Number of Singaporeans and PRs who Have Applied for Temporary Relief Fund for COVID-19 Situation

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the total number of Singaporeans and PRs who have applied for the Temporary Relief Fund as at 30 April 2020; (b) how many have returned the cheques or payouts; (c) what is the penalty for wrong declarations; (d) whether there is any penalty if they realise their errors and return the monies; and (e) whether there is a deadline to return the payment.

Sir, the Temporary Relief Fund was set up to provide timely financial assistance to lower and middle income Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who lost their jobs or faced significant income loss due to the economic impact of COVID-19. It was made available during the month of April 2020, and prior to the start of other assistance schemes including the COVID-19 Support Grant and Self-Employed Person (SEP) Income Relief Scheme (SIRS).

As at 30 April 2020, MSF has received a total 537,080 applications for the Temporary Relief Fund. Of this figure, 3,171 individuals have returned their payouts from the Fund. [Please refer to "Clarification by Minister of State for Social and Family Development", Official Report, 4 May 2020, Vol 94, Issue No 131, Correction by Written Statement section.]

MSF is working closely with the Police to investigate fraudulent claims for the Temporary Relief Fund. Abuse of the Temporary Relief Fund may constitute an offence of cheating, which is punishable with imprisonment for a term of up to 10 years, a fine or both.

Where individuals returned their cheques or payouts, this will be a mitigating factor in our assessment of fraudulent claims. Individuals should return their cheques or payouts by the end May 2020.