Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WIS) – General

Eligibility - Employment Status (General)

Eligibility: Employment Status - Employees

Eligibility: Employment Status - Self-Employed/Informal workers

Eligibility: Income

Eligibility: Age

Eligibility: Housing

Eligibility - Other

Process - Encashment

Recovery

Medisave Contribution Draw

Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WIS) – General

1.	What is the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme or WIS?
	The Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) Scheme is targeted at older low wage workers. It complements the changes to CPF employer and employee contribution rates that came into effect on 1 Jul 2007. The WIS scheme provides incentives for older low wage workers to find work and stay in work, while at the same time helping them to save for their longer term needs.
2.	How is the WIS different from the Workfare Bonus Scheme (WBS)?
	The WBS was a one-off scheme that was part of the Government budget surplus sharing exercise in 2006. The WIS scheme, is a long term programme put in place by the Government to help older low wage workers, and will be funded through tax revenues.
3.	How long will the WIS run for?
	The WIS Scheme is intended to be a long term feature of our social safety system. The details of the WIS Scheme are new, and will only be fully tested out during implementation. Hence, it is expected to be reviewed after three years.
4.	Who is eligible for WIS?
	To qualify for WIS for work done in 2008, you must
	Be a Singapore Citizen; Have a monthly salary of up to $1,500; Be above 35 yrs of age as at 1st Jan 2009; Stay in a property with an Annual Value of $10,000 or less as at 31 Dec 2007; and Work at least three months in any six month period in the calendar year for half the payout, or at least six months in the calendar year for the full payout.
	If you are self-employed or informally employed you will need to contribute to your CPF Medisave Account in order to qualify for WIS. All qualifying members will need to fully pay up their CPF liability before WIS can be allotted.
5.	When will the WIS be paid?
	In order to reward workers more promptly for work done, WIS will be paid twice a year, with the first payment given for work done from January to June and the second payment given for work done for the whole year. Those who had worked for at least three months in the first half of the year will be eligible for the first payment, which will be up to 50% of the full WIS based on their age and average monthly income:
	If you worked in... You will receive your payment on Formal Employees Self-Employed 1st half of 2007 (Jan to Jun) January 2008 January 2008 Whole Year 2007 (Jan to Dec) April 2008 May 2008 1st half of 2008 (Jan to Jun) October 2008 October 2008 Whole Year 2008 (Jan to Dec) April 2009 May 2009
6.	I qualify for the WIS. What do I need to do in order to receive my WIS payout?
	Employee If you are an employee and your employer is contributing CPF on your behalf, you do not need to do anything. The CPF Board will automatically verify your employment income from your CPF contribution records and award you WIS if you are eligible. Employees will receive notification of the WIS amount they are awarded a few days before the payment dates of 1st October 08 and 1st April 09 for work done in 2008. Self-Employed Persons (SEPs) and Informal Workers If you are a SEP or informal worker who has worked at least 3 months in a 6 months period within the work year, you will need to do the following:
	(i) Register with CPFB if you are not already registered by either filling up the SEP registration form SE1A or declaring your income using income declaration form IRAS 144, both of which are available at all SingPost branches and CPF Service Centres. (ii) Fulfil half of your Medisave liability by 31st August 08 to receive your 1st WIS payment for work done in the first half of 2008 (Jan - Jun 08) by 1st October 08 (iii) Fulfil all of your Medisave liability by 31st March 09 to receive your final WIS payment for work done in 2008 by 1st May 09.
