Payouts under Maintenance of Parents Act

Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) for each of the years from 2011 to 2013 (to date), what has been the range of payouts to parents who file for maintenance under the Maintenance of Parents Act; (b) what is the average amount granted by the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents; and (c) of those making these payments, what is the percentage who earn less than $2,500 per capita in the household.

Since 2011, all parents applying for maintenance are required to undergo conciliation. If conciliation is unsuccessful, the parent can proceed to file a claim for a Maintenance Order against their children at the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents. In making its decision, the Tribunal takes into consideration the financial needs and resources of both parent and child. If the Tribunal is satisfied that the parent had abandoned, abused or neglected the child, it may dismiss the application or reduce the quantum of maintenance ordered.

The maintenance payments ordered by the Tribunal between 2011 and August 2013 ranged from $100 to $1,200 a month, with more than 90% receiving $600 or below. The average was about $300 per month. The year-to-year variation during the period was not significant.

About 85% of those ordered to pay maintenance came from households who earned less than $2,500 per capita income.