Benefits Packages for Seniors Born after Those in Merdeka Generation

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the Government will introduce a benefits package, such as the Merdeka Generation Package, for Singapore citizens born between 1 January 1960 and 31 December 1969 when they reach senior citizen status; (b) if so, what benefits will be included in the package; and (c) when can we expect the package to be implemented.

The Government is committed to looking after the needs of all Singaporeans.

We introduced the Pioneer Generation (PG) Package and Merdeka Generation (MG) Package in 2014 and 2019 respectively to honour PG and MG seniors for their contributions in the early years of Singapore’s nation-building. Many of our PG and MG seniors earned less and had access to fewer safety nets when they were working. Hence, they were not able to set aside much for their needs in old age. The PG and MG Packages provide them with more assurance that their healthcare costs will be taken care of.

Successive generations of Singaporeans, including those born from 1960 to 1969, have seen improvements in their lives, in tandem with Singapore’s economic growth, as well as our investments in education, healthcare and social security. These subsequent cohorts have more access to education and career opportunities, enjoyed stronger income growth and are more retirement-ready. Nevertheless, we will continue to review and consider if there is a need for additional specific support at the cohort level and, if so, how best such support can be targeted and effective.