Data on Financial Stress-related Mental Health Concerns Among Social Assistance Recipients in Past Three Years and Comprehensive Approach to Address Issues

Mr David Hoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether has been an increase in proportions of citizens presenting with financial stress-related mental health concerns when seeking social assistance administered by the Ministry in the past three years; and (b) if so, what interventions are being developed to address the intersection of economic hardship and psychological well-being.

When the Social Service Office comes to know that clients have mental health concerns, they will refer them to community mental health teams to provide the necessary assessments and interventions.

However, it is not part of the ComCare assessment process to require applicants to provide information on their mental health. To do so may deter those who need support from applying.