Unpacking the Job Support Scheme (JSS)

Initiated in February 2020 under the Unity Budget, the Job Support Scheme (JSS) provided relief for workers whose employment was hindered, or whose hours were cut due to the 2019 pandemic. In the face of Singapore’s worst-ever recession triggered by COVID-19, the JSS aimed to support businesses in managing labour costs, navigating a weakened job market, and dealing with economic uncertainty.

The scheme was extended multiple times, with salary support targeted to specific business sectors. To verify eligibility, businesses can use the Singapore Standard Industrial Classification (SSIC) Code.

 

Who Can Benefit from the JSS?

The JSS salary support is applicable to active employers, excluding domestic and international governmental offices and representative bodies.

Employers must have made all obligatory CPF contributions for their local employees, who include Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents. Note, however, that not all employers qualify for the JSS payout, and businesses should verify whether they fall within the exclusion list. Furthermore, employers hiring personnel for personal reasons (such as a private driver or chef) aren’t eligible for the JSS payouts.

 

How Do You Sign Up for the JSS?

There’s no direct application for the JSS payout. Similar to the Job Growth Incentive (JGI), IRAS informs eligible employers about their qualifying amount. However, if an employer wishes to decline this support, they can do so via a payout refusal signup. In some cases, employers can even return the payout after it has been deposited in their account.

Do note that Budget 2021 extended this scheme till September 2021. Therefore, as of now, the JSS has concluded.