Impact of Means-testing for Disability Schemes on Continuity of Support as Recipients' Incomes or Circumstances Change

Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for Social and Family Development as disability support is intended to maintain independence across life stages (a) whether MSF has assessed how the use of means-testing across disability schemes affects continuity of support as a recipient's income or circumstances change; and (b) whether providing such support on merits of universal access, as how HDB's Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme is designed, would better serve the purpose of sustained lifelong accessibility.

Government subsidies for disability services, such as Day Activity Centres and Adult Disability Homes, are means-tested to ensure that higher subsidies are directed to households who need them most. The Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) follows the same principle. Homeowners pay a share of the cost of improvement items based on their flat type, a proxy for means.

To enable continuity of support in means-tested adult disability services, subsidy levels are adjusted gradually across income bands to minimise abrupt increases in costs and support continuity of care as household circumstances change. Those who continue to face difficulties with their bills can receive additional support from various community funds to further offset the cost.

Not all support measures for persons with disabilities are means-tested. All persons with disabilities have access to employment support, transport concessions and subsidies for courses supported by SG Enable, regardless of means.

We recognise that disability services can be costly for persons with disabilities and their families who care for them. Under the Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities, we are reviewing ways to make disability support services more affordable. More information will be announced later this year.