Timeframe between Families Finding Employment and Being Removed from ComCare Schemes

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) how quickly are families under the ComCare scheme removed from the scheme after their family members have entered employment; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider monitoring the families for a longer period to ensure that financial and job security have been achieved before removing them from the scheme.

Applicants apply for temporary financial assistance under ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance (SMTA). If approved, they are provided SMTA for typically three to six months. Even if they obtain employment during the period of assistance, we continue to provide SMTA for the approved period. SMTA can be renewed, if the family continues to require temporary assistance even after its members obtain employment.

In providing social assistance, we should remember that families have agency and are in the best position to know when they need assistance. A significant proportion of families who cease SMTA, find their feet and are self-reliant. This is testament to the strength and resilience of Singaporeans. These families do not expect the Government to continue monitoring whether they still require ComCare assistance.