Data on Costs Covered by Assistive Technology Fund Subsidy and Median Age of Recipients Reaching Lifetime Cap, and Review of $40,000 Cap for Recurring Replacement Needs

Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the average proportion of the cost covered by the Assistive Technology Fund subsidy for a prosthetic device and its maintenance over a recipient's lifetime; (b) what is the median age at which recipients reach the $40,000 lifetime cap; and (c) whether MSF will review the cap as prostheses require recurring refitting and replacement that draw on the same lifetime balance.

The Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) provides means-tested subsidies of up to 90% for persons with disabilities to purchase eligible assistive technology devices and prosthetic devices, subject to a lifetime cap of $40,000. The subsidies can also be used for the repair and replacement of parts.

To date, no ATF recipient who utilised the fund for prosthetic devices has reached the $40,000 lifetime cap.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development has no plans to revise the lifetime cap at this time. Persons with disabilities who have reached the cap may appeal to SG Enable for additional subsidy support on a case-by-case basis.