Clarification by Minister of State for Social and Family Development

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 "Number of Singaporeans and PRs who have applied for Temporary Relief Fund for COVID-19 Situation", Official Report, 4 May 2020, Vol 94, Issue No 131, Oral Answers to Questions section.]

Written statement by Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong with leave of the Speaker in accordance with Standing Order No 29 (5):

After my statement during Question Time for the Parliamentary Question “Number of Singaporeans and PRs who have applied for Temporary Relief Fund for COVID-19 Situation" at the Sitting of 4 May 2020, I wish to make the following factual corrections. My reply should read as follows:

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 594,206 applications for the Temporary Relief Fund. Of this figure, 3,951 individuals have returned their payouts from the Fund.