They will aslo get a further $49 million in the first of three one-off Workfare Special Payments in cash from the Resilience Package, the Ministry of Manpower announced on Saturday.

Both payments will be made on March 1, one month earlier than the regular Workfare payment.

Self-employed persons (SEPs) and informal workers will receive the Workfare payment and Special Payment for work done in 2008 on May 1.

Those who worked in 2008, but who have yet to register or make their Medisave contributions, must do so by March 31 to receive both payments in May.

If they declare their income and make their Medisave contributions for work done in 2008 after March 31, they will receive both payments after May.

'We encourage all SEPs and informal workers aged 35 and above in 2008 and earning less than $1,500 per month to register with CPF Board and pay their Medisave in order to receive Workfare and the cash Special Payment,' said a MOM statement.

The contribution rates have been reduced to as low as 2.5 per cent and payments can be made in instalments at many locations islandwide.

Workers above 45 years old who earn $1,000 a month, need only contribute $339 a year to their Medisave to get Workfare and the Special Payment, which works out to less than $1 a day.

Information on Workfare and the Special Payment can be found at www.wis.sg. Queries can also be addressed to CPF Board via email at wis@cpf.gov.sg or you can call the CPF hotline at 1800-2222-888 (Mon-Fri: 8am - 6pm)