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As part of ongoing efforts to support households with rising living costs, the Singapore government has introduced a new grocery credit scheme offering $250 worth of support to eligible residents. This initiative is targeted at helping lower- and middle-income citizens manage essential expenses like food and daily household items.
The grocery credits are part of a wider set of support measures rolling out throughout 2025 and are designed to bring immediate relief to those most affected by inflation and economic uncertainty.
If you’re wondering whether you qualify and how to claim these benefits, here’s a full breakdown of everything you need to know.
What Are the $250 Grocery Credits?
The grocery credit is a one-time assistance benefit provided to Singaporean citizens in the form of digital credits. These credits can be used at major supermarket chains and participating stores across the island, including NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong, Giant, and selected minimarts.
Unlike traditional cash payouts, these credits are specifically meant for purchasing groceries and other essential items. They cannot be withdrawn as cash but serve to reduce household grocery bills significantly.
This program is part of the broader Household Support Package that aims to offer practical help in areas where families spend the most.
Who Is Eligible to Receive the Credits?
The government has outlined specific eligibility criteria to ensure that the $250 grocery credits go to households that truly need support. Eligible groups include:
Lower- to Middle-Income Citizens
Singaporeans aged 21 and above with an annual assessable income not exceeding $34,000 are eligible. This income ceiling ensures that support reaches working adults and families whose wages may not keep up with the cost of living.
Seniors Living Alone or on Limited Income
Elderly citizens aged 65 and above who are retired or living on modest pensions will also qualify. The program aims to ensure that seniors do not have to worry about basic grocery needs, especially those without strong family support.
Citizens Living in HDB Rental Flats
Residents of public rental flats are automatically included in the scheme. This group is often most vulnerable to economic shifts, and grocery support can go a long way in maintaining food security.
Caregivers and Single Parents
Caregivers of dependent family members and single parents with no second source of income may also qualify for the credit, provided they fall within the income threshold and are Singapore citizens.
How and When to Claim the Grocery Credits
Eligible recipients will receive a notification via SMS or email from official government channels starting from the first week of September 2025. The grocery credits will be issued digitally through the CDC Vouchers platform, which is already familiar to many citizens from previous support programs.
To claim the credits:
- Log in to the CDC Vouchers website using your Singpass.
- Select the $250 Grocery Credit scheme.
- Redeem the vouchers for use at participating supermarkets and stores.
- Show the digital QR code during checkout to deduct the value from your total bill.
Residents without digital access can visit any Community Centre or Public Service Centre, where assistance will be provided for physical voucher issuance.
The deadline to claim the credits is 31 December 2025, after which any unused balance will expire. Residents are encouraged to claim early and plan their usage over several weeks to cover recurring grocery expenses.
Where Can You Use the Credits?
The $250 grocery credits are accepted at more than 500 outlets islandwide. Participating merchants include:
- NTUC FairPrice
- Giant
- Sheng Siong
- Cold Storage (select items)
- Prime Supermarket
- RedMart (online purchases)
- Selected wet markets and heartland minimarts
More stores are expected to be added to the list as the program expands, especially in suburban and elderly-dense neighborhoods.
Can You Combine with Other Vouchers?
Yes, the $250 grocery credits can be used in combination with other government-issued CDC vouchers or merchant discounts. This flexibility allows households to maximise their savings, especially during monthly bulk shopping trips or festive sales.
However, they cannot be exchanged for cash or used for non-grocery items such as electronics, alcohol, or tobacco.
Additional Support for Families
The grocery credit program is just one part of the Household Support Package announced for 2025. Families with school-going children, persons with disabilities, and those receiving ComCare assistance may also receive additional payments in the coming months.
For example:
- Back-to-school allowance for students from lower-income homes
- Additional U-Save rebates on utilities
- Enhanced transport subsidies for concession card holders
These layers of support are designed to work together to ease the financial strain faced by many Singaporean households.
Stay Alert for Official Updates
The government has reminded citizens to be cautious of scams. All legitimate communication regarding the $250 grocery credits will be sent only through official platforms and government-verified SMS numbers. Residents are advised not to share personal information with anyone claiming to help them claim credits.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or need help with claiming your credits, you can visit the nearest Community Centre or call the dedicated hotline set up by the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
Final Thoughts
The $250 grocery credit is a timely and targeted form of support that comes when many families are adjusting to rising daily expenses. While it may not solve every financial challenge, it helps ease the burden where it matters most on the cost of food and daily essentials.
If you qualify, make sure to claim your credits as soon as the portal opens in September. And don’t forget to use them before the deadline hits at the end of December 2025.
With proper planning and early claiming, these credits can help stretch your monthly budget and offer some much-needed financial breathing space.