In 2027, we will commemorate 60 years of National Service (NS) in Singapore. Throughout the year, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will also introduce a series of NS60 commemorative events and initiatives to recognise NSFs, NSmen, NS alumni and their families. However, even before NS60, NSmen already enjoy various awards and schemes designed to mark important milestones and their contributions towards NS.
NS HOME Awards At Three Milestones
The NS Housing, Medical and Education (HOME) Awards help address the needs of national servicemen at different stages of life and throughout their NS journey. The NS HOME Awards currently provide CPF and Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA) contributions, as well as cash credits, at key NS milestones.
NSMen will receive up to $18,500 for housing, healthcare and education needs.
First milestone
Upon completion of full-time NS
| Non-Commanders | Commanders (Third Sergeant And Above) |
| $3,000 into PSEA | $3,500 into PSEA |
| $2,000 into CPF MediSave Account (MA) | $2,000 into CPF MediSave Account (MA) |
| $1,000 LifeSG credits | $1,000 LifeSG credits |
Second milestone
Upon completion of 3 High-Key (HK) In-Camp Training (ICT) or upon completion of 5 Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) years, of which 2 are HK ICTs, whichever is earlier
| Non-Commanders | Commanders (Third Sergeant And Above) |
| $3,000 into CPF Ordinary Account (OA) | $3,500 into CPF Ordinary Account (OA) |
| $2,000 into CPF MediSave Account (MA) | $2,000 into CPF MediSave Account (MA) |
| $500 LifeSG credits | $500 LifeSG credits |
Third milestone
Upon completion of your respective ORNS training cycle, typically upon fulfilling 10 ORNS years including 7 HK ICTs
| Non-Commanders | Commanders (Third Sergeant And Above) |
| $3,000 into CPF Ordinary Account (OA) | $3,500 into CPF Ordinary Account (OA) |
| $2,000 into CPF MediSave Account (MA) | $2,000 into CPF MediSave Account (MA) |
| $500 LifeSG credits | $500 LifeSG credits |
The awards will be paid out within 3 months after NSmen reach each milestone. NSmen will receive an SMS notification when they become eligible for the award.
NS Excellence Award (NSEA)
The NSEA recognises good performance during In-Camp Training (ICT) or NS training courses by awarding NSmen with at least $100 cash credits via the LifeSG mobile application. Recipients of the National Day Award (NDA) and SAF/Formation NSmen of the Year Award will also qualify for the NSEA.
| Eligible groups | Entitlement |
| NDA recipients | $200 NSEA cash credits |
| SAF NSmen of the Year Award recipients | $200 NSEA cash credits |
| Formation NSmen of the Year Award recipients | $200 NSEA cash credits |
| Top 10% of performers during ICT and training courses | $200 NSEA cash credits |
| Next 20% of performers during ICT and training courses | $100 NSEA cash credits |
Tax Relief
To recognise NSmen contributions, they receive tax relief.
| NSmen and ex-NSmen | A base tax relief quantum of $1,500 per year |
| NSmen who have taken part in any Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) activities such as In-Camp Training (ICT) | An additional $1,500 |
| A Key Appointment holder for NSmen | An additional $2,000, on top of quantum in (a) or (b) above |
To be eligible for the tax relief, NSmen must not have committed any disciplinary or criminal offences in the preceding work-year.
Tax relief for your family
In recognition of the support that families give NSmen, their parents and spouse (who must be Singapore citizens) will also receive tax relief of $750 per year. This is assuming the NSman already meets the eligibility requirements for NSmen tax relief.
Training Incentive Awards
IPPT Incentive Award
Based on their total Individual Physical Profiency Test (IPPT) score, NSmen may receive incentives for the following IPPT awards:
| Award type | Incentive |
| Gold | $500 |
| Silver | $300 |
| Pass with Incentive | $200 |
Marksmanship Award
The marksmanship award is given to NSmen who excel in their shooting skills. Depending on their vocation and unit, NSmen will be given a $200 incentive if they meet the criteria for the marksmanship award.
Top Image Credit: MINDEF
Budgeting 101
How Much Salary Do You Need To Live Alone In Singapore?
