TO HELP employees cope with the rising cost of living, some Singapore companies are providing cash allowances, one-off payouts or improved staff benefits.

Real estate group Far East Organization, for example, has been giving a monthly special cash allowance to eligible staff members, tiered according to their base salary. Those with lower base salaries get larger allowances.

The scheme was initially meant to run from Jun 1 last year till Mar 31 this year, but has been extended till the year’s end “to cover increases in essential spending with the rising cost of living”, said executive director Jodie Choo, group head of human resources, IT and administration. Far East Organization did not provide details of the payout amounts.