NS ALLOWANCE TO INCREASE FROM 1 JULY 2025

From 1 Jul, those serving NS can expect an increase in monthly allowance ranging from $35 to $75, Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How announced.

Mr Heng was speaking in Parliament on 3 Mar at the Committee of Supply debates on the defence budget.

The increase will apply to all national servicemen across the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

For example, recruits can expect a revised monthly allowance of $790, up from $755, while those holding the rank of lieutenant will receive $1,530, up from $1,455. 

This marks the fourth adjustment in the last decade, following the previous increase in July 2023 which ranged from $125 to $200 depending on rank and vocation.

“Beyond recognition packages, each NSF (full-time national serviceman) receives a monthly allowance that supports his personal upkeep and recognises his service. We regularly review the NS allowances so that they remain adequate,” explained Mr Heng.

New CMPB to open from May

Mr Heng also updated that the new Central Manpower Base (CMPB) will open in phases from mid-2025.

Conveniently located opposite Cashew MRT station, it is designed as a one-stop service centre for NS administrative matters, and the first touchpoint for pre-enlistees. 

The facility will feature a Regional Health Hub (RHH), offering a more seamless process that includes medical screenings, on-site X-rays, same-day specialist consultations, and improved queue management.

This integration aims to tackle pain points such as the need for multiple appointments across different locations

Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) can also look forward to amenities like a Lifestylemart, an all-weather Fitness Conditioning Centre where they can take their Individual Physical Proficiency Test, as well as F&B and childcare facilities.

Enhanced mental health support

Mr Heng also outlined how MINDEF and the SAF will continue to strengthen efforts to enhance mental health support for all service personnel, and build mental resilience.

Since 2022, the Mental Health Office (MHO) has played a key role in leading, coordinating and strengthening MINDEF and the SAF’s mental health support system.

New initiatives introduced in 2024 include Roving Care Teams, which provide psychological support to ground units during key transition periods, and an e-learning module on mental health that aims to foster a positive workplace culture. 

Also established in 2024, the Army Resilience Centre has partnered training centres and units to put in place structured resilience training curriculums during Basic Military Training, to help recruits better adapt to military life.

This has resulted in higher training participation and greater ability of servicemen to cope with challenging tasks during training, Mr Heng noted.

Touching upon other efforts to improve the NS experience, he said that the OneNS app will roll out new features – such as allowing NSmen to access their In-Camp Training records on the go, and a Smart Mobilisation system which digitises their mobilisation status in real-time – this year.  

New SAFRA clubhouse in the east

NSmen living in the east can look forward to a new affordable and family-friendly clubhouse. Speaking at the defence budget debates on 3 Mar, Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad announced that the new SAFRA Bayshore will be built to replace SAFRA Tampines, which has been serving NSmen and their families since 1988.

Set to be the largest SAFRA clubhouse, SAFRA Bayshore will be directly accessible via MRT and will offer the unique family, entertainment, and recreational facilities synonymous with its sister clubhouses.

Noting national servicemen’s dedication in ensuring Singapore’s readiness to face an increasingly complex security environment, Mr Heng said: “We do not take for granted the strong support for NS that we have… Together, we will keep Singapore safe and secure for generations to come.”