22 September 2020
1 In his Ministerial Statement on 17 August 2020, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Heng Swee Keat announced that applications for the COVID-19 Support Grant (CSG) will be extended until 31 December 2020. The CSG will continue to support Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident employees who have lost their jobs, were placed on involuntary No-Pay Leave (NPL) or sustained significant salary loss. The CSG provides support of up to $800 per month for three months to eligible employees.
2 The CSG is open to
a. First-time applicants who fulfil the eligibility criteria; and
b. (From 1 Oct 2020) Individuals who are currently receiving or have received CSG support, and fulfil the revised eligibility criteria after their CSG support has ended. They can apply for an additional three months of CSG support.
REVISED ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
3 The following changes to the eligibility criteria for the CSG will come into effect from 1 Oct 2020.
a. Job Search or Training Requirement for Unemployed CSG Applicants
The Government's SGUnited Jobs & Skills Package helps workers affected by the economic impact of COVID-19 acquire job-related skills and capabilities and access expanded employment opportunities. In line with these efforts, all CSG applicants (whether first- or second-time applicants) who are unemployed must demonstrate job search or training efforts to qualify for CSG support.
b. Property Ownership Criterion
To ensure that CSG support is given to those with less means, CSG applicants should not own more than one property.
4 The full revised eligibility criteria can be found in Annex A.
Applications for extended CSG to open from 1 Oct 2020, individuals to apply online
5 Applications for the CSG can be made online at go.gov.sg/CSG. First-time applicants who meet the current eligibility criteria may continue to apply for CSG until 6pm on 30 September. The revised eligibility criteria will take effect from 9am on 1 October . CSG beneficiaries who have received the full CSG grant or are in the final month of their assistance may apply for an additional three months of CSG support from 1 Oct 2020 (see illustrations in Annex B).
6 Applicants will be required to upload supporting documents that reflect their current employment situation (e.g. letter from their company to show loss of job or being placed on involuntary NPL), and their previous and current salaries (e.g. pay-slips to show at least 30 per cent loss of monthly salary after 23 Jan 2020). Applicants who have lost their jobs and are currently unemployed will be required to submit supporting documents to demonstrate their job search or training efforts (list of supporting documents accepted are in Annex C).
7 Those who need help filling in the online application form can call the ComCare Call hotline (1800-222-0000) or email Ask_SSO@msf.gov.sg. Those who are unable to apply online can approach their nearest Social Service Office (go.gov.sg/ssolocator) to schedule an application slot.
8 The CSG, together with other support schemes - such as the Jobs Support Scheme and additional flexibilities under ComCare - will provide support for workers and enterprises who have been affected in this time of economic uncertainty.