	You are an informal worker if you are working but do not receive or pay any CPF contributions. Please refer to FAQ 36 for more details on Medisave payment methods for SEPs.
7.	How much WIS will I get?
	The WIS payment is based on three factors: your age, your earnings, and your occupational status. Age: Older workers will receive more WIS than younger workers. Occupational Status: The self-employed will receive two-thirds of what an employee would receive. The WIS for self-employed persons will be made into their CPF Medisave Account. The WIS payment for employees will be divided between cash and CPF in the ratio of 1:2.5. Earnings: The WIS will rise with earnings, reaching a maximum at a monthly income of between $500 and $1,000. Between $1,000 and $1,500 per month, the WIS is reduced gradually to zero. Please refer to the tables below for more details. Table 1: Annual WIS Payments for employees who have worked at least 6 months (split into Cash and CPF according to the ratio 1:2.5)
	If your average monthly wage for the work year is: And your age as at 1 January of the payment year Above 35 - 45 years Above 45 - 55 years Above 55 - 60 years Above 60 years You will receive: Total Cash Total Cash Total Cash Total Cash CPF CPF CPF CPF $50.01 $90 $26 $120 $35 $120 $35 $120 $35 $64 $85 $85 $85 $100 $180 $52 $240 $69 $273 $79 $273 $79 $128 $171 $194 $194 $200 $360 $103 $480 $138 $580 $166 $580 $166 $257 $342 $414 $414 $300 $540 $155 $720 $206 $887 $254 $877 $254 $385 $514 $633 $633 $400 $720 $206 $960 $275 $1,193 $341 $1,193 $341 $514 $685 $852 $852 $500 $900 $258 $1,200 $343 $1,500 $429 $1,500 $429 $642 $857 $1,071 $1,071 $600 $900 $258 $1,200 $343 $1,560 $446 $1,680 $480 $642 $857 $1,114 $1,200 $700 $900 $258 $1,200 $343 $1,620 $463 $1,860 $532 $642 $857 $1,157 $1,328 $800 $900 $258 $1,200 $343 $1,680 $480 $2,040 $583 $642 $857 $1,200 $1,457 $900 $900 $258 $1,200 $343 $1,740 $498 $2,220 $635 $642 $857 $1,242 $1,585 $1,000 $900 $258 $1,200 $343 $1,800 $515 $2,400 $686 $642 $857 $1,285 $1,714 $1,100 $720 $206 $960 $275 $1,440 $412 $1,920 $549 $514 $685 $1,028 $1,371 $1,200 $540 $155 $720 $206 $1,080 $309 $1,440 $412 $385 $514 $771 $1,028 $1,300 $360 $103 $480 $138 $720 $206 $960 $275 $257 $342 $514 $685 $1,400 $180 $52 $240 $69 $360 $103 $480 $138 $128 $171 $257 $342 $1,500 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
	Employees who have worked only 3 months within a 6 month period for the whole year will receive half of the amounts stated above. WIS is only paid to employees earning a monthly income of more than $50 to less than $1,500. Self-employed persons and informal workers will need to contribute to their Medisave account first to be eligible for WIS, which will be paid into their Medisave. Table 2 below shows the total amount of contributions needed per year and the WIS amount for different age groups and annual incomes. Table 2: Required annual Medisave contributions and WIS Payments for self-employed and informal workers (All into Medisave)
	If your estimated annual net trade income for the calendar year is :   Age in calendar year 35 years 36-44 years 45 years 46-54 years 55-59 years 60 years and above Contribute by 30 Nov 2007: $601 Contribute $13 $15 $15 $17 $17 $17 Receive $60 $60 $80 $80 $80 $80 $1,200 Contribute $26 $30 $30 $33 $33 $33 Receive $120 $120 $160 $160 $182 $182 $2,400 Contribute $52 $60 $60 $67 $67 $67 Receive $240 $240 $320 $320 $387 $387 $3,600 Contribute $78 $90 $90 $101 $101 $101 Receive $360 $360 $480 $480 $591 $591 $4,800 Contribute $104 $120 $120 $135 $135 $135 Receive $480 $480 $640 $640 $796 $796 $6,000 Contribute $130 $150 $150 $169 $169 $169 Receive $600 $600 $800 $800 $1,000 $1,000 $7,200 Contribute $156 $180 $180 $203 $203 $203 Receive $600 $600 $800 $800 $1,040 $1,120 $8,400 Contribute $182 $210 $210 $237 $237 $237 Receive $600 $600 $800 $800 $1,080 $1,240 $9,600 Contribute $208 $240 $240 $271 $271 $271 Receive $600 $600 $800 $800 $1,120 $1,360 $10,800 