Subsidy for Enrolment in Student Care Centres

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Acting Minister for Social and Family Development whether the Ministry will consider a higher subsidy for students who are placed in student care centres.

The Government had just recently enhanced the ComCare student care subsidies in July 2012 to make student care more affordable to lower income families. The monthly household income criterion was raised from $2,500 to $3,500. A per capita income criterion of up to $875 was introduced so that larger families can benefit from the scheme.

The quantum of subsidies was also increased, from a cap of $180 per month, to $255 in the highest subsidy tier. Based on student care fees of $260, families with monthly household income of less than $1,500, who enjoy the highest subsidy, would co-pay only $5 a month. Those with income of $2,500 would pay about $75. In addition, a Start up Grant of up to $400 is provided to help families with the initial cost of placing their children in a student care centre.

As at December 2012, close to 3,800 children are benefiting from the student care subsidies. MSF will continue to review the subsidies regularly to ensure that student care remains affordable and accessible to low-income households.