Impact of ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance Revisions on Number of Families Receiving Help and Proposal for Simplified Process in Determining Assistance Amount

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the number of families on ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) that will not be due for renewal by September 2022; (b) whether the revision of assistance rates for ComCare SMTA can be extended to families already on assistance instead of only for new or renewal applicants in order to be more responsive to families’ immediate challenges; and (c) how will the Government ensure that the criteria and process for determining the amount of assistance to be provided can be simplified and expedited.

ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) provides temporary assistance to lower-income households that need financial support to meet basic needs. The assistance for about 1,800 households, or 12% of all households currently on SMTA, will end after September 2022. Some of these households will return to renew their assistance. Others will not, if their circumstances have improved and do not need more support. Reassessing the household’s circumstances when SMTA has ended ensures that ComCare resources are directed to where current needs are.

In April this year, to tackle the rising cost of living, MSF introduced temporary measures to provide existing ComCare clients with a longer period of assistance at a higher quantum. These levels of assistance are similar to the revised rates. On a related note, SMTA clients whose circumstances changed and need more support than what they are receiving can approach their nearest Social Service Office (SSO). The SSO will reassess their financial situation, and adjust the quantum and duration of SMTA, if needed.

MSF recognises the importance of making ComCare applications simpler and more convenient. Starting May 2022, applications for SMTA can be made more conveniently via the SupportGoWhere portal. Applicants can tap on “MyInfo” to fill in their personal information automatically and submit their documents and keep track of their application status online. Applicants who are unable to make online applications can continue to make their applications in person at the SSOs.

The community plays an important role in partnering the Government to help those in need. Other than helping on their own, members of the community can also refer someone in need of assistance to call the ComCare hotline at 1800-222-0000, or approach their nearest SSO or Family Service Centre for assistance.