Steady Steps Scheme

Supporting Working Families on Their Journey Towards Financial Stability

For many working families, having a regular income does not always mean financial security. Existing debts, limited savings and rising living expenses can make it difficult to move forward, even with stable employment.

The Steady Steps Scheme (S³) is a programme that supports working families who remain financially vulnerable due to arrears & limited savings despite having regular employment. Combining targeted financial assistance with wraparound support, accountability & structured goal-setting, S³ helps families build sustainable financial habits, clear debts & strengthen their capacity for stability & self-reliance.

Who is this Programme For?

The Steady Steps Scheme (S³) is intended for working families who continue to experience financial vulnerability despite having regular employment.

Eligible families are those who have accumulated formal arrears and require structured support to regain financial stability while remaining committed to improving their financial situation.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria:

Formal Arrears

The household must have outstanding formal arrears relating to one or more of the following:

HDB payments
Utilities
Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC)
School fees
Medical fees

The total amount of formal arrears must be at least $2,400 and not exceed $7,200.

The household’s total cumulative arrears (including both formal and informal arrears) must not exceed $12,000.

Employment

At least one family member must have been continuously employed in a full-time capacity for a minimum of one year.

Household Income

The household’s Per Capita Income (PCI) must not exceed $1,500.

Stability and Commitment

Applicants should have no active risk concerns within the past 12 months and must remain administratively compliant by submitting the required documentation each month throughout the programme.

Assistance Provided

Eligible families will receive:

$500 Monthly Cash Assistance

To encourage sustainable financial progress:

At least 80% ($400) of the monthly cash assistance must be used to clear formal arrears and/or build family savings.
The remaining 20% ($100) may be used to support short-term daily living expenses.

$100 Monthly Grocery Vouchers

Families will also receive $100 worth of grocery vouchers each month to help offset the cost of:

Food and groceries
Essential household items

The vouchers are intended solely for the purchase of essential household necessities.

How to Apply

Applications to the Steady Steps Scheme (S³) must be submitted or endorsed by a recognised Social Worker, Case Worker or Partner Agency.

Families who wish to be considered for the programme are encouraged to approach their Family Service Centre, social service agency or case worker for assessment and referral. For enquiries about the programme, please contact us at [email protected].