Senior Employment Credit (SEC)
The Senior Employment Credit (SEC) provides wage offsets to help employers adjust to higher Retirement Age and Re-employment Age requirements by supporting the employment of Singaporean workers aged 60 and above. The scheme offers higher support for older age bands, with employers receiving up to 7% of wages for workers earning below $4,000 per month. This initiative encourages continued employment of senior workers and helps businesses manage the transition to an aging workforce while supporting Singapore's active aging policies.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
All employers employing Singapore Citizens aged 60 years and above
- 02
Employee monthly wages must be below $4,000
- 03
Must have made timely mandatory CPF contributions for eligible employees
- 04
Business must be registered in Singapore
- 05
Excludes business owners, sole proprietors, partners, and shareholder-directors
- 06
Excludes local government agencies, international organisations
How to Apply
1. No application required - automatic assessment by IRAS 2. Continue employing eligible senior Singaporean workers 3. Ensure timely CPF contributions are made 4. IRAS will automatically calculate and notify payout amounts 5. Notification letters sent by post, electronic copies via myTax Portal 6. Set up GIRO or PayNow Corporate for payment receipt
Claims and Disbursement
Automatic payout schedule: • Wages paid Jan-Jun: Receive payout in September • Wages paid Jul-Dec: Receive payout in March (following year) • All payments via GIRO or PayNow Corporate (no cheques) • Request detailed breakdown through myTax Portal • Appeal window: 2 months from payout date • Anti-gaming framework in place to prevent abuse
Frequently Asked Questions
Age 60-64: 2% of wage, Age 65-67: 4% of wage, Age 68+: 7% of wage (2024-2025 rates)
Each employer receives payout based on wages they paid to that employee
SEC has been extended until 2026, with qualifying age for highest tier raised to 69 years in 2026
Yes, complete the decline form or email IRAS to opt out of current and future payouts
Yes, SEC payout is taxable in year of receipt and must be declared in corporate income tax returns
Related Grants
Enabling Employment Credit (EEC)
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
Up to 20% of monthly wages (max $400/month per employee) + additional 20% for first 9 months if previously unemployed
The Enabling Employment Credit (EEC) supports the employment of persons with disabilities by providing wage offsets to employers that hire local employees with disabilities aged 13 and above earning below $4,000 per month. The EEC provides up to 20% wage offset, capped at $400 per month per employee. Additionally, employers hiring persons with disabilities who have not been working for at least six months receive an enhanced additional 20% wage offset (also capped at $400 per month) for the first nine months of employment. This scheme encourages inclusive employment practices and supports workforce diversity.
Startup SG Talent
Enterprise Singapore
Work pass fees: S$105 application + S$225 issuance + S$30 Multiple Journey Visa (if applicable)
Startup SG Talent aims to foster a conducive environment for promising global talent to set up innovative businesses in Singapore through three main avenues: the EntrePass work pass scheme, Technology for Enterprise Capability Upgrading (T-UP), and SME Talent Programme (STP) for Startups. The EntrePass is a work pass for serial entrepreneurs, high-calibre innovators, and experienced investors looking to operate venture-backed or innovative technology businesses in Singapore. Jointly administered by Ministry of Manpower and Enterprise Singapore, the EntrePass is open to all nationalities and has been enhanced to simplify entry for global entrepreneurial talent. It requires pass holders to meet escalating renewal criteria including Total Business Spending and Local Workforce requirements, with the 30% shareholding requirement now deferred to end of Year 1.
CPF Transition Offset (CTO)
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
50% of the annual increase in employer CPF contribution rates (0.25% to 0.5% of eligible wages)
The CPF Transition Offset (CTO) is designed to alleviate the rise in business costs due to increasing CPF contribution rates for senior workers. The Government provides employers with a transitionary wage offset equivalent to 50% of each year's increase in employer CPF contribution rates for every Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident worker they employ aged above 55 to 70. The offset is based on employees' monthly incomes paid up to the CPF salary ceiling. This scheme helps employers adjust to the gradual increase in CPF rates while supporting continued employment of older workers.
Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS)
IRAS
40% co-funding for 2025, 20% co-funding for 2026 (enhanced rates from Budget 2025)
The Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS) provides transitional wage support for employers to adjust to mandatory wage increases for lower-wage workers covered by the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) and Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) requirements, and to voluntarily raise wages of lower-wage workers. The Government co-funds eligible wage increases for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents from 2022 to 2026. Budget 2025 enhanced the co-funding rates for 2025 and 2026. The PWCS is administered by IRAS and requires no application from employers — payouts are automatically computed and disbursed based on CPF contribution data.
Career Conversion Programmes (CCP)
Workforce Singapore
Up to 90% salary support (enhanced for long-term unemployed or mature workers aged 40+). Course fee subsidies up to 90% for SC/PR.
Career Conversion Programmes (CCP), also known as Place-and-Train and Job Redesign Reskilling programmes, are sector-specific programmes supported by Workforce Singapore that help mid-career workers reskill into new occupations or new sectors with good prospects. Employers hiring or reskilling Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents receive salary support during the conversion period. Note: Enhanced job redesign support is provided separately through the SkillsFuture Workforce Development Grant (Job Redesign+), or WDG(JR+), under the Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package (EWTP), launched from March 2026.
Mid-Career Pathways Programme (MCPP)
Workforce Singapore
Attachment allowance: $1,800-$3,800/month. Government funds 70% of allowance.
The Mid-Career Pathways Programme (MCPP) is designed to support mid-career individuals in their skills development and career transition journey. NOTE: Specific programme details are not readily available. Broader job redesign support is now available separately through WDG(JR+) under the Enterprise Workforce Transformation Package (EWTP), launched from March 2026.