Applications for Work Injury Compensation (Workers' Fund)

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Manpower in respect of the Work Injury Compensation (Workers' Fund) (a) how many applications has the Ministry received so far; (b) how many workers have benefited from the fund and its payouts since its introduction; and (c) whether there is any plan to increase the awareness of this fund.

The Workers' Fund provides financial help to employees or their dependants who have not been compensated by their employers in the event of a work injury. Since 2005, when the earliest records were available, 51 applications have been received and about $1 million has been paid out in 34 cases where employees and their families were either in financial difficulty or victims of long-drawn occupational diseases.

Prior to 2017, the Workers' Fund was targeted at helping those who were in financial hardship. The eligibility criteria were broadened in 2017 to provide assistance to employees and their families regardless of their financial situation. To ensure that those affected are aware of the Workers' Fund, the Ministry of Manpower would inform employees or their dependants who are eligible for work injury compensation but are not compensated to apply for assistance under the Fund.