Extending GST Voucher Scheme to Seniors Whose Homes Exceed $21,000 Annual Value but Who Have Little Cash Savings

Debated in Parliament on 15 Feb 2022.

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Joan Pereira proposed extending the GST Voucher scheme to seniors living in homes with an annual value above $21,000 who have little cash savings and no family support.
Lawrence Wong explained that eligibility is based on Assessable Income and Annual Value as proxies for means, noting that properties above $21,000 are typically private and indicate greater resources.
The Ministry of Finance considers appeals from those in financial hardship who do not qualify, and seniors also benefit from other support schemes like the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation packages.
The GST Voucher scheme is regularly reviewed to ensure it targets those most in need.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Joan Pereira

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Finance whether the Ministry will consider extending the GST Voucher scheme to seniors whose annual value of their homes exceed $21,000 if they have little cash savings and do not have children or family members supporting them.

Lawrence Wong

The GST Voucher (GSTV) scheme provides support to lower- and middle-income households for their expenses, in particular, what they pay in GST.

We use Assessable Income (AI) and Annual Value (AV) to determine eligibility, as these are the best available proxies to measure an individual’s means and access to family support. Properties with AVs exceeding $21,000 are private properties. A person living in a higher-value property is, in general, more likely to have access to more means or support through family resources.

That said, MOF carefully considers appeals by Singaporeans who are unable to qualify for the GST Voucher but are in financial difficulty. Apart from the GST Voucher scheme, seniors also receive support from other schemes, such as the Pioneer Generation Package, Merdeka Generation Package and healthcare subsidies.

We continue to review the GST Voucher scheme from time to time, to ensure that it continues to benefit those who need it most.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Joan Pereira proposed extending the GST Voucher scheme to seniors living in homes with an annual value above $21,000 who have little cash savings and no family support.
Lawrence Wong explained that eligibility is based on Assessable Income and Annual Value as proxies for means, noting that properties above $21,000 are typically private and indicate greater resources.
The Ministry of Finance considers appeals from those in financial hardship who do not qualify, and seniors also benefit from other support schemes like the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation packages.
The GST Voucher scheme is regularly reviewed to ensure it targets those most in need.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Extending GST Voucher Scheme to Seniors Whose Homes Exceed $21,000 Annual Value but Who Have Little Cash Savings

Debated in Parliament on 15 Feb 2022.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Joan Pereira proposed extending the GST Voucher scheme to seniors living in homes with an annual value above $21,000 who have little cash savings and no family support.
Lawrence Wong explained that eligibility is based on Assessable Income and Annual Value as proxies for means, noting that properties above $21,000 are typically private and indicate greater resources.
The Ministry of Finance considers appeals from those in financial hardship who do not qualify, and seniors also benefit from other support schemes like the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation packages.
The GST Voucher scheme is regularly reviewed to ensure it targets those most in need.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Joan Pereira

Lawrence Wong

The GST Voucher (GSTV) scheme provides support to lower- and middle-income households for their expenses, in particular, what they pay in GST.

We continue to review the GST Voucher scheme from time to time, to ensure that it continues to benefit those who need it most.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Joan Pereira proposed extending the GST Voucher scheme to seniors living in homes with an annual value above $21,000 who have little cash savings and no family support.
Lawrence Wong explained that eligibility is based on Assessable Income and Annual Value as proxies for means, noting that properties above $21,000 are typically private and indicate greater resources.
The Ministry of Finance considers appeals from those in financial hardship who do not qualify, and seniors also benefit from other support schemes like the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation packages.
The GST Voucher scheme is regularly reviewed to ensure it targets those most in need.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Extending GST Voucher Scheme to Seniors Whose Homes Exceed $21,000 Annual Value but Who Have Little Cash Savings | PAPERCUTS

Extending GST Voucher Scheme to Seniors Whose Homes Exceed $21,000 Annual Value but Who Have Little Cash Savings

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Joan Pereira

Lawrence Wong

Summary

Questions Identified

Extending GST Voucher Scheme to Seniors Whose Homes Exceed $21,000 Annual Value but Who Have Little Cash Savings

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Joan Pereira

Lawrence Wong

Summary

Questions Identified