On May 1, 2011 the Singapore government distributed a “Growth Dividend” to almost all adult citizens—about 2.5 million people. Singapore has experienced enormous growth (12 percent) in the past year, ballooning government revenues. Lawmakers, who created the payment, cited the need to ensure that everyone shares in the benefit of that growth. The size of the dividend was graduated so that people with lower income and wealth would receive a larger dividend. Most Singaporeans (80%) received S$600 to S$800 (about $488 to $650 in U.S. dollars). Those with higher income or wealth received S$100-S$300. So far, more than 90% of Singaporeans have signed up to receive their dividend. The rest have until the end of the year to do so. Although Singapore has distributed dividends before, it has not promised to distribute dividends every year.
For info on the Singapore budget including the “Growth Dividend” go to:
https://www.singaporebudget.gov.sg/budget_2011/pd.html#s7
For an article discussing the dividend go to:
https://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC110430-0000682/Growth-dividends-in-by-Sunday
For an editorial discussing BIG in Singapore go to:
https://veryfinecommentary.tk/articles/the-slow-trickle/
That Singapore gives a citizens dividend is wonderful. Unfortunately, they now have a 7% Goods and Services Tax. The cash dividend won’t be more than enough to pay ten percent of the GST.