Qualifying Criteria for Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)

Ms Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for Health whether the Government will extend the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) by raising the qualifying criteria of annual value of residence to a limit above $13,000 so as to cover more economically inactive elderly citizens, including those living in non-premium private and landed properties.

The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) was expanded earlier this year to benefit more Singaporeans. Under the scheme, economically inactive households are subject to an Annual Value (AV) criterion of $13,000 to qualify for CHAS, to better target CHAS subsidies.

All HDB flats, as well as some non-premium private properties have an AV of $13,000 or less. More than 80% of all non-working households live in a property with AV of $13,000 or less.

Appeals from non-working households living in a property exceeding an AV of $13,000 and are facing extenuating circumstances are considered sympathetically, taking into account their specific circumstances. The Ministry of Health will review the CHAS eligibility criteria from time to time, to ensure that Government subsidies reach those who need it most.