Contribute $234 $270 $270 $305 $305 $305 Receive $600 $600 $800 $800 $1,160 $1,480 $12,000 Contribute $260 $300 $300 $339 $339 $339 Receive $600 $600 $800 $800 $1,200 $1,600 $13,200 Contribute $442 $510 $510 $577 $577 $577 Receive $480 $480 $640 $640 $960 $1,280 $14,400 Contribute $624 $720 $720 $815 $815 $815 Receive $360 $360 $480 $480 $720 $960 $15,600 Contribute $806 $930 $930 $1,053 $1,053 $1,053 Receive $240 $240 $320 $320 $480 $640 $16,800 Contribute $988 $1,140 $1,140 $1,291 $1,291 $1,291 Receive $120 $120 $160 $160 $240 $320 $18,000 Contribute $1,170 $1,350 $1,350 $1,530 $1,530 $1,530 Receive $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
	Note: The above amounts show the yearly contributions required based on your annual net trade income. If you contribute half of the Medisave amount required by 31st August 08, you will receive half the stated amount on 1st October 08. If you fulfil the remainder of your liability by 31st March 09, you will receive the second half of the stated amount on 1st May 09 for work done in 2008. WIS is only paid to self-employed persons earning an annual income of more than $600 to less than $18,000.
8.	I am earning close to $1,500. Why is my WIS payment so low?
	The principal target group of Workfare is older full-time workers aged above 45 years who earn $1,000 or less. This group will receive the highest Workfare benefits. However, Workfare benefits will extend to a wider group - those above 35 years who earn $1,500 or less, but at a lower rate. This is so that workers whose earnings increase beyond $1,000 do not suddenly lose all their Workfare benefits. Therefore, the WIS is gradually reduced from the maximum quantum at an income level of $1,000, to zero at an income level of $1,500 a month.
9.	Why is so much of the WIS being credited to my CPF Account? Why is the cash:CPF ratio at 1:2.5?
	The CPF changes that took effect from 1 July 2007 will result in older low-wage workers receiving a higher take-home pay, but lower CPF contributions. The WIS Scheme will help older low-wage workers make up for the lower CPF contributions and for the majority of beneficiaries to increase their CPF savings. Taken together, the 2007 CPF changes and the WIS will increase the take home pay and CPF savings of older low wage workers.
10.	Will the WIS be included in my total income to be declared to IRAS for the next financial year?
	No, the WIS payments are not taxable.
11.	Whom can I contact for queries?
	Information on WIS can be found at the following website: www.wis.sg. Queries can also be addressed to CPF Board via any of the following channels:
	Email at wis@cpf.gov.sg Hotline number at 1800-2222-888 (open from 8 am to 6 pm on Mon-Fri) Speak to CPF service staff at any CPF Service Centre.
12.	My employer does not pay me CPF. What can I do?
	By law, all employers must contribute CPF for their employees if their employees earn more than $50 a month. The CPF Board takes a serious view of non-compliance by employers. Should you wish to make a complaint that your employer has not paid you CPF, the staff at the CPFB service centres will take down your personal details. CPFB will follow up with you to investigate the matter. You may still benefit from WIS if you register with CPFB and contribute CPF at the rates applicable to self-employed persons. Self-employed persons will receive WIS paid entirely into their Medisave.
13.	What is the budget for the WIS?
	The Government will set aside about $400m annually for the WIS. About 438,000 people are expected to benefit from the scheme.
14.	Do WIS monies earn interest?
	WIS that is paid into your CPF accounts will accrue interest according to the prevailing CPF interest rates.
15.	I have reached my Medisave contribution ceiling after years of contributions from better-paying jobs. What happens to the portion of WIS going to the Medisave Account?
	The WIS will still be credited to the Medisave Account. Excess Medisave contributions will subsequently be transferred to your Special Account or Retirement Account.

