Processing Issues in Household Means Eligibility System

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) how were the processing issues in the Household Means Eligibility System discovered; (b) whether means-tested individuals can independently verify if the subsidies and grants given to them have been accurately disbursed; and (c) if so, how.

The Ministry of Health was first alerted to the processing issues in the Household Means Eligibility System (HOMES) following a query from a member of public about her application for subsidies on 13 January 2025. The member of public reported that she was earning business income but had been assessed as not earning any income by HOMES.

There are various types of subsidies in healthcare and social services that are means-tested, that is, the levels of subsidies and grants are based on proxies of household means, such as per capita household income of family members staying in the same household. While the subsidy levels and eligibility criteria for various schemes are generally published on the respective agencies' websites, individuals may find it cumbersome to self-verify their subsidies and grants. Individuals can approach their service providers if they have queries. In the meantime, re-assessment of all affected cases have been completed and agencies are actively notifying affected individuals.