Singapore an effort to ease the rising cost of living and strengthen support for local businesses, Singaporean households are receiving up to S$1,100 in Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers over a 13-month period. The latest tranche of S$300, distributed in January 2025, marks the first wave of the government’s extended Assurance Package for the year.
Backed by a national push to support heartland merchants and supermarkets, this initiative aims to bring relief to households while channeling spending into the local economy.
What Are CDC Vouchers?
CDC vouchers are a government-issued digital benefit introduced to help Singaporean households with everyday expenses. They can be spent at participating hawkers, heartland shops, and major supermarkets. First launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme has since evolved into a central component of the government’s inflation and cost-of-living relief measures.
Under the 2025 expansion, households received S$300 in January, with an additional S$500 to be distributed from May 13, and another S$300 in January 2026 totaling S$1,100 per household.
These vouchers are part of the Assurance Package, introduced to cushion the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike and global inflation.
How to Claim the Vouchers
Claiming the CDC vouchers is a simple, digital-first process designed for ease of access:
- Visit the official site: go.gov.sg/cdcv
- Log in via Singpass: Only one member of the household needs to complete this step.
- Receive SMS link: A secure voucher link will be sent by SMS from “gov.sg.”
The vouchers are issued digitally and can be stored and used via mobile phone. Households have until December 31, 2025 to redeem them.
Where Can the Vouchers Be Used?
The S$300 in January 2025 vouchers are split evenly:
- S$150 for hawkers and heartland merchants
- S$150 for participating supermarkets
Supermarket chains that accept the vouchers include:
- NTUC FairPrice
- Giant
- Sheng Siong
- Cold Storage
- Prime Supermarket
- U Stars Supermarket
As of April 2025, over 23,000 merchants and hawkers across Singapore are part of the scheme, along with nearly 400 supermarket outlets.
Impact So Far
The uptake of the CDC vouchers has been widespread. According to figures released by the Ministry of Finance:
- Over 1.28 million households claimed their January 2025 vouchers.
- More than S$142 million was spent at hawkers and heartland shops.
- About S$157 million was used at supermarkets.
This strong response highlights the programme’s dual success providing financial relief to households and driving footfall to neighborhood businesses.
Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong previously described the scheme as a way to “create a positive multiplier effect in the community,” promoting social resilience and mutual support.
Special Promotions and SG60 Perks
In celebration of SG60, some merchants have introduced special offers for customers using CDC vouchers. These include additional discounts, bundled gifts, and bonus loyalty points at selected retailers.
Local shops and supermarkets are encouraged to run in-store promotions to draw in voucher users, enhancing community engagement and boosting revenue.
Shoppers are advised to look out for “CDC Vouchers Welcome” decals displayed prominently at storefronts.
Why This Matters
The CDC Vouchers Scheme is more than just financial aid it is also a community-building tool. By encouraging residents to shop locally, the government is reinforcing neighborhood economies and promoting social cohesion.
At the same time, the scheme targets one of the most immediate concerns for families: the rising cost of living. Food prices, transport costs, and utilities have all seen increases in recent years, making such direct financial relief a welcome intervention for many.
Looking Ahead
Singaporeans can expect a further S$500 in vouchers beginning May 13, 2025, and another S$300 in January 2026. These disbursements reflect a steady commitment by the government to ease financial burdens while sustaining local commerce.
Households that have not yet claimed their January vouchers are encouraged to do so before they expire at the end of the year.
For updates and help with the CDC Vouchers, residents can visit:
Final Thoughts
As Singapore continues to navigate economic challenges, initiatives like the CDC Vouchers Scheme illustrate how targeted, community-driven policy can offer both immediate relief and long-term benefits. With more support rolling out through 2025 and 2026, households and small businesses alike are set to gain from this multi-layered national effort.