Eligibility - Employment Status (General)

16.	If I change jobs and was unemployed for 3-months, do I still qualify for WIS?
	Yes, as long as you have worked 3 months in any six month period during the calendar year, as determined by your CPF contributions or income declaration, and meet the other WIS criteria.
17.	I was working as a babysitter /doing domestic work and earning an income. Do I qualify for the WIS?
	A person is eligible only if he has engaged in work, as an employee or self-employed, for financial gain or reward. Hence, babysitting for your immediate family or home-making would not qualify you for WIS.
18.	If I am both an employee and self-employed, how will I be assessed on my income eligibility for WIS? OR I have been given WIS based on my employment income, but my combined income from my self-employment will entitle me to a larger amount. Can I appeal for a larger WIS?
	You will be assessed on your combined employee and self-employed income if you declare your SEP income to CPFB and fulfil the required Medisave liability on your SEP income. You will be paid WIS according to the employee WIS schedule based on your combined income. You will need to declare your SEP income and make your Medisave contribution for work done in 2007 by 31 July 2008. Your adjusted WIS for work done in 2007 based on your combined income from formal employment and self-employment will be paid to you in August 2008. This adjusted WIS payment will take into account the WIS you may have received in January and April/May 2008. Example: Mdm Tan is a 56 year old worker. She worked from Jan - Dec 07 as an employee, earning $500 per month. Mdm Tan also earned an additional $500 every month as a self employed person by selling cakes which she baked at home. Based on her employee income of $500 per month, Mdm Tan will have already received employee WIS worth $750 in the first and second WIS payment in Jan 08 and Apr 08, for a total of $1,500. However, if Mdm Tan declares her self-employed income to CPFB and fulfil her Medisave liabilities of $169 base on her annual net trade income of $6,000 by 31 July 2008, CPFB will recompute the WIS amount which Mdm Tan is eligible based on her combined income. Based on her total employment income of $6,000 ($500 X 12 months) and self employment income of $6,000 ($500 x 12 months), Mdm Tan is eligible for $1,800 worth of WIS for her total work done in 2007. As Mdm Tan had already received $1,500 worth of WIS in Jan and Apr 08, CPFB will pay Mdm Tan the remaining WIS of $300 in Aug 08.
19.	How and when will employees/SEPs be notified if they qualify?
	Employees and SEPs who qualify for WIS payment will be notified via mail before the payment
	If you worked in… You will be informed of your eligibility and allotted amount in… Formal Employees Self-Employed Whole Year 2007 (Jan to Dec) Late March 2008 for payment in April 2008 Late April 2008 for payment in May 2008 1st half of 2008 (Jan to Jun) Late September 2008 for payment in October 2008 Whole Year 2008 (Jan to Dec) Late March 2009 for payment in April 2009 Late April 2009 for payment in May 2009
20.	Why is it that I do not get the WIS if I worked for at least 3 months across 2007-8, although I did not work for at least 3 months in 2007 alone?
	The WIS is a reward for regular work in each calendar year. For the first WIS payment, regular work would constitute working for at least 3 months within a six month period in 2007. If you continue to work in 2008 for more than 3 months, you will be eligible for WIS.
21.	Why is employment period based on the calendar year?
	You need to work regularly to qualify for the WIS, and calendar years are a standard measure of time in which we can determine regular work within a period. The calendar year is also the period used for the self-employed to declare their annual income to IRAS.

