Becoming a Permanent Resident unlocks real government support, but not everything a citizen gets. Some schemes are open to PRs, while the headline cash handouts are citizen-only. This guide sets out clearly which welfare and support schemes Singapore PR holders are eligible for in 2026, and which they are not.
Quick answer: PRs are eligible for the contributory and work-based schemes: CPF, MediSave, MediShield Life and CareShield Life, subsidised public healthcare (at a lower tier than citizens), course-fee subsidies of up to 70%, Workfare if they meet the criteria, and resale HDB housing. PRs do not receive the citizen-only cash schemes: CDC Vouchers, GST Voucher, the CHAS card, SkillsFuture Credit, Baby Bonus, or Edusave.
What PRs are eligible for
| Scheme | What PRs get |
| CPF | Full participation, with employer contributions (graduated in the first two years) |
| MediSave | A CPF account for approved healthcare expenses |
| MediShield Life | Basic protection for large hospital bills (PRs pay the full premium) |
| CareShield Life / ElderShield | Long-term care insurance |
| Public healthcare subsidies | Subsidised care at polyclinics and hospitals, at a lower tier than citizens |
| Course-fee subsidies | Up to 70% subsidy on approved SkillsFuture-funded courses |
| Workfare Income Supplement | Cash and CPF top-ups for eligible lower-wage older workers (citizens and PRs) |
| Resale HDB housing | Can buy a resale HDB flat after 3 years of PR |
These are largely contributory or work-based: you get them because you pay in (CPF) or work and meet criteria.
What PRs are NOT eligible for (citizen-only)
| Scheme | Status for PRs |
| CDC Vouchers | Citizens only |
| GST Voucher (cash, MediSave, U-Save) | Citizens only |
| CHAS card (GP/dental subsidies) | Citizens only |
| SkillsFuture Credit (the credit itself) | Citizens only (PRs still get course subsidies) |
| Baby Bonus and Child Development Account | Citizens only |
| Edusave account | Citizens only |
| Most cash rebates and LifeSG payouts | Citizens only |
The pattern is clear: the non-contributory cash handouts, direct transfers from the government budget, are reserved for citizens. PRs get the schemes they contribute to or qualify for through work.
The key distinction: contributory vs cash handout
- Contributory / work-based (PRs included): CPF, MediSave, MediShield Life, Workfare, course subsidies, healthcare subsidies. You earn these by contributing or working.
- Non-contributory cash transfers (citizens only): CDC and GST Vouchers, CHAS, Baby Bonus, Edusave, U-Save. These are budget transfers to citizens.
Understanding this line explains almost every eligibility question: if it is a handout funded by the budget, it is usually citizen-only; if it is tied to your CPF or your work, PRs are usually in.
Healthcare: what PRs actually get
PRs are covered by MediShield Life and can use MediSave, and receive subsidised care at public hospitals and polyclinics. But the subsidy tier is lower than a citizen’s, and PRs pay the full MediShield Life premium without the citizen premium subsidy. They also do not get a CHAS card for private GP and dental subsidies. For more, see our guide on whether healthcare is free in Singapore.
Housing and CPF
PRs can use CPF and buy a resale HDB flat after three years, but cannot buy a new BTO flat or receive CPF housing grants (those need a citizen). CPF contribution rates match a citizen’s from the third year of PR. See our guides on CPF for PRs and Singapore PR benefits.
Want the full citizen benefits?
If access to the full set of schemes, CDC and GST Vouchers, CHAS, Baby Bonus, and the rest, matters to you, that comes with citizenship. Our comparison of PR vs citizen and guide to citizenship benefits lay out the difference.
How First Immigration can help
Understanding what you gain as a PR, and what only comes with citizenship, helps you decide your next step. First Immigration helps you:
- Understand how PR affects your benefits and finances.
- Weigh staying a PR against applying for citizenship.
- Plan and prepare either application.
Speak to our consultants through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What government schemes are PRs eligible for in Singapore?
CPF and MediSave, MediShield Life and CareShield Life, subsidised public healthcare (lower tier than citizens), up to 70% course-fee subsidies, Workfare if eligible, and resale HDB housing after three years.
Do PRs get CDC Vouchers?
No. CDC Vouchers are for Singapore citizens only.
Do PRs get the GST Voucher?
No. The GST Voucher (cash, MediSave, and U-Save) is for citizens only.
Do PRs have a CHAS card?
No. CHAS subsidies at private GP and dental clinics are for citizens only. PRs still get subsidised care at public healthcare institutions.
Do PRs get SkillsFuture Credit?
No, not the credit itself, which is citizen-only. However, PRs can receive course-fee subsidies of up to 70% on approved SkillsFuture-funded courses.
Are PRs eligible for Workfare?
Yes, if they meet the age, income, and work criteria. Workfare covers both citizens and PRs.
Do PRs get healthcare subsidies?
Yes, but at a lower tier than citizens, and PRs pay the full MediShield Life premium without the citizen premium subsidy.
Can PRs get the Baby Bonus?
No. The Baby Bonus and Child Development Account are citizen-only.
How do I get the full set of schemes?
The citizen-only cash schemes come with citizenship. Weigh it up with our PR vs citizen guide.
