Cost of Living (COL) Special Payment
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How will I be notified of the COL Special Payment?
You will receive a message in the inbox of your Singpass app after payment has been made in June 2023 for the 2023 COL Special Payment. Please turn on your notifications for the Singpass app so that you will not miss any alerts and messages.
If you do not have the Singpass app, an SMS will be sent to your Singpass-registered mobile number.
How do I update my mobile number to receive SMS for the COL Special Payment?
To update your mobile number to receive SMS for the COL Special Payment, please log in to your Singpass account at the Singpass website.How do I download and set up my Singpass mobile app?
You can download the Singpass app at the Singpass website.
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Do I need to sign up for and/or how do I check if I have signed up for the COL Special Payment?
You will automatically receive your COL Special Payment if you are eligible. No action is required on your part.
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How will I receive my COL Special Payment?
You will receive your COL Special Payment via your PayNow-NRIC linked bank account. To check your PayNow-NRIC-linked bank account details, please approach your bank.
If you do not have a PayNow-NRIC-linked bank account with a PayNow-GIRO-participating local or foreign bank in Singapore but have provided your DBS/POSB, OCBC or UOB bank account number to the Government previously, you will receive your COL Special Payment via bank transfer. You can check and update your bank account details registered with us by logging in to our e-services with your Singpass.
Otherwise, the COL Special Payment will be credited to you via GovCash. GovCash is a payment mode that allows Singaporeans to receive their benefits from Government agencies more quickly and conveniently. You are encouraged to link your NRIC to PayNow with a PayNow-GIRO-participating local or foreign bank in Singapore to receive your benefits earlier.
How can I update my mode of payment for COL Special Payment?
You are encouraged to register for PayNow-NRIC with a PayNow-GIRO-participating local or foreign bank in Singapore to receive your COL Special Payment earlier. Payment will be made by default to your PayNow-NRIC-linked bank account.
If you do not have a PayNow-NRIC-linked bank account, you can update your bank account details by logging in to our e-services with your Singpass. Only bank account details received by 5 June 2023 for the 2023 COL Special Payment will be used for crediting by 15 June 2023.
Payment instructions received from 6 June 2023 for the 2023 COL Special Payment will be used for future government benefits.What is PayNow?
PayNow is a secure funds transfer service that allows customers to receive money into their bank account via NRIC/FIN and/or mobile number.
With PayNow, the recipient's bank information will be kept private. The recipient will need to provide their mobile number or NRIC/FIN to the sender to send money. Other PayNow users will not have access to your personal details unless it is provided by you. To receive government benefits via PayNow, you will need to link your NRIC to PayNow. PayNow-Mobile number is not accepted.How do I link my NRIC to PayNow?
You can register for PayNow-NRIC if you have a bank account with any of the following participating banks in Singapore:Bank Bank of China CIMB Citibank DBS Bank / POSB HSBC Bank ICBC Maybank OCBC Standard Chartered Bank UOB
You may refer to your respective bank's website for specific details on how to link your NRIC to PayNow. If you do not have internet or mobile banking, you can contact your bank directly to register for PayNow-NRIC. PayNow-Mobile number is not accepted for receiving government benefits.
If you do not have a PayNow-NRIC-linked account, and wish to receive your payment via bank crediting, you may provide your bank account details to us by logging in to our e-services with your Singpass.My mobile number is already registered to my bank account on PayNow. Can the Government credit the COL Special Payment to me via PayNow-Mobile instead of via PayNow-NRIC?
We can only credit your COL Special Payment to you via your PayNow-NRIC-linked bank account. NRIC is an unchanged proxy issued by the Government, compared to mobile numbers which may be easily changed. To ensure that the money is credited to the correct recipient's bank account, only NRIC will be accepted as the proxy for government benefits via PayNow.
Eligible Singaporeans who have linked their NRIC to PayNow with a PayNow-GIRO-participating bank will receive the payments in this bank account.What is GovCash?
GovCash is a payment mode that allows Singapore citizens to receive their benefits from Government agencies more quickly and conveniently as compared to cheques. Singaporeans can withdraw their Government benefits in cash from over 500 OCBC ATMs located across Singapore.
Previously, cheque recipients would have to deposit the cheques or encash them over the bank counters. GovCash allows them to receive their benefits at the OCBC ATM immediately at any time of the day. They are no longer restricted by the bank's operating hours. Singaporeans who prefer to seek assistance with their GovCash withdrawals can visit the ATMs located within OCBC's branches during operating hours, where OCBC Digital Ambassadors will be present to guide them. In addition, GovCash also allows recipients to use the scan-and-pay function and PayNow transfer option through the LifeSG mobile app.
For enquiries related to withdrawal of COL Special Payment via GovCash, please refer to the GovCash FAQs.Why are cheques not issued for COL Special Payment?
GovCash will replace cheques from 2022 onwards to allow Singapore citizens to receive their benefits more quickly and conveniently.
Previously, cheque recipients would have to deposit the cheques or encash them over the bank counters. GovCash allows them to receive their benefits at the OCBC ATMs islandwide immediately at any time of the day. They are no longer restricted by the OCBC bank's operating hours. Singaporeans who prefer to seek assistance with their GovCash withdrawals can visit the ATMs located within OCBC's branches during operating hours, where OCBC Digital Ambassadors will be present to guide them. In addition, GovCash also allows recipients to use the scan-and-pay function and PayNow transfer option through the LifeSG mobile app.
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Do I qualify for the COL Special Payment if my Assessable Income is unavailable, but I meet all other criteria?
We are only able to assess your eligibility for COL Special Payment once your income for Year of Assessment 2022 has been assessed by IRAS. Please call IRAS at 1800 356 8300 to file your Income Tax Return. Please be reminded all individual taxpayers are required to e-file an accurate tax return by 18 April each year unless they are under the No-filing Service.
I own more than one property, but I earn a very low income and am in financial difficulty. Can I be eligible for the COL Special Payment?
We will consider such cases on a case-by-case basis. You may log in to the e-services with your Singpass and write in to us.
If you require further assistance, you may approach any Social Service Office (SSO) within your vicinity who may be able to advise you on the available assistance based on your situation, and provide you with the necessary assistance. You may wish to visit the website to locate the nearest SSO to you.I am residing overseas. Am I eligible to receive the COL Special Payment?
The COL Special Payment is meant to provide relief to Singaporeans to address their concerns on the cost-of-living in Singapore. Therefore, you are not eligible for these benefits if you residing overseas.If the beneficiary passes away before the payment of the COL Special Payment is made, will he/she still qualify?
No. The COL Special Payment is only paid out to Singapore citizens who are alive.