Eligibility: Employment Status - Employees

22.	I am a contract / part-time employee. Will I be eligible for WIS?
	Yes. Contract / part-time employees are eligible for the WIS if they meet the criteria.
23.	I am an odd job labourer. Can I qualify for WIS?
	Yes, if you have been engaged in regular work for at least 3 months in a six month period or six months in the calendar year, as well as meet the other criteria. You can register with CPF Board to pay your Medisave liability and receive WIS into your Medisave account.
24.	I am on no-pay / study leave / medical leave / maternity leave. Will I be considered as employed?
	You will be counted as employed as long as your salary is paid, i.e. your employer continues to contribute to your CPF.
25.	How is my income derived?
	CPFB will derive your income based on your CPF contributions. The income will be averaged over the number of months worked in the year.
26.	What is considered income? Will bonuses be included?
	Employee income is based on the definition of gross salary under the CPF Act: Gross salary = Total Ordinary Wages + Total Additional Wages Where: Ordinary Wages are wages due or granted wholly and exclusively in respect of an employee's employment. This includes allowances and overtime pay. Additional Wages are wages which are granted wholly and exclusively for that month. This includes annual bonus, leave pay, incentive and other payments made at intervals of more than a month. Additional Wages do not include retirement or retrenchment benefits, pension payments, director fees and dividends.
27.	Are bonuses included as part of income?
	Bonuses are part of your employment income.

Eligibility: Employment Status - Self-Employed/Informal workers

28.	What is the definition of a self-employed person?
	You are considered a self-employed person if you carry on a trade, business, profession or vocation. In other words, if you are making money by buying and selling goods, providing professional or personal services, you are a self-employed person. Examples of self-employed persons include a sole-proprietor or a partner of a partnership business.
29.	What is the definition of an informal worker?
	You are considered an informal worker if you or your employer are not paying any CPF on the income you have earned from your work. Informal workers can be employees whose employers do not pay them CPF, such as hawker stall, shop assistants, or cleaners. They can also be self-employed persons who do not contribute to Medisave, such as baby-sitters, tuition teachers, or owners of home businesses (e.g. sewing or baking at home to create goods for sale).
30.	I am self-employed / informally employed. Why do I need to contribute to CPF to qualify for WIS?
	A key principle of WIS is that each beneficiary has a personal responsibility to save for his own future needs. Even those who do not earn very much should still set aside something. In the case of employees, their employer bears the responsibility of ensuring the correct employer and employee contributions are made to the CPF. Under the CPF Act, so long as a worker works regularly for any employer, that employer is liable to pay their CPF if the employee's monthly salary is more than $50. Self-employed or informally employed persons who do not make contributions to their CPF Medisave Account will not have anything set aside for their future healthcare needs. To encourage them to contribute to their CPF, we have reduced contribution rates for the SEPs and informal workers.
31.	Why do SEPs and informal workers not get cash under WIS but all the WIS is paid into Medisave instead?
	A key principle of WIS is that each beneficiary has a personal responsibility to save for his own future needs. If the WIS for SEPs and informal workers is given in cash, the net result would be that the WIS beneficiary would not be saving on his own. SEPs are required to only contribute to their Medisave Account and at much lower rates compared to employees. To benefit informal workers, we have decided to allow informal workers to contribute to Medisave at the rates applicable to SEPs.
32.	How do I declare my self-employed income?
	You can declare your income to IRAS if you are required to submit an Income Tax Return for 2007 income. If you are required to do so, you should receive your Income Tax Return/IRAS PIN mailer by 1 Mar 2008. You may call the IRAS helpline at 1800-356 8611 for assistance. If you are not required to declare your income to IRAS, you can declare your income earned in 2007 to CPFB using the IRAS 144 Form available at all SingPost outlets and CPF Service Centres. If you are not required to declare your income to IRAS and do not declare your income to CPFB, CPFB will assume your annual net trade income to be $9,000 to calculate your Medisave liability for the year. You will need to declare your income to IRAS or CPFB and fulfil your Medisave liability based on your declared income by 31st March 2008 to receive your WIS payment for work done in 2007 on 1st May 2008.
33.	What if I am no longer a self-employed? How do I de-register myself from CPFB?
	If you are no longer a self-employed person, you can de-register from CPFB using Form CPF SE 8. This can be done at any CPF service centre, or at www.cpf.gov.sg using my cpf Online Services with your SingPass.
34.	What is the minimum amount that I have to contribute to my Medisave account in order to qualify for the WIS scheme?
	Self-employed persons are required to contribute at least 50% of their Medisave liabilities for work done in 2008, in order to qualify for the first WIS payout for the work year 2008 in October 2008. They also have to fulfil other WIS criteria (age, annual income, etc.). However, they will not be required to pay for outstanding Medisave liabilities incurred before the current work year in order to qualify for WIS. Medisave Contribution Rates for SEPs
	Annual Net Trade Income Below 35 years 35 years & Below 45 years old 45 years & above < $6,000 2.17% 2.5% 2.83% > $6,000 - $12,000 2.17% 2.5% 2.83% >$12,000 - $18,000 2.17% - 6.5% 2.5% - 7.5% 2.83% - 8.5% > $18,000 6.5% 7.5% 8.5%
	Please see FAQ 7 for detailed annual Medisave contributions amount. Alternatively, you can also use the online Medisave calculator at CPF website to compute your Medisave Liability based on your income earned the year.
35.	What are the operating hours for Singapore Post branches?
	The operating hours at most of the SingPost branches are as follow:
	Days Operating Hours Mon – Fri 9.30am – 5.00pm Sat 9.30am – 1.00pm Sun / Public Holidays Closed
	For more details on location of SingPost branches and their opening hours, please check out at the following website http://www.singpost.com.sg/downloads/POLists/POList_Main.pdf.
36.	What are the payment modes available?
	SEPs and informal workers will be able to make Medisave contributions using the following method:
	(a) NETs/Cashcard at AXS machines; (b) NETs/Cashcard/Cash at Singapore Post offices with payment form (SE3); (c) Cheque made payable to CPF Board with payment form (SE3); and (d) e-Cashier at www.cpf.gov.sg if you have a DBS/UOB/Citibank Internet Banking account.

