I would be worried if he isn't stingy

“I was expecting $2k” – Budget 2025 sparks debate over vouchers vs cash payouts

SINGAPORE: All eyes were on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as he delivered his first Budget statement since becoming head of government on Tuesday afternoon (Feb 18). The budget included enhanced support for worker upskilling and training programmes, more financial benefits for families who have more children, as well as heavy investments in research and development, infrastructure and incentivizing the stock market.

However, with a general election looming this year, much of the pre-Budget speculation online revolved around whether the Budget would include “election goodies” in the form of direct cash payouts.

Those looking for a larger cash sum were perhaps left disappointed as the majority of the measures aimed at alleviating the cost of living squeeze took the form of credits and vouchers this year.

Mr Wong announced a slew of credits under the ActiveSG, LifeSG, SG Culture Pass and Climate Voucher schemes, alongside Edusave and Medisave top-ups, utilities rebates, and personal income tax rebates.

He also revealed that Singaporeans would receive $600 in SG60 Vouchers, with seniors getting an additional $200. These vouchers can be used wherever Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers are welcome. On top of the SG60 vouchers, all households will receive $800 in CDC vouchers.

The only cash payout component of the budget comes under the GST Voucher scheme. Eligible Singaporeans will receive S$450 or S$850 in cash in August 2025 as part of this year’s budget.

While the range of vouchers aims to address various needs, some Singaporeans online have expressed disappointment online, asserting that they would prefer more direct cash assistance to cope with rising living costs. A number of netizens argued that cash would be more flexible and practical for coping with rising living costs compared to vouchers, which are limited to specific uses and merchants.

One Facebook user, Sky Tan, asked, “Just give cash can anot, why so much pattern…” while Facebook user Kamen Augustine Tan said, “Give money better than more vouchers.”

Another Facebook user added, “For CDC vouchers have to look for the businesses that accept CDC. Why not just give cash? Can use it everywhere.” Yet another netizen, Terrence Mark Pereira, complained, “Why all monies in form of vouchers? No more cash outlay!”

Some also said that they expected a larger sum since this is an election year. Facebook user Ismail Ismael lamented, “I’m expecting 2k…like this amount is peanut n butter… sigh.”

Another netizen, Edward Sim, wrote in a comment: “Election year 就是 election year. No worries, we get the chicken drumsticks this year compared to last time chicken wings, but they will take back the whole chicken farm from us after election.”

The phrase “give chicken drumsticks and take back the whole chicken” is a Singaporean colloquialism that describes situations where a small concession is offered, only for something more valuable to be taken away later. The netizen’s comment reflects his belief that generous pre-election benefits may be followed by post-election increases in taxes or other costs of living.

A number of Facebook commenters agreed that cash is king while some cautioned that vouchers have a higher risk of being wasted than cash. Facebook user Yx Dai said,  “All CDC vouchers… Very hard to use. The one for the supermarket, can only be used for general items, which you probably already have. You can’t even use it to buy a new pair of glasses, which old people probably need to have one with updated eye sight correction.”

He added, “You can’t buy what you really need and those vouchers ended up being wasted by not being used. You can’t even use it to pay bus fares or mrt fares. You can’t use it to pay town council charges.”

Some Singaporeans, however, welcomed the vouchers and defended the government’s approach, asserting that vouchers not only help citizens but also support local businesses.

A number of loyal commenters argued that the Budget reflects a forward-looking strategy aimed at strengthening Singapore’s economic and social fabric, advising critics to consider the long-term benefits rather than focusing solely on immediate cash payouts.

As Singapore heads towards a general election, this Budget has sparked robust public debate, with the spotlight firmly on the balance between immediate relief and long-term national growth. Whether the measures announced will resonate positively with voters remains to be seen as the nation prepares for a decisive year ahead.

https://theindependent.sg/647778/

Waiting for The Toilet Times and SMU's Prof Eugene Tan to sing nauseating praises about Lawrence Wong's maiden budget as PM.....

