Next Review of Public Assistance Scheme

Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development when is the next review of the Public Assistance scheme.

The ComCare Long-Term Assistance (LTA) scheme, which is commonly known as the Public Assistance (PA) scheme, provides a package of support for individuals and families who are permanently unable to work due to illness or old age, and lack familial support. Households on the LTA scheme receive monthly cash assistance for their daily living expenses. Additional assistance is provided for those who have recurrent medical needs, such as consumables, or specialised one-off needs, such as medical equipment. LTA clients also receive free medical and dental treatment at the polyclinics and Government hospitals and have access to Government-funded social services, such as Senior Activity Centres and befriending services.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) regularly reviews the scope and coverage of our ComCare assistance schemes to ensure that they meet the needs of low-income groups. The last enhancement to the LTA scheme was in 2016 when the cash assistance rates were raised. We are in the midst of our latest review.