Singapore’s SG Bonus: A One‑Off Pay‑Me‑Back for 2.8 Million People
Starting next Tuesday (Oct 2), adult Singaporeans who qualify for the SG Bonus—up to $300—will receive their exact payout in the mail. The Ministry of Finance plans to hand out a total of $700 million by December, covering almost 3 million eligible folks.
How the Check Itches
- Online Check: Log in to GovTech’s SG Bonus portal using your SingPass. The site goes live on Oct 2.
- SMS Alerts: If you’ve linked your mobile number to SingPass, you’ll get a text with the bonus details.
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat explained that this bonus rides on a healthy budget surplus of $9.6 billion (2.1 % of GDP) for FY 2017—way above the $1.9 billion projection a year earlier, thanks to a windfall of $4.6 billion from statutory board contributions.
Bonus Breakdown
Singaporeans 21 years and older by Dec 31 get a tiered payout based on their 2017 assessable income:
- $300 for those earning ≤ $28,000.
- $200 for earnings between $28,001 and $100,000.
- $100 for those earning > $100,000 or owning more than one property.
This is on top of the existing GST voucher and Service & Conservancy Charges rebate, so folks can feel the economic lift from multiple fronts.
Automatic or DIY?
If you’ve already signed up for other government payouts—like Growth Dividends or GST vouchers—you’ll get the SG Bonus automatically. Those who haven’t yet will receive instructions in their letters.
- Sign up online or via a paper form (available at community clubs and CPF service centres) by Mar 31 next year.
- Complete the enrollment by Nov 7 to get your bonus by Dec 2018.
PayNow‑Friendly
Want the money dropped straight into your bank account without giving away your account details? Register your NRIC on PayNow by Nov 7, and you’ll receive the bonus as early as Nov 30.
- Those who don’t register will still get the bonus via a direct bank credit or cheque.
Giving Back
Some Singaporeans have suggested donating their bonus to those in need. The Ministry now supports this—just log into the SG Bonus website or the SG Cares mobile app to make a donation.
Need More Info?
Visit the SG Bonus page at www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/sgbonus (no hyperlinks, just plain text) for the full scoop, and check out all other Budget 2018 benefits at www.singaporebudget.gov.sg.
Drop us a line at [email protected] or ring 1800‑2222‑888, and we’ll be happy to help.
This article first appeared in The Straits Times.
