Singapore lifts retirement age and expands flexible work incentives for older workers

On Oct 26, Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, the National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore National Employers Federation presented a suite of policies aimed at extending senior participation in the workforce. The statutory retirement age will increase from 64 to 65 and the re-employment age from 69 to 70 beginning in 2029, meaning employers cannot dismiss employees before 65 and must offer re-employment until 70.

A new Flexi-Load Programme will subsidise flexible-work arrangements for workers aged 50 and above, replacing the existing Part-time Re-employment Grant that ends in 2027. The government will also raise the Employment Assistance Payment ceiling, boost Earned Income Relief for workers over 55, and introduce a Re-employment Credit from 2028 with higher wage-offset limits. Wage-support schemes such as the Workfare Income Supplement and Progressive Wage Credit Scheme will be enhanced to aid lower-wage seniors. Officials emphasized that senior employment should offer meaningful, varied options and that older workers can mentor younger staff, supporting a multigenerational workforce.