SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) administers Singapore’s workforce development grants and training subsidies. If you need to upskill employees, offset training costs, or get support for wage increases, SSG programmes cover these needs.
This directory explains each SSG programme, who qualifies, and how to claim.
Start Here (Quick Pick)
- You want a one-off credit for training, consultancy, or technology adoption → SFEC
- You are raising wages for lower-wage Singaporean workers → PWCS
- You want to send employees for SSG-approved courses at subsidised rates → Course Subsidies
- You need salary reimbursement while employees attend training → Absentee Payroll
Eligibility & Timing Rules
- SFEC and PWCS are auto-qualified. You do not submit an application form. SSG and IRAS determine eligibility based on CPF and SDL contribution data.
- Course subsidies apply at the point of enrolment. The training provider applies the subsidy directly; employers pay only the net course fee.
- Absentee payroll must be claimed after training. Submit claims via the SkillsConnect system after employees complete approved courses.
- No double-dipping. The same expense cannot be claimed under multiple grants. However, SFEC can stack on top of other grants to offset your remaining out-of-pocket costs.
SSG Grants & Subsidies
1) SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)
Use SFEC when: you want a one-off credit to offset out-of-pocket costs for workforce transformation — training, consultancy, or technology adoption.
Good fit examples
- Offsetting co-payment for PSG or EDG grants (covers up to 90% of out-of-pocket)
- Sending employees for SSG-funded courses
- Engaging consultants for job redesign or HR transformation
- Adopting new technology under supported schemes
How much
- S$10,000 one-off credit per eligible employer
- Covers up to 90% of out-of-pocket expenses on qualifying programmes
- Stacks on top of existing grants (e.g., use SFEC to cover the remaining 50% co-payment after a 50% PSG grant)
When
- Auto-qualified — check eligibility via the Business Grants Portal (BGP)
- Claims must be made by H2 2026
- No separate application required; credit is applied when you claim under qualifying programmes
How (fast path)
- Log into BGP and confirm your S$10,000 SFEC credit is available.
- Identify a qualifying programme (PSG, EDG, SSG-funded courses, or supported schemes).
- Apply for the programme as normal.
- At the claims stage, indicate you want to use SFEC to offset out-of-pocket costs.
- SFEC credit is deducted automatically from your remaining co-payment.
Where
- See more: SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)
2) Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS)
Use PWCS when: you are raising wages for lower-wage Singaporean workers and want government co-funding of the wage increase.
Good fit examples
- Implementing Progressive Wage Model requirements in cleaning, security, or landscape sectors
- Voluntarily raising wages for workers earning up to S$2,500/month
- Budgeting for mandatory wage increases with government co-funding support
How much
- Government co-funds 30—75% of qualifying wage increases
- Applies to Singaporean employees earning a gross monthly wage of up to S$2,500
- Co-funding rates are higher for lower-wage workers and decrease over time
- Disbursements are made quarterly by IRAS
When
- Automatic — no application required
- IRAS calculates eligibility based on CPF contribution data
- Quarterly disbursements with no deadline (ongoing scheme)
How (fast path)
- Raise wages for eligible Singaporean employees (gross monthly wage up to S$2,500).
- Continue making CPF contributions as normal.
- IRAS automatically identifies qualifying wage increases from CPF data.
- Receive PWCS disbursement quarterly — no application or claim submission needed.
Where
- See more: Progressive Wage Credit Scheme (PWCS)
3) SkillsFuture Course Subsidies
Use course subsidies when: you want to send employees for SSG-approved training courses at reduced rates.
