Compensation for National Servicemen Injured During Service Period

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Defence (a) what are the forms of assistance schemes available to National Servicemen who suffer a recurrence of injuries sustained during his service period; and (b) whether there is a limit set in terms of the amounts and tenures.

Madam, the safety and well-being of our National Servicemen are of utmost importance to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). We make every effort to minimise the risk of injury during service. If a serviceman is injured in the course of service, we will ensure that he receives the necessary assistance and support.

We will pay for all medical expenses incurred for the treatment of the service-related injury at Government and restructured hospitals or clinics, including the cost of medical supplies and equipment. This applies as long as treatment is required, even after the Serviceman has left service or if the injury recurs.

We will also provide compensation if the service-related injury results in permanent disability. This will be equivalent to the lump-sum compensation prescribed under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA). The amount is doubled for disabilities that result from military training or operations. Additional amounts are also provided for total permanent disability.

Other forms of assistance schemes available to National Servicemen include the SAF Benevolent Fund and the SAF Care Fund, which provide welfare support to injured Servicemen and their families. The amounts disbursed are based on the financial circumstances and needs of these Servicemen.

Two grants are provided under the SAF Benevolent Fund. They are the Benevolent Grant and the Welfare Benevolent Grant. The Benevolent Grant is a one-off $12,000 financial grant provided to meet the immediate needs of the families of Servicemen who have sustained permanent disability. The Welfare Benevolent Grant provides mid-to-long term assistance for injured Servicemen. This grant provides financial support of up to $42,000 per annum to defray the family's cost of living. Depending on the Servicemen's circumstances, additional assistance for education and medical needs may also be provided. Eligibility for the Welfare Benevolent Grant is re-assessed every two years and we do not set a limit on the number of renewals.

Two other grants are also provided under the SAF Care Fund. They are the Helping Hand Grant and the Care Support Grant. Injured Servicemen may apply for a one-off Helping Hand Grant of up to $5,000 and a monthly $300 Care Support Grant. Eligibility for the Care Support Grant is re-assessed every three years and we do not set a limit on the number of renewals.