Wage Support & Rental Relief for Businesses in Singapore’s Stabilisation Phase

Updated for 21 October 2021

Amid a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in Singapore in recent weeks, tighter COVID-19 restrictions will be implemented from 27 September to 21 November 2021.

With the group size limit reduced to 2 vaccinated people for dining-in at food and beverage outlets and reduced cap on social gatherings, many businesses registered in Singapore – especially Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) – will be affected.

However, Singapore’s Finance Minister Lawrence Wong has announced additional support measures for these Singapore-registered companies.

To assist businesses such as retailers and food and beverage (F&B) outlets cope with the tightened COVID-19 restrictions, Lawrence Wong has announced that these businesses will receive approximately $650 million in rental waivers, wage subsidies and other forms of support. This amount will be funded from higher-than-expected revenues accumulated by the Government to date, with no additional draw on past reserves.

For more customised advice in getting your company’s finances in order, talk to our experienced accountants in Singapore. We also assist e-commerce companies with their accounting tasks. Otherwise, do read on to find out more about the extended support schemes.

1. Enhanced Jobs Support Scheme

From 27 September to 21 November 2021, the JSS will be enhanced for sectors that are affected. This includes enhancing the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) for sectors such as Food & Beverage businesses, fitness studios, gyms, arts education centres and performing arts organisations.

Additionally, this 25 per cent enhanced wage support is also applicable to tourist attractions, retail sector, art galleries, affected personal care services, museums, licensed hotels, cruise and regional ferry operators, cinema operators, travel agents, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions) organisers, as well as other family entertainment centres.

These businesses had previously received 10% of the Job Support Scheme support from 19 to 31 August 2021.

How Do I Apply For The Support?

Employers are not required to apply for the JSS. For eligible employers, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) will notify them by mail to inform them of the support tier and the JSS payout amount payable to them.

2. Rental Relief

Under the Rental Support Scheme, government-owned commercial property tenants will receive rental waivers. This means government-owned commercial properties will have their rent offset for the entire duration of tightened COVID-19 measures from 27 September to 24 October 2021.

On the other hand, owner-occupiers and qualifying tenant-occupiers of privately-owned commercial properties will receive a two-week rental waiver under the Rental Support Scheme.

Update for Extended Stabilisation Phase in November:

There will be a half-month rental waiver in November given to the following businesses:

• qualifying tenants of government-owned commercial properties
• cooked food and market stallholders in food centres managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) or NEA-appointed operators

Qualifying tenant-occupiers and owner-occupiers of privately owned commercial properties will also be given a half-month rental relief cash payout under the Rental Support Scheme (RSS).

How Do I Apply For The Support?

• Tenants: Check your eligibility here and submit an application

• Owner-occupiers: Check your eligibility here and submit an application

For tenants and owner-occupiers who had previously applied for the first payout, they do not need to apply for the second payout. These applicants will automatically receive the second payout should they be eligible.

3. Emerge Stronger From The COVID-19 Crisis

Focus your energy on growing your business, so your company can emerge stronger. We know how tough this period can be, but hang tough for there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Stay focused on growing your business, so your company can emerge stronger. Leave your accounting pain points to us, because we know that preparing financial statements yourself is a chore.