Full-time National Service (NS) is a rite of passage for all able-bodied Singaporean men to go through upon turning the age of 18, unless exempted. For Singaporean males doing their national service, these two precious years are an opportunity to build themselves up physically and mentally, as well as forge networks and friendships with people of all walks of life.
Many Singaporean men will also admit that National Service was life-changing for them – where they started learning about investing or paved the way for an entirely new education and career path.
As a full-time national serviceman (NSF), you can also expect to receive an allowance – not as salary, but for “personal upkeep and in recognition of your contributions”.
How Much Do NSFs Get Paid?
Since 1 July 2023, all full-time national servicemen (NSFs) across all ranks received an allowance of between $715 and $1,455. This was an increase of $125 to $200 in their allowance, following the announcement from the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on 29 May 2023.
New NSFs holding the rank of Recruit received a starting rank allowance of $680, up from the previous $630. In total, new NSFs will receive $755, inclusive of a minimum vocation allowance of $75.
As part of Budget 2025 initiatives, NSF monthly allowances will increase by $35 to $75 from 1 July 2025. This will raise Recruits’ starting rank allowance to $715, and take their total allowance to $790.
Source: CMPB
In addition to the above monthly rank allowance, NSFs who serve in technical and service vocations get an additional $75 in monthly vocation allowance, while those in combat vocations get an additional $225. Those in slightly more demanding combat vocations like Armour, Guards, Infantry, Combat Medics, Aircrew and those serving on board ships, will receive a higher vocation allowance of $300.
For the few who serve in “riskier” vocations like Commandos, Naval Divers and Chemical, Biological, Radiological Defence or Explosive Ordinance Disposal (CBRE), they will receive $500 in vocation allowance, or “Risk Pay” as those in the service call it.
Source: CMPB
The ‘good’ thing about your NSF allowance is that it is classified as an allowance, so you don’t have to take a chunk out of the meagre amount and pay it into your CPF.
However, you have to pay taxes on it – but the amount (if any) would be small, since you’ll be barely clearing the $20,000 in tax-free chargeable income, even at the highest-end.
As an NSF, you also enjoy non-monetary benefits like medical and dental subsidies as well as complimentary $300,000 Group Term Life and $300,000 Group Personal Injury insurance coverage.
Read Also: Complete Guide To SAFRA Memberships: How Much They Cost And What Benefits You Enjoy
How Much Would A Non-Combat NSF Earn?
Assuming you’re not in a combat vocation, exempt from IPPT, and have a very typical promotion path, say getting promoted to Lance Corporal 13 months into your National Service, you can expect a total allowance across your service to amount to:
[($715+$75) x 13 months)] + [($740+$75) x 11 months] = $10,270 + $8,965 = $19,235
How Much Would A Combat Enlistee Earn?
If you’re a trooper in a combat vocation like Infantry, here is what you can expect to earn, assuming you get promoted on your 13th and 22nd month of service.
[($715+$75) x 2 months) + [($715+225) x 11 months]* + [($740+$225) x 9 months] + [($790+$225) x 2 months] = $1,580 + $10,340 + $8,685 + $2,030 = $22,635
*We assumed an increase in vocation allowance from the minimum $75 to $225 that a combatant may receive.
How Much Would A Combat Specialist Earn?
Specialist Cadets will still receive a starting rank allowance of $715, before getting their specialist cadet allowance after their promotion, and a vocation allowance of $225 during their training. This is how much a specialist who holds the rank of third sergeant can expect to earn for the duration of their 24-month service.
[($715+$75) x 2 months] + [($810+$225) x 6 months]+ [($1,055+$225) x 16 months] = $1,580 + $6,210 + $20,480 = $28,270
How Much Would A Commando/Naval/CBRE Officer Earn?
This is the absolute highest allowance NSFs can receive by becoming an officer in a vocation with the highest vocation allowance of $500.
[($715+$75) x 2 months] + [($1,010+$500) x 10 months]* + [($1,265+$500) x 10 months] + [($1,455+$500) x 2 months] = $1,580 + $15,100 + $17,650 + $3,910 = $38,240
*We assumed an increase in the monthly vocation allowance of $500 that NSFs in the Commando vocation would receive.
Read Also: How Much Can Employers Claim When Their NSmen Employees Go For In-Camp Training (ICT)
Stretching Your NSF Allowance
Many might argue (and have argued) that the allowance we give our NSFs are still too little. With former NSFs on the team, the consensus is that more is always welcomed.
Another interesting point to note is that, because all your other costs are covered by the SAF, including accommodation, daily necessities, and food, you don’t really spend much, unless your posting allows you to stay-out.
If you are able to stash away as much of your allowance as you can, you might be able to accumulate a tidy sum that will place you in good stead for the next chapter of your life – whether that is tertiary studies or starting work.
Read Also: 22 Useful Items You Can Buy From The SAF eMart – That You Can Use In Your Civilian Life
NSmen Can Enjoy Various Financial Incentives
Introduced in 2014, the NS HOusing, Medican and Education (NS HOME) Award recognises the efforts of NSmen at the various stages of their Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) journey, including their Reservist cycle. This will help NSFs in their housing, healthcare and education needs.
In total, NSmen can receive payouts of between $17,000 to $18,500 across 3 milestones in their Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA), CPF OA, CPF MA and in LifeSG Credits.
Source: OneNS
Throughout their time as NSFs and ORNS, you can also receive IPPT incentives for getting Gold ($500), Silver ($300) and Pass with Incentive ($200).
From time to time, the Government may also announce ad-hoc benefits for past and present NSmen. For example, in 2017, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of National Service, an NS50 Recognition Package worth $100 in vouchers and one year of SAFRA/HomeTeamNS membership was announced. More recently, in Budget 2024, $100 worth of NS LifeSG credits were given to all past and present NSmen.
Finally, eligible NSmen receive $1,500 in tax relief and their spouses and parents will receive $750 in tax relief for life. NSmen called up for NS activities in the year will receive an additional $1,500 in tax relief, with key appointment holders getting a further $500 more.
In addition, parents and spouses (who are Singapore Citizens) of NSmen will enjoy a tax relief of $750 each year.
Read Also: 6 Ways It (Literally) Pays To Be An NSman
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