Eligibility: Income

37.	What is the rationale for giving WIS only to those with monthly gross wage of $1,500 or less? Why do those aged 45 years receive more than those between 35 - 45 years?
	The principal target group of Workfare are older full-time workers aged above 45 years who earn $1,000 or less (around 15th percentile and below). The older the worker, the more WIS they will receive as they are the ones who need the most help. However, Workfare benefits are extended to a wider group - those above 35 years and those who earn $1,500 or less (i.e. the 30th income percentile), will also receive WIS but at a lower rate. This is so that we do not miss any deserving cases, and also so that workers whose earnings increase beyond $1,000 do not suddenly lose all their Workfare benefits. In total, we expect some 438,000 workers to benefit. If we give WIS to people in the higher income groups, this will make the scheme less targeted and reduce the supplement to those who really need it. The WIS is also not the only solution for low wage workers. In the longer term, workers should seek to upgrade their skills in order to improve their income so that they may graduate out of the scheme.
38.	What if wages rise as a result of inflation? Would this not result in fewer people being able to benefit from the scheme as the economy improves?
	The Government's commitment to Workfare is long term, but the specific schemes will be reviewed by 2010 to ensure that our objectives are met. In the case of the WIS scheme, the target group has been determined based on recent data on employment income. This and other parameters of the scheme will be reviewed adjusted as relevant.

Eligibility: Age

39.	Why is the scheme only for those above 35?
	The scheme targets older workers as younger workers have greater potential for future income growth.