Mai 冤枉 LW lah, there are two $$$ payouts slated for August and December:

Budget 2025: $600 SG60 vouchers for citizens aged 21 to 59; $800 for those aged 60 and above

SINGAPORE – In July, all Singaporeans aged between 21 and 59 this year will get a one-time $600 handout in the form of SG60 vouchers, while seniors aged 60 and above will get $800.

Announcing this as he laid out a slew of goodies to mark Singapore’s 60th anniversary in his Feb 18 Budget speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the vouchers are to recognise the contributions of all Singaporeans and share the benefits of the nation’s progress.

In total, some three million adults will get the SG60 vouchers, said the Finance Ministry in a statement. Seniors will be able to claim them first, followed by other adults.

These vouchers are like CDC vouchers, added PM Wong, who is also the Finance Minister. This means people can claim them digitally on RedeemSG via Singpass. 

The vouchers can be used at all businesses that accept CDC vouchers, with half to be spent at participating supermarkets, and the remainder at participating heartland merchants and hawkers.

The SG60 vouchers are estimated to cost the Government a total of $2.02 billion. 

Together with a fresh tranche of $800 in CDC vouchers to be given out to Singaporean households in May 2025 and Jan 2026 – set to cost the Government some $1.06 billion – estimated handouts for individuals and households are expected to exceed $3 billion in the coming financial year.

PM Wong said SG60 vouchers came as Singaporeans across different generations and from all walks of life have “played a vital role in getting us to SG60”.

Noting that the country has made great strides in 60 years – “a short time” for a country – he said Singaporeans have forged a stronger Singaporean identity, built on their shared experiences and memories, as well as their shared hopes and dreams.

“We look out for one another, cheer each other on, and help our fellow citizens succeed together,” he added.

Besides the SG60 vouchers, tax-paying resident individuals will also get a 60 per cent rebate on their personal income tax, capped at $200, for income earned in 2024, PM Wong said. This will mostly benefit middle-income workers.

A third SG60 goodie, the SG60 baby gift for all Singaporean babies born this year, was earlier announced by Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah. More details on this will be given when the Prime Minister’s Office debates its budget for the next financial year.

In the SG60 year, PM Wong said the Government will also invest more in strengthening Singapore’s cultural core and community bonds by encouraging Singaporeans to attend local arts and heritage activities.

Every Singaporean aged 18 years and above this year will get $100 in SG Culture Pass credits. These new credits can be used to buy tickets for eligible local performances, exhibitions, and experiences such as learning tours and participatory workshops.

The credits will be made available from Sept 1, 2025 and are valid till end 2028.

In announcing this, PM Wong said other countries’ experiences show how easy it is for trust to be eroded, and for societies to become deeply divided and polarised. 

Calling on Singaporeans to treat unity as a precious asset that must never be taken for granted, he said the country must remain steadfast in nurturing cohesion and unity.

The fifth SG60 goodie is a one-time $600 rental support for each hawker stall in centres managed by government or government-appointed operators. This is to recognise the role that hawker centres and markets play in Singapore’s national identity and heritage.

This would mark the fifth anniversary of the inscription of Singapore’s hawker culture into the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, PM Wong said.

It comes on top of the up to $1 billion allocated over the next 20 to 30 years to upgrade ageing hawker centres and to build new centres, he added. More details on this will be given when the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment debates its Budget in some weeks.

The last SG60 goodie pertains to a one-off $100 top-up in ActiveSG credits for citizens and permanent residents in June 2025. This is to encourage broad-based sports participation across different segments of society.

PM Wong noted that new sports facilities will be built in Toa Payoh, Punggol and Clementi, while existing facilities in Pasir Ris, Queenstown and Hougang would get an upgrade.

“Our solidarity has seen us through many challenges, including our fight against Covid-19. We must continue to help our fellow citizens and ensure that we move forward together, as a people and a nation,” he added.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/budget-2025-600-sg60-vouchers-for-citizens-aged-21-to-59-800-for-those-aged-60-and-above

Nope, still nothing regarding cold hard moolah being given

Why can't the CDC vouchers be disbursed all at once instead of two separate tranches?

"A Budget For All Singaporeans" MY FOOT!

Have some patience, I am sure those will be unveiled later on in his speech 🙏