Ref: UEC · IRAS / MOM · reviewed 05 Jul 2026
Uplifting Employment Credit
A wage offset for giving ex-offenders a second chance: the government covers up to 20% of their wages for the first nine months of employment. It was extended at Budget 2025 and now runs until end-2028.
Capped at S$600/month per employee (max ~S$5,400 per hire over 9 months); scheme runs until 31 December 2028
Who qualifies
- ✓Employers hiring local ex-offenders released from prison within the last 3 years
- ✓Employee must earn below S$4,000 a month
- ✓CPF contributions must be made for the employee
- ✓No application needed - assessed automatically
What it pays for
- Wage offset for the first 9 months of each qualifying hire
- Applies per employee, so multiple qualifying hires all attract the offset
- Cash payout to your company bank account via GIRO/PayNow Corporate
- Complements Yellow Ribbon Singapore's placement support
How to apply
Automatic annual payout (May); scheme confirmed until 31 December 2028
- 1Hire an eligible ex-offender and contribute CPF as normal
- 2Ensure GIRO with IRAS or PayNow Corporate is in place
- 3Receive the payout automatically (2026 payout from 29 May 2026)
- 4Enquiries via go.gov.sg/askUEC or IRAS 6351 3299
Advisor's note
The 9-month clock and the 'released within 3 years' rule both matter - hire too long after release and there is no credit at all. Recruit through Yellow Ribbon's channels so the paper trail is clean.
Planning a digitalisation or overseas-expansion project? Those usually run under EDG or MRA, which our team delivers end to end.
Common questions
How much does the UEC cover?
Up to 20% of monthly wages for the first 9 months of employment, capped at S$600/month per employee (max ~S$5,400 per hire over 9 months); scheme runs until 31 December 2028. A wage offset for giving ex-offenders a second chance: the government covers up to 20% of their wages for the first nine months of employment. It was extended at Budget 2025 and now runs until end-2028.
Who is eligible for the UEC?
Employers hiring local ex-offenders released from prison within the last 3 years Employee must earn below S$4,000 a month CPF contributions must be made for the employee No application needed - assessed automatically
What does the UEC pay for?
Wage offset for the first 9 months of each qualifying hire Applies per employee, so multiple qualifying hires all attract the offset Cash payout to your company bank account via GIRO/PayNow Corporate Complements Yellow Ribbon Singapore's placement support
How do I apply for the UEC?
1. Hire an eligible ex-offender and contribute CPF as normal 2. Ensure GIRO with IRAS or PayNow Corporate is in place 3. Receive the payout automatically (2026 payout from 29 May 2026) 4. Enquiries via go.gov.sg/askUEC or IRAS 6351 3299
How long does the UEC take?
Automatic annual payout (May); scheme confirmed until 31 December 2028
Find out what the UEC will co-fund for you.
15 minutes on WhatsApp. We check your eligibility, the realistic support amount, and whether a different grant fits better. No fee, no obligation.
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