Extensions to ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance Due To Medical Conditions or Permanent Disability

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what proportion of beneficiaries under ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) have successfully applied for extended support after the initial assistance grant for three to six months due to medical conditions or permanent disability, for the past three years; and (b) whether SMTA grant periods can be matched to the same periods that individuals have been certified unfit to work for.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) does not track if ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) beneficiaries who have past medical conditions return to apply for assistance.

In assessing ComCare applications, MSF will holistically assess the client's household situation, level of support available and may align SMTA to the period for which the client has been certified unfit to work. This is provided that the client does not have any outstanding action plan. For example, some clients will be asked to follow up on insurance claims which, if paid, could be a source of income for the applicant.

If the client is assessed to be permanently unable to work and has no means of self-support, they may be placed on Long-Term Assistance.