on an online job portal | 2 pts | 1 time |
Payout Structure
Eligible job seekers can receive up to $6,000 in temporary financial support over 6 months, but only if they stay active in their job search and complete enough qualifying activities each month.
To qualify for payouts:
- First 3 months: You must earn at least 10 points per month
- Next 3 months: You must earn at least 5 points per month
Monthly Payout Breakdown
| Month | Target Points | Maximum Payout |
| Month 1 | 10 points | $1,500 |
| Month 2 | 10 points | $1,250 |
| Month 3 | 10 points | $1,000 |
| Month 4 | 5 points | $750 |
| Month 5 | 5 points | $750 |
| Month 6 | 5 points | $750 |
⚠️ Payout Limits Based on Your Previous Income
Your monthly payouts will not exceed your average gross salary from your last job.
For instance, if your previous income was $900 a month, that will be the maximum you can receive, even in months where the scheme allows payouts of $1,250 or more.
🛑 What Happens If You Get a Job?
If you return to work during the scheme, financial support will end the month after you’re re-employed.
This ensures support is targeted at those actively seeking work.
FAQs About the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme
Can I repeat the same activity to earn more points?
Some activities are capped monthly (e.g., resume updates, 1 per month), while others have no limit (e.g., job interviews). You’ll need to engage in a variety of activities to hit your target.
What happens if I miss the monthly point target?
If you don’t meet the required points for a given month, you won’t receive that month’s payout. However, you can carry forward excess points earned from previous months to help meet future targets.
Do payouts continue if I find a new job?
No. If you secure a job, payouts stop the following month, regardless of how many months remain in your 6-month support period.
Where do I apply and track my progress?
Visit the Jobseeker Support portal to apply, log your activities, monitor your points, and check your payout eligibility.
How many points do I earn from attending a Vertical Institute course?
You can earn 2 points per full-time training course listed on MySkillsFuture, capped at 1 course per month under the scheme’s guidelines.
What types of Vertical Institute courses are recommended for job seekers?
Vertical Institute offers a range of industry-relevant, SkillsFuture-eligible courses designed to boost employability in fast-growing sectors. These are especially useful for mid-career switchers and professionals who have been retrenched, looking to reskill quickly.
Courses include:
Generative AI
Data Analytics
UI/UX Design
Digital Marketing
Cybersecurity
Data Science & AI
Advanced Data Analytics
Blockchain
Once you’ve identified a course, you can:
– Confirm your eligibility for the scheme
– Understand how many points it contributes toward your monthly target
– Get guidance on scheduling and subsidies
Book a free call to discuss your goals and learn how to use the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme effectively. Our admissions team can walk you through the process and help you get started.
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Conclusion
The SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support Scheme offers more than just short-term relief—it’s a practical way to regain momentum after an unexpected career setback. With monthly financial support, structured coaching, and access to recognised training, the scheme is designed to help you move forward with confidence.
If you’re unemployed and unsure where to begin, this programme gives you a clear path to rebuild your skills, reconnect with the job market, and return to work stronger than before.
