The Economic Restructuring Shares (ERS) are part of the offset package meant to help Singaporeans adapt to the structural changes in the economy, especially the increase in the GST rate. The ERS will be given out in three lots, with one lot each year starting from 2003. The shares will earn annual dividends, in the form of bonus shares, over 5 years. The bonus shares will be calculated at a rate of 3% plus the real GDP growth rate of the preceding calendar year, with a guarantee of at least 3%.