The 2026 NS Pay & Benefits Bible

TL;DR: National Service is more than just a duty; it’s a financial package worth over $30,000. From the new $790 base allowance to $18,500 in HOME Awards and yearly performance bonuses, learn how to track every dollar by reading this article.

Introduction

National Service is often talked about in terms of sacrifice, discipline, and duty, but it also has a very real dollar value. Every month you serve, there is money coming in, and that amount is shaped by more than just your rank. Your vocation plays a big role too, and many NSmen don’t realise how much difference it makes over two years and ten ICT cycles. Understanding how allowance works helps you plan better and avoid wrong expectations. Before we dive into the fixed allowances, most NSmen find that their biggest annual pay raise comes from fitness. If you’re curious how much your run is worth this year, check out our NS IPPT Calculator to see your potential cash incentive.

The Instant Performance Bonuses

This is the most clickable part of the whole allowance conversation because this is money you feel immediately. No waiting, no long term calculation. You perform, you get paid.

IPPT Incentives the Fastest Cash Boost

This one I always remind my trainees not to ignore. Pass IPPT and you already qualify for incentive. Silver gives you two hundred dollars. Gold gives three hundred. Gold with Distinction gives five hundred. I’ve seen NSmen train a few months, clean up their run timing, and earn more than their monthly allowance. Some joke that their 2.4km run is their side hustle. If you keep failing and feeling sian, you are literally running past free money.

The Marksmanship Award

Many people think shooting is just training. Actually, if you achieve shooting excellence, you can get two hundred dollars. This applies to many vocations, not only frontline units. I’ve seen quiet, steady guys walk away with this award while others didn’t even know it existed.

NS Excellence Award NSEA Quiet but Real

The NS Excellence Award goes to the top thirty percent of your course or ICT. Payout is one hundred to two hundred dollars in LifeSG credits. It rewards overall performance, attitude, and discipline. Not flashy, but it adds up if you take your training seriously.
Stay sharp and don’t be blur. These bonuses reward effort, not luck.

The Big Win NS HOME Awards

Think of NS HOME Awards as the long game payout. Not instant like IPPT money, but much bigger if you finish your journey properly. Here’s the clean breakdown.

The 3 Key Milestones

Commanders vs Non Commanders

If you are a section commander, platoon commander, or hold leadership roles, you receive an extra five hundred dollars.
Many people avoid command roles because they think stress only. But there is a real financial difference. More responsibility means more reward.

CPF vs Cash What You Really Get

Don’t be blur. NS HOME Awards reward those who complete, commit, and serve properly. Finish the journey and the benefits follow.

Hidden Invisible Savings Most NSmen Overlook

This part nobody really talks about, but over the years I’ve seen this save people a lot of money quietly. You don’t feel it immediately, but once you add up, it’s very real.

Medical and Dental Benefits

One big one is medical and dental coverage. Wisdom tooth surgery alone can cost thousands outside. In NS, many guys remove all four wisdom teeth for free or heavily subsidised. I’ve coached trainees who only realised the value when their civilian friends were paying big bills. Medical coverage also extends to certain family members in specific situations. This one not flashy, but when you need it, very shiok.

Tax Relief Real Money Back

Every year you serve or attend ICT, you get NSman tax relief. This ranges from one thousand five hundred to five thousand dollars depending on your role and performance. It doesn’t mean cash in hand, but it reduces how much tax you pay. For working adults, this makes a big difference. Many NSmen are blur (confused) and never factor this into their finances.

Celebratory LifeSG Gifts

Lastly, there are celebration bonuses. When you get married or have a baby, you receive one hundred dollars in LifeSG credits. Not huge, but it shows recognition. Small wins still count.
All these invisible savings add up quietly if you pay attention

PRs and the Completion Award

For Permanent Residents serving NS, this part is especially important because many PRs are unsure what they qualify for at the end. The Completion Award recognises PRs who complete their full NS obligations properly. It is not automatic if your records are messy or outdated.
Upon completion, eligible PRs receive a 300 dollar CPF top up. It may not feel like instant cash, but it goes straight into your savaings and helps long term planning. On top of that, there is also a ceremonial watch given as a token of appreciation. I’ve seen many PR NSmen feel proud receiving it because it marks the end of a long journey.
Here is the thing I always remind my trainees. If your details are not updated, payments can be delayed or missed. Don’t be blur and assume the system will chase you.

Don’t leave money on the table. Update your bank details on OneNS today

Conclusion

National Service is not just two years and done. It is a structured financial journey with performance bonuses, long term awards, hidden savings, and completion payouts. When you understand how the system works, you stop guessing and start planning. From fitness incentives to NS HOME Awards, every part adds up. Stay informed, train smart, and make sure you collect what you have already earned.
It’s great to see that NS isn’t just about hard work, the financial and career perks are a massive plus. However, to enjoy the ‘carrots,’ you need to be aware of the ‘sticks.’ Take a quick look at our breakdown of NS Penalties and Legal Obligations so you don’t accidentally get hit with an avoidable fine.