Eligibility: Housing

40.	What is Annual Value (AV)?
	AV is the property value used to calculate the property tax of your home. The AV can be found on the property tax bill that you receive each year.
41.	Why is there a housing requirement? Why is Annual Value (AV) used, instead of housing type?
	The housing criterion helps to target low wage workers from the lower income households. AV is a simple way to determine household income indirectly. Using AV instead of housing type is a fairer way to determine property value, as some applicants may be staying in smaller and less expensive private properties with an AV similar to a large HDB flat.
42.	How is the Annual Value (AV) requirement decided?
	The AV cut-off covers about 90% of households, and includes almost all HDB flats, as well as smaller private residences such as walk-up flats and shop-houses. Singaporeans staying in larger properties with AV above the cut-off are likely to be earning higher incomes, and unlikely to be the group that the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme is meant to target. The AV cut-off for work done in 2007 and 2008 is fixed at $10,000 at the end of 2006 and 2007 respectively. However, in line with the revision of AV of properties by IRAS on 1 Jan 2008, the AV cut-off for work done in 2009 onwards will be raised to $11,000.
43.	What address is used to determine my Annual Value (AV)?
	The AV will be based on the property at the address reflected in your NRIC. The NRIC address must show where you are staying. If it does not, you should update the address immediately at the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) or any police station.
44.	What is the assessment date for determining my AV?
	For work done in 2007, the assessment date for determining your AV is 31 Dec 2006. For subsequent payments, the AV for the preceding year will be considered, e.g. assessment date of AV for work done in 2008 will be 31 Dec 2007.
45.	I disagree with my Annual Value (AV) assessment. How do I appeal?
	You may approach IRAS for a re-assessment. If the AV of your property is subsequently re-assessed and meets the housing criterion, you may then appeal for your Workfare Income Supplement.

Eligibility - Other

46.	Can Permanent Residents qualify for WIS?
	The Workfare Income Supplement is a privilege of Singapore Citizens.

Process - Encashment

47.	How will I receive the payment of the income supplement?
	If you are an employee receiving CPF contributions from your employer and are eligible for WIS, you will receive the cash portion of WIS via the same mode that you had specified in 2007 for receiving your GST Credits e.g. direct credit into bank account. The CPF portion of your WIS will be paid into your CPF account. If you are a SEP or informal worker and are eligible for WIS, your WIS will be paid into your CPF Medisave Account after you have fulfilled your Medisave obligations.

48.	The WIS recipient is bedridden/physically immobile or of unsound mind, and does not have a bank account. How can I help him encash his WIS cheque?
	If you are age 21 and above, please proceed to the bank issuing the cheque (UOB), with the following documents:
	(a)(i) Original signed Letter of Authorisation* from WIS recipient (unless otherwise exempted by doctor's memo or medical report) witnessed by any of the following: Advocate & Solicitor of the Supreme Court, doctor, or Notary Public; or
	(a)(ii) Original signed Letter of Authorisation from WIS recipient (unless otherwise exempted by doctor's memo or medical report) and original documentary evidence stating the WIS recipient's medical condition e.g. doctor's memo or medical report or court order. The date of the documents should not be more than 1 year before the cheque encashment. (Note: a doctor's memo or medical report can be dated more than 1 year before the encashment date, if it specifically states that the patient's condition is permanent.);
	(b) Both your original NRICs;
	(c) Recipient’s WIS cheque.
	You will be required to sign a Letter of Indemnity at the bank.
	*Click here to download the Letter of Authorisation template. The Letter of Authorisation is also available at CPFB or issuing bank branches.
	If you are unable to fulfill any of the above conditions, please contact our hotline at 1800-2222-888 for further assistance.

49.	How can I help a WIS recipient who is overseas encash his WIS cheque?
	If you are age 21 and above, please proceed to the bank issuing the cheque (UOB), with the following documents:
	(a)(i) Original signed Letter of Authorisation* from WIS recipient (unless otherwise exempted by doctor's memo or medical report) witnessed by overseas Consular Officer or
	(a)(ii) Original signed Letter of Authorisation* from WIS recipient (unless otherwise exempted by doctor's memo or medical report) and photocopies of recipient’s valid passport (personal particulars page) and NRIC;
	(b) Your original NRIC;
	(c) Recipient’s WIS cheque.
	You will be required to sign a Letter of Indemnity at the bank.
	*Click here to download the Letter of Authorisation template. The Letter of Authorisation is also available at CPFB or issuing bank branches.
	If you are unable to fulfill any of the above conditions, please contact our hotline at 1800-2222-888 for further assistance.

