Written Answer to PQ on Jobseeker Support Scheme Rejections Enhancements
NOTICE PAPER NO. 1519, 1522 OF 2026 FOR SITTING ON 4 NOVEMBER 2026
QUESTION NO. 2362, 2375 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
MP: Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan
2362. To ask the Acting Minister for Manpower as of September 2026 (a) what is the breakdown of unsuccessful applicants under the Jobseeker Support Scheme (JSS) by reason for rejection, including applicants who had not worked for at least six months in the past 12 months; and (b) whether the eligibility criterion can be expanded to those who had been involuntarily unemployed for a longer period.
2375. To ask the Acting Minister for Manpower whether the Ministry will review the maximum monthly and total quantum of support under the Jobseeker Support Scheme, to better support involuntarily unemployed middle-income workers.
Answer:
As of 30 September 2026, about 54% of applicants were unsuccessful. The top three reasons for unsuccessful applications were that (a) the applicant was not assessed to be involuntarily unemployed (69% of unsuccessful applicants); (b) the applicant’s past average monthly income exceeded the income threshold of $5,000 per month (33% of unsuccessful applicants); and (c) the applicant had not worked at least six months in the past 12 months (18% of unsuccessful applicants).1
2. We recognise that a prolonged job search where jobseekers have spent many months applying for jobs, attending interviews and retraining takes concerted effort, and imposes a financial and emotional toll. We therefore review the parameters of the JS scheme regularly to ensure that it provides appropriate support for jobseekers and we will take into consideration the member’s suggestions in our next review.