Singapore has confirmed that its Part-Time Re-Employment Grant (PTRG) will remain in effect until 31 December 2027, reinforcing the country’s long-term commitment to retaining experienced senior workers in the labour market. Applications under the extended scheme officially opened on 18 December 2025, according to the Ministry of Manpower.
The extension offers employers additional time and financial incentives to redesign roles, reduce workloads, and provide flexible working arrangements for older employees who wish to remain economically active without full-time commitments.
What the Part-Time Re-Employment Grant (PTRG) Means
The Part-Time Re-Employment Grant is a government-funded support scheme designed to help employers re-hire or retain senior employees aged 60 and above under part-time or flexible work arrangements.
Rather than pushing experienced workers into full retirement, the program encourages gradual workforce transition by supporting lighter workloads, shorter hours, and adaptive job structures.
How the Part-Time Re-Employment Grant Works
The structure of the PTRG is straightforward and employer-focused:
- Employers hire or retain employees aged 60 and above on part-time or flexible terms
- The government reimburses $1,943.36 per eligible senior employee
- Each employer may receive up to $97,160.96 in total grant support
Eligible roles may include reduced hours, flexible scheduling, or redesigned job scopes aligned with the physical and lifestyle needs of older workers.
Why the Grant Was Extended Until 2027
The extension reflects the program’s strong adoption and measurable impact since its launch in 2020. As of November 2025:
- More than 7,500 employers had utilised the grant
- Over 65,000 senior employees had benefited
- Approximately $71 million had already been reimbursed
By extending the scheme, the government provides employers with an additional 24 months to plan workforce continuity while preserving institutional knowledge and experience.
Who Oversees the PTRG Program
The Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) serves as the official program partner. Employers can access application details and submit claims through the Ministry of Manpower’s Part-Time Re-Employment Grant portal.
Why This Matters for Senior Employees
For senior workers, the PTRG reshapes traditional retirement pathways.
Instead of an abrupt exit from the workforce, the scheme enables:
- Continued and stable income
- Greater control over working hours
- Job roles adapted to health and lifestyle needs
- A smoother transition into later career stages
It also helps older employees stay socially engaged, professionally active, and financially secure.
Other Government Support for Senior Employment
The Part-Time Re-Employment Grant works alongside other initiatives aimed at supporting mature workers:
- Senior Employment Credit: Provides wage offsets of around 7% for employers hiring workers aged 60 and above
- SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme: Supports reskilling and upskilling for workers aged 40 and above
- Professional Conversion Programme: Offers enhanced funding for mature workers transitioning into new roles or industries
A Broader Push for Age-Friendly Workplaces
In July 2025, Singapore launched the Tripartite Workgroup on Senior Employment, aimed at making workplaces more age-inclusive.
An associated Alliance for Action, involving 32 organisations, is actively exploring initiatives such as job redesign, flexible workload models, internships for seniors, and extended career pathways.
Conclusion
Singapore’s extension of the Part-Time Re-Employment Grant until 2027 sends a clear message: longer working lives do not need to mean heavier workloads.
By promoting flexibility, experience retention, and choice, the government is enabling employers and senior employees alike to benefit from a more sustainable and inclusive labour market.