Recovery

50.	Why is there a need for the government to recover WIS paid out to workers?
	The first WIS payment is an advance payment paid for work done in the first half of 2007, but WIS is actually intended to be paid based on the average monthly income for the whole of 2007. This is because we want to reward workers with timely payouts to encourage them to stay employed. However, there may be some workers whose income is irregular throughout the year. Such workers may qualify for WIS based on their first six months of income but becomes ineligible later due to large bonuses received at the end of the year. It is only fair that the government recovers the WIS paid to those whose average monthly income exceeds $1,500 as such members will not be eligible for WIS and are not part of the target group the government aims to help.
51.	How will the government recover the WIS already paid to workers? Will workers be expected to fork out cash to repay the government?
	Excess WIS in the form of CPF can be recovered directly from the member's CPF account, but we will be flexible when recovering cash. Since the WIS is a long term scheme, excess WIS paid in cash will only be recovered against any future WIS that the worker may receive. The government will ensure that there will be minimal inconvenience to workers in the recovery process.

Medisave Contribution Draw

52.	What is the Medisave Contribution Draw?
	The Medisave Contribution Draw (MCD) is a lucky draw administered by CPF Board to encourage low wage self-employed persons (SEPs) and informal workers to contribute to their Medisave accounts and benefit from the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme.
53.	Am I eligible for the Medisave Contribution Draw?
	The MCD will be opened to all low wage SEPs earning up to $1,500 a month, and living in a property with an annual value of $10,000 or less. SEPs and informal workers of all ages may qualify. To qualify for the first MCD quarterly draw for 2007 income, SEPs/informal workers must make their Medisave contributions in full or in part for the liability arising from income earned in the year 2007 by 30 April 2008.
54.	What are the prizes?
	The prizes will be given in cash, to help participants in meeting their daily needs. The payout structure is below: Quarterly Draw:
	Prize No. of Prizes Prize Value ($) 1st 1 3,000 2nd 1 2,000 3rd 1 1,000 Consolation 300 100
	Grand Draw:
	Prize No. of Prizes Prize Value ($) 1st 1 5,000 2nd 1 3,000 3rd 1 2,000 Consolation 500 200
55.	When will the draws be held?
	The draws will be held every quarter from June 2008, for Medisave contributions made for work done in 2007. A Grand Draw will be held on March 2009. To encourage full contribution, only those who have fulfilled their liability will be eligible for the final Grand Draw.
	Date Action Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 Participant works From Aug 07 Participant makes contributions for Medisave liabilities Jan 2008 First WIS payment to participants who have made Medisave contributions by Nov 2007 for work done in the first half of 2007 Jan 2008 - Apr 2008 Participant declares his income earned in 2007 to IRAS or CPFB Participant makes contribution for Medisave liabilities May 2008 Second WIS payment to participants who have fulfilled their Medisave liabilities for the full 2007 work year Jun 2008 1st MCD quarterly draw Sep 2008 2nd MCD quarterly draw Dec 2008 3rd MCD quarterly draw Mar 2009 MCD Grand Draw
56.	When will I know how many chances I have? How will I know if I win?
	Details of ticket allocation will be announced closer to the first draw in June 2008. CPF Board will inform the winners by post. Winners for each draw will also be announced in the newspaper after each draw.
57.	What are the qualifying criteria for the Grand Draw?
	All SEPs/informal workers who contribute towards their Medisave liabilities will get to participate in the Grand Draw. Contributions up to the month preceding the Grand Draw will be used to determine the number of chances awarded.
58.	How many chances will I receive for each draw?
	Chances for each draw will be awarded in direct proportion to the amount of Medisave liability paid before the draw. One chance will be awarded in each draw for every 10% of the Medisave liability paid up to the month preceding the draw. Participants who pay up in full before the deadline for the first draw will have the maximum number of chances in all four draws. Examples are shown in the table below:
	Scenarios for different payment patterns No. of chances Total Chances Jun 08 Sep 08 Dec 08 Mar 09 (A) Paid everything by May 08 in one lump sum 40 10 10 10 10 (B)Paid 25% by 1st draw, paid 50% by 2nd draw, 75% by 3rd draw and 100% by 4th draw. 24 2 5 7 10