The Singapore government’s AP Cash program offers annual direct cash payouts to eligible citizens, helping ease financial burdens. This initiative, which spans from 2022 to 2026, provides payouts ranging from $700 to $2,250, determined by a person’s Assessable Income (AI) and property ownership. These payments are disbursed every December, ensuring timely financial aid, particularly for lower-income individuals and those with fewer properties.
Key Features of AP Cash Payout
The Annual Payout Cash (AP Cash) program is designed to support Singaporeans financially amid rising living costs. Depending on their income levels and property ownership, recipients receive payments between $700 and $2,250 over five years.
This initiative aims to:
- Promote financial inclusivity.
- Offer targeted assistance to lower-income individuals.
- Mitigate the impact of economic challenges.
Eligibility Criteria for AP Cash
To qualify for the AP Cash payout, citizens must meet the following conditions:
1. Citizenship
Only Singaporean citizens are eligible. Permanent residents, foreigners, or individuals with dual citizenship are excluded.
2. Age Requirement
Applicants must be 21 years or older as of the reference year. For instance, eligibility for the 2024 payout requires applicants to have turned 21 in 2023.
3. Assessable Income (AI)
The payout amount is linked to Assessable Income, calculated as:
Total Income – Allowable Expenses and Donations = Assessable Income (AI)
For example:
- Total income: $35,000
- Donations: $5,000
- AI: $30,000
Income from employment, trade, and rental sources is considered in this calculation. Lower-income individuals qualify for higher payouts.
4. Property Ownership
The number of properties owned affects eligibility and payout amounts. Those owning more than one property receive smaller payouts.
Applicants can verify their AI and property details on the myTax Portal via the IRAS website.
Disbursement Details
The program distributes payouts annually from 2022 to 2026, with amounts varying based on income levels and property ownership. Below is the disbursement schedule:
| Year of Disbursement | Owns 0 to 1 Property (AI Up to $34,000) | Owns 0 to 1 Property (AI $34,000–$100,000) | Owns More Than 1 Property (AI Any Range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 (Dec 2022) | $200 | $150 | $100 |
| 2024 (Dec 2023) | $600 | $350 | $200 |
| 2025 (Dec 2024) | $600 | $350 | $200 |
| 2026 (Dec 2025) | $600 | $350 | $100 |
| 2027 (Dec 2026) | $250 | $150 | $100 |
| Total | $2,250 | $1,350 | $700 |
Key Insights:
- Those with an AI up to $34,000 and owning 0 to 1 property receive the maximum payout of $2,250.
- Higher income brackets or multiple property ownership lead to reduced payouts.
Payment Methods for AP Cash
The government ensures an automated and efficient disbursement process, with payments credited through the following methods:
1. PayNow-NRIC (Default)
- Recipients with PayNow-linked bank accounts receive payments directly.
- To qualify for 2024 disbursements, accounts must be linked by 23 November 2024.
- Payments commence on 5 December 2024.
2. Bank Transfer
- Citizens without a PayNow-NRIC account can provide bank details via e-services by 27 November 2024.
- Payments are credited starting 16 December 2024.
3. GovCash
- Those without a linked bank account receive payouts through GovCash, beginning 24 December 2024.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the AP Cash payout?
Only Singaporean citizens aged 21 or older, with an AI and property ownership meeting specific criteria, are eligible.
How is the payout amount determined?
The amount is based on an individual’s Assessable Income and property ownership, with higher payouts for lower-income individuals owning fewer properties.
When are payments made?
Payments are disbursed annually in December from 2022 to 2026.
