Over 60% of SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support applications rejected, says Manpower Minister

More than 7,200 applications have been received for the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support (JS) scheme since its launch in April 2025, but over 60 per cent were rejected.

This was disclosed by Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng in a written parliamentary reply on 23 September 2025.

The response was in reply to questions filed by Members of Parliament Elysa Chen, Dr Wan Rizal, and Edward Chia.

Elysa Chen asked how many individuals had received support to date, given the scheme’s annual target of 60,000 jobseekers.
Dr Wan Rizal sought information on the profile of those assisted, while Edward Chia queried whether the scheme would be extended to contract workers whose agreements were not renewed.

As of 31 August 2025, Workforce Singapore (WSG) had approved just under 2,900 applications and rejected slightly more than 4,300, reflecting an acceptance rate of around 40 per cent.

Top reasons for rejection

Dr Tan stated that most rejections were due to applicants:

• Not being assessed as involuntarily unemployed;

• Exceeding the monthly income threshold of S$5,000; or

• Not having worked at least six of the past twelve months.

He emphasised that the scheme is intended for individuals who were retrenched, dismissed, or terminated due to illness or injury — not those who left work voluntarily.

“In cases where there is ambiguity in the reason for a worker becoming unemployed, WSG actively reaches out to employers to conduct verification checks,” he added.

Most applicants — whether approved or rejected — fell within the 26 to 40 age group.

The income and work history criteria, Dr Tan explained, are designed to ensure the scheme supports lower- to middle-income jobseekers facing recent employment shocks.

Exclusion of freelancers and contract workers

In response to MP Edward Chia’s question, Dr Tan confirmed that the JS scheme does not extend to self-employed individuals or freelancers, even if their contracts were not renewed.

“A self-employed person or freelancer is engaged for a fee to carry out an assignment or project. There is no guarantee of renewals,” he said.
“As such, they are not considered involuntarily unemployed and are excluded from JS scheme coverage.”

Outreach and policy review

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will continue working with tripartite partners to raise awareness of the JS scheme and encourage employers undergoing retrenchments to support affected employees in applying.

Dr Tan said the scheme remains in its early phase but will be reviewed regularly to ensure it provides appropriate support.

He also highlighted that the JS scheme forms part of a wider suite of initiatives under the SkillsFuture framework, which includes the SkillsFuture Level-Up and Career Conversion Programmes to help Singaporeans reskill and re-enter the workforce.