Interim Support for Employees Unable to Work for Extended Periods Due to Mental Illness

Mr Keith Chua asked the Minister for Manpower what are the avenues of interim (i) financial support and (ii) disability allowance that are available to employees who are unable to work for extended periods of time due to mental illness.

Individuals who are unable to work for extended periods of time due to mental illness can apply for the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) at the Social Service Office. ComCare SMTA provides temporary financial assistance to lower-income persons who are temporarily unable to work, or are earning a low income and require assistance to meet their basic needs. In addition to cash assistance, SMTA clients may also receive assistance with medical bills at public healthcare institutions.

These individuals can also approach employment support agencies, namely, the Singapore Anglican Community Services' Integrated Employment Services, Institute of Mental Health's Job Club and Singapore Association for Mental Health's MINDSET Learning Hub, for customised support and training to obtain better employment opportunities. These agencies will help to pair them with employers and put in place necessary support to enable a meaningful employment outcome.

To create more inclusive workplaces to better support the employment of these individuals, the National Council of Social Service, in collaboration with corporates and social service agencies, developed the Mental Health Toolkit for Employers to provide practical guidance to employers on hiring and supporting individuals with mental health conditions in the workplace. This Toolkit includes measures to equip supervisors to manage mental health in the workplace and available resources to implement workplace adjustments to enable these individuals to perform their job functions better.