Meanwhile, the current SFEC scheme will expire on 30 November 2026.
For businesses considering employee training, capability development or wider workforce transformation, understanding the changes now can help them plan ahead and avoid missing existing funding opportunities.
What Is Changing Under the Redesigned SFEC?
* A fresh S$10,000 credit: Eligible companies will receive a new credit allocation.
* An online wallet system: Companies will be able to access and use their credit through a digital wallet.
* Upfront cost offsets: Instead of relying on reimbursement after expenditure, eligible companies can use their credits to offset qualifying out-of-pocket costs upfront upon enrolment, before the course starts.
* Continued support for workforce transformation: The redesigned scheme is intended to help businesses strengthen workforce capabilities and support transformation efforts.
The new arrangement is designed to make funding more accessible and help businesses manage cash flow when investing in eligible programmes.
However, companies should note that the detailed list of eligible workforce transformation programmes and the applicable support arrangements are to be announced separately.
Important Dates: What Businesses Should Know
The transition involves two distinct periods. Companies should pay attention to the following dates.
30 November 2026 — Current SFEC expires
The current scheme ends on this date. To qualify for existing SFEC support, the course run must be completed on or before 30 November 2026, subject to the relevant approval requirements.
Businesses with unused credits should review their balances and planned training activities as soon as possible. Unused credits under the current scheme will expire when the redesigned SFEC launches.
1 December 2026 — Redesigned SFEC (Enhanced) launches
Eligible companies will receive a fresh S$10,000 credit under the redesigned scheme. The new digital wallet arrangement is intended to allow qualifying expenses to be offset upfront rather than through the previous reimbursement approach.
30 April 2027 — Deadline for training providers to endorse outstanding claims
For claims under the current SFEC system, training providers must endorse submitted claims by 30 April 2027. Claims that are not endorsed by this deadline will lapse and will not be credited to the enterprises.
Companies and training providers should therefore coordinate closely to ensure that outstanding claims are submitted and processed on time.
What Should Businesses Do Now?
With the transition approaching, companies can take several practical reviews.
1. Check for existing SFEC balances
2. Align training with business needs
3. Monitor the redesigned scheme's eligibility requirements
4. Coordinate with your training provider
Plan Ahead for the SFEC Transition
The key is to plan training around business needs first, then establish which funding support is available. The SFEC credit has an expiry date of 30 November 2029.
Businesses should also take note of the eligibility that is subjected to specific conditions.
Based on the eligibility criteria provided by SWDA, the qualifying period between 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025, companies must meet the following requirements:
1. At least three local resident employees: The company must have employed at least three resident employees every month during the qualifying period.
2. Skills Development Levy (SDL) compliance: The company must not have been in default of its SDL obligations during the qualifying period.
3. Active ACRA status: The company must not have inactive status with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
Basic Condition
- Completion of a workforce questionnaire: The company must complete the basic workforce questionnaire available through the Our Workforce Portal.
- Other internal governance checks: Eligibility is also subject to additional internal checks.
Meeting the stated criteria is an important first step before planning how to use the funding for eligible workforce development activities.
As the scheme transitions, companies should also refer to the latest official SWDA guidance for confirmation of their eligibility, credit availability and applicable terms.
For the latest official information, refer to SkillsFuture Singapore and the Skills and Workforce Development Agency's announcements on the SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit. FAQ
