Singapore’s Community Development Council (CDC) Voucher Scheme is back in 2025, offering every household S$800 in digital spending credits to help combat rising living costs and stimulate local businesses. Announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong during Budget 2025, this initiative forms a core part of the Assurance Package and complements the Cost-of-Living Package launched in 2023. Together, these programs aim to ease daily financial pressures and drive foot traffic to heartland merchants and hawkers.
Two phases of support through 2025 and 2026
The S$800 benefit will be distributed in two instalments, giving households sustained support across two calendar years. The first payout of S$500 will be credited on 12 May 2025, followed by a second S$300 credit on 3 January 2026. Vouchers from the May 2025 tranche must be used by 31 December 2025, while the second batch remains valid through 2026. By staggering distribution, the government ensures that assistance is spread out to cushion families over time, especially as prices remain volatile.
Easy online claim through Singpass
Redeeming the CDC vouchers is a quick digital process. A single household member can log on to go.gov.sg/cdcv using their Singpass, verify their address, and instantly receive an SMS link with a personalised voucher code and QR. This link stores both disbursements, so families do not need to repeat the claim process in 2026. Because the vouchers are digital, any household member can use them at checkout, making them easy to share and access.
Local spending at hawker centres and small shops
Once activated, CDC vouchers can be spent at thousands of heartland retailers, including hawker stalls, minimarts, provision shops, and wet markets. Whether it’s a breakfast plate of nasi lemak, fresh groceries, or household essentials, each transaction helps to circulate funds within the community. This not only helps residents cut daily costs but also strengthens the micro-economy supporting local entrepreneurs.
Supermarket chains offer bonus incentives
Larger supermarket brands such as FairPrice, Cold Storage, and Giant are also participating and offering additional promotions.
- FairPrice: Get S$4 store credits when spending S$50 in vouchers
- Cold Storage: Receive S$8 back for S$80 spent
- Giant: Earn S$6 in perks for S$60 of purchases
These offers will remain active until 1 January 2026, giving households even more value and encouraging bulk buying of everyday goods.
Voucher terms and responsible usage
While user-friendly, the scheme comes with terms and limitations.
- Vouchers are denominated in Singapore dollars, are non-transferable for cash, and are single-use—any unused value is forfeited once redeemed.
- They cannot be used to purchase restricted items, such as lottery tickets, cigarettes, alcohol, or petrol.
- Merchants may reject vouchers that are defaced or expired, and printed copies (if provided) are not replaceable.
Being aware of these rules helps prevent confusion at checkout and ensures a smoother experience for both consumers and retailers.
CDC vouchers as part of the Assurance Package
The CDC scheme works alongside other Assurance Package components, including GST offset vouchers, cash payouts, and utilities rebates. These layered forms of aid help Singaporeans manage both sudden inflation shocks and gradual tax reforms. The timing of CDC payouts—one in mid-2025 and another at the beginning of 2026—ensures they complement the rhythm of other government benefits.
Building stronger community ties through spending
More than a financial tool, the voucher scheme is a community-building initiative. Each voucher transaction represents an exchange beyond currency—a brief interaction with a hawker, shop owner, or market vendor. These moments foster social cohesion and help preserve the vibrancy of Singapore’s neighbourhood businesses.
Important deadlines to note
To make the most of the initiative, households are advised to claim their vouchers early. The S$500 May 2025 disbursement must be claimed and spent by 31 December 2025. Missing this window means missing out on substantial savings. Staying on top of key dates maximises household budgets and supports the government’s broader goal of building a resilient, people-focused economy.
