Singapore will temporarily raise monthly ComCare Interim Assistance payouts to at least S$250 for up to three months starting August 17, 2026, to help lower-income households cope with rising living costs amid the Middle East crisis [1, 2, 3].
Households on the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) scheme can apply for a supplementary allowance boosting monthly cash aid by at least 5% or S$50, whichever is higher, also for up to three months [1, 2, 3]. These enhancements apply until December 31, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
Eligibility rules for the Interim Assistance scheme will be relaxed. Families with monthly per capita incomes just above the usual S$800 threshold can apply if they face financial difficulties. Applicants must be lower-income Singapore citizens or permanent residents with at least one citizen immediate family member living in public housing and not currently receiving ComCare aid [1, 2, 3]. Applications can be filed online via SupportGoWhere or at community clubs [1, 2, 3].
In January 2027, all Singaporean households will receive an additional S$300 in Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers, building on the earlier S$500 vouchers to total S$800 worth of vouchers valid through the end of 2027 [4]. These vouchers can be used at more than 24,000 hawkers, heartland merchants, and supermarkets [4]. The government will also boost forthcoming U-Save rebates to help offset rising utility bills for most households [4].
These measures are part of a S$900 million support package announced on July 29, 2026, which follows a prior S$1 billion package in April for inflation and cost-of-living relief [4]. Second Minister for Finance Jeffrey Siow said, "We expect global energy prices to remain elevated, which will translate to higher costs for petrol, diesel, electricity, as well as certain imported goods" [4]. Senior Minister of State for Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming added, "We know that lower-income households may find it harder to absorb increases in their daily expenses, especially if they have limited savings. We want them to know that help is available" [1].
Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling noted that the cumulative S$1.03 billion in vouchers has boosted demand at participating heartland shops and hawkers [4]. The temporary ComCare enhancements start August 17 and run through December 31, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
