MOM: 54% Jobseeker Support Scheme applicants were unsuccessful by Sept 2026, with 69% unsuccessful applications involving involuntary unemployment assessment
Singapore jobseeker reviews employment support application
SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Jobseeker Support Scheme (JSS) turned away about 54% of applicants by September 2026, with the assessment of involuntary unemployment accounting for the largest share of unsuccessful applications.
Figures released by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) showed that 69% of unsuccessful applicants weren't assessed to be involuntarily unemployed. Another 33% exceeded the scheme’s S$5,000 monthly income threshold, while 18% hadn't worked for at least six months in the preceding 12 months.
The figures were disclosed in a written parliamentary reply on Nov 4 by Acting Minister for Manpower Jasmin Lau. She was responding to questions from Member of Parliament Patrick Tay Teck Guan.
Involuntary unemployment assessment accounts for most unsuccessful applications
The figures were based on applications received up to Sept 30, 2026. MOM's breakdown showed three main reasons for unsuccessful applications:
69% weren't assessed as involuntarily unemployed.
33% had a past average monthly income exceeding S$5,000.
18% hadn't worked for at least six months in the previous 12 months.
Some applicants were unsuccessful for more than one reason.
The figures suggest that meeting the scheme's income and employment history requirements isn't enough. Applicants must also satisfy MOM's assessment of whether they lost their jobs involuntarily.
Mr Tay asked whether the eligibility rules could cover people who had been involuntarily unemployed for longer periods.
The MP also wanted MOM to review the maximum monthly and total financial support available under JSS, particularly for middle-income workers who lost their jobs involuntarily.
Mr Tay’s questions touch on two concerns: how long someone must be unemployed to qualify and whether the financial assistance is enough during an extended job search.
MOM says next review will consider proposed changes
In her reply, Ms Lau acknowledged that a prolonged job search can take a toll on jobseekers.
She noted that people may spend months applying for jobs, attending interviews and retraining. The process requires considerable effort and can bring financial and emotional strain.
MOM said it regularly reviews the scheme's parameters to ensure they provide appropriate support. The ministry will consider Mr Tay's suggestions during its next review.
The challenge of supporting people between jobs
A job loss can put pressure on household finances, especially when finding another position takes months.
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JSS is meant to support eligible jobseekers during this period, but the latest figures show that more than half of applicants hadn't qualified by September.
The next review will be important in deciding whether the current rules offer enough help to people facing longer periods without work.
Financial support should come with sensible eligibility checks. At the same time, people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own shouldn't find themselves struggling through a lengthy job search without adequate help.