Government's Response to Unconditional Cash Aid Trial Scheme to Support Low-income Families

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what programmes or resources are available to help families identify and respond to early signs of financial distress; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider introducing an unconditional cash aid programme to help families which are experiencing early signs of financial distress.

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the Ministry will consider (i) adopting and further expanding on the unconditional cash assistance scheme under AWWA's Family Empowerment Programme or (ii) have similar schemes mainstreamed; (b) if so, what are the considerations; and (c) how will this impact our social policy of self-reliance and personal responsibility.

The Members may refer to my Ministry's reply at the 6 August 2024 Parliament sitting for our response to these questions. [Please refer to "Findings from Trial of Giving Unconditional Cash Aid to Lower-income Families", Official Report, 6 August 2024, Vol 95, Issue 138, Written Answers to Questions for Oral Answer not Answered by End of Question Time section.]