Good fit examples
- Upskilling employees in digital skills, data analytics, or cybersecurity
- Sending workers for industry certification courses (e.g., WSQ qualifications)
- Sponsoring mid-career employees (aged 40+) for reskilling programmes
- Enrolling staff in SkillsFuture Series courses for emerging skills
How much
- Up to 70% subsidy for SME-sponsored employees on SSG-funded courses
- Up to 90% subsidy for mid-career Singaporeans and PRs aged 40+ (Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy)
- Subsidy is applied directly by the training provider — employers pay only the net fee
- Additional support available through SFEC to offset remaining out-of-pocket costs
When
- Subsidies apply at the point of enrolment
- Course must be listed on the SSG Training Partners Gateway or MySkillsFuture portal
- No separate grant application required — subsidy is built into the course fee
How (fast path)
- Search for SSG-approved courses on the Training Partners Gateway or MySkillsFuture portal.
- Confirm the subsidy tier (standard, SME-sponsored, or mid-career enhanced).
- Enrol employees through the training provider.
- Pay the net course fee after subsidy is applied.
- Optionally use SFEC credit to further offset remaining costs.
Where
- Applied through training provider or SSG portal
4) Absentee Payroll
Use absentee payroll when: you want reimbursement for employee salary costs while they attend SSG-approved training during working hours.
Good fit examples
- Employees attending multi-day certification courses during work hours
- Staff on block-release training programmes (e.g., WSQ, diploma courses)
- Workers attending approved in-house or external training during paid time
How much
- Up to S$4.50 per hour of training attendance
- Capped at S$100,000 per company per calendar year
- Reimbursement is based on actual training hours attended
When
- Claim after the employee completes the approved training
- Submit within the claim window (typically within months of course completion)
- Training must be SSG-funded or approved
How (fast path)
- Enrol employees in SSG-approved courses that qualify for absentee payroll.
- Employees attend training during working hours.
- After course completion, submit absentee payroll claim via the SkillsConnect system.
- Provide training attendance records and employee salary details.
- Receive reimbursement after claim is processed.
Where
- Applied through training provider or SSG portal
SSG Grants at a Glance
| Programme | Funding | Cap | Best For | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SFEC | Up to 90% of out-of-pocket | S$10,000 one-off | Training, consultancy, technology adoption | Auto-qualified (check BGP) |
| PWCS | 30-75% of wage increases | No fixed cap | Lower-wage worker wage increases | Automatic (no application) |
| Course Subsidies | 70-90% of course fees | Per-course basis | Employee upskilling and reskilling | Via training provider |
| Absentee Payroll | S$4.50/hour | S$100,000/year per company | Salary offset during training | Claim via SkillsConnect |
Common Pitfalls with SSG Grants
1. Assuming SFEC is a cash payout
- SFEC is a credit that offsets out-of-pocket costs on qualifying programmes. It is not a direct cash disbursement. You must use it against an eligible scheme (PSG, EDG, SSG-funded courses, etc.).
2. Missing the SFEC expiry deadline
- SFEC credits must be claimed by H2 2026. Unused credits expire and cannot be recovered. Check your balance in BGP early and plan qualifying expenditures ahead of time.
3. Confusing course subsidies with SFEC
- Course subsidies reduce the upfront course fee automatically. SFEC is a separate credit that offsets your remaining co-payment. They can be used together, but they are different mechanisms.
4. Not claiming absentee payroll
- Many employers forget to submit absentee payroll claims after training is completed. The reimbursement is not automatic — you must submit claims via SkillsConnect with attendance records.
5. Sending employees for non-approved courses
- Course subsidies and absentee payroll only apply to SSG-approved courses listed on the Training Partners Gateway. Courses not on the approved list do not qualify for any subsidy or reimbursement.
6. Expecting PWCS for PR employees
- PWCS only applies to Singaporean citizens. Permanent residents and foreign workers are not eligible for PWCS co-funding, regardless of their wage level.
Related Guides & Resources
Decision Guides
- SFEC vs PWCS Decision Matrix — choose between enterprise credit and wage co-funding
- Hiring & Training Grants Guide — EDG for HR transformation projects
Application Guides
- Grant Pitfalls Guide — common mistakes across all grants
- Singapore Grants Glossary — key terms and definitions
- SFEC Quick Start Checklist — step-by-step SFEC activation
Scheme Details
Official Links
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