Applications for Jobseeker Support Scheme Open Today

It provides temporary financial relief of up to $6,000 over 6 months for those eligible

- Sharon Salim

When senior creative designer Michelle Tan (not her real name) was told that her position in a preschool would be outsourced to someone with the "right price range", her confidence was shaken.

After losing her job in February, she turned to the National Trades Union Congress' (NTUC) Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) for help, and started reworking her resume according to her career coach's guidance.

Starting from April 15, she can also apply for the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme, which is open to lower- and middle-income adult Singaporeans who have lost their jobs due to retrenchment, business closure, illness or other reasons beyond their control.

In Ms Tan's case, she will need to submit documents like her official termination letter at go.gov.sg/jobseekersupport, along with her former employer's contact details for verification purposes.

Once her application is approved, she can join a variety of job search activities, from networking to attending training, to earn points, which could secure her temporary payouts of up to $6,000 over six months.

Ms Tan is likely among the first beneficiaries of the new scheme, announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his maiden National Day Rally speech in August 2024. She told The Straits Times that she feels "more comforted" and "more secure" that she can get mentorship from her coach.

In a press release on March 14, NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng said the scheme is a significant first step in providing temporary financial relief to those who are involuntarily unemployed.