Published: January 2023 | Authors: Leap Philanthropy Singapore (Leap201) & NUS Social Service Research Centre
About the Report
The WIS Reimagined report, co-authored by Leap201 and the NUS Social Service Research Centre (SSRC), presents evidence-based recommendations for reforming Singapore’s Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme. Published in January 2023, the report argues that the individual-based WIS model fails to account for household-level financial stress — particularly for low-income families where the combined household income remains insufficient to meet basic needs despite individuals qualifying for support.
Key Recommendation: Household-Based WIS
The report’s central recommendation is that WIS eligibility and payout calculations should shift from an individual earnings basis to a household per capita income basis. Household-based assessment would bring WIS in line with other means-tested social assistance schemes in Singapore, such as ComCare, and better reflect the actual financial circumstances of low-income working families.
The report proposes that WIS be redesigned so that households with low per capita income receive proportionally higher support, ensuring that families — not just individuals — benefit from the scheme in a meaningful way.
Policy Impact
The Budget 2024 enhancements to WIS — the largest income cap increase since WIS was introduced in 2007, delivered one year ahead of schedule — are in the impact direction of Leap201’s Workfare Reimagined advocacy. The enhancements will benefit over 500,000 Singaporeans with bigger payouts, wider coverage, and longer support.
About the Co-Authors
Leap201 (Leap Philanthropy Singapore) is a Singapore-based venture philanthropy organisation that advances systemic change for low-income and working families through social loans, programme incubation, and policy advocacy.
NUS Social Service Research Centre (SSRC) is an applied research centre at the National University of Singapore that conducts research to strengthen the social service sector and inform evidence-based social policy in Singapore.