Social welfare

• The debate focused on Singapore's Budget 2026, emphasizing resilience through fiscal prudence amid ongoing global uncertainties, including the rise of AI and its impact on the economy and workforce.
• Speakers discussed the need for equitable access to education and technology, advocating for initiatives that prepare all Singaporeans for an AI-driven economy, including extending personal learning devices to primary students.
• Attention was given to the "sandwich generation," with calls for more support for families juggling caregiving responsibilities and the need for flexible work arrangements to facilitate career progression while managing family duties.
• The importance of supporting seniors and lower-income workers affected by technological changes was highlighted, with suggestions for job redesign and dedicated re-skilling programs.
• Overall, the Budget was viewed as a strategic opportunity to invest in people, enhance social cohesion, and ensure that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for all Singaporeans.

The debate on Budget 2026 highlighted several key themes and concerns among Members of Parliament regarding Singapore's fiscal strategy and societal challenges.

The budget reflects fiscal discipline and aims for long-term investment while addressing immediate concerns such as cost of living, job security, and healthcare affordability. Discussions included a focus on increasing productivity through AI while ensuring that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are supported in their transformation efforts. Many MPs emphasized the need for equitable access to opportunities and resources, particularly for low-income families and the sandwiched class, to promote social mobility. Concerns were also raised about the potential impacts of geopolitical shifts on Singapore's economy and the necessity for maintaining a strong defense posture amidst global uncertainties.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about the 21% decline in cancer mortality since 2012, asking about the policy decisions and healthcare investments behind this improvement, as well as how benefits are reaching lower-income and less health-literate Singaporeans. Rahayu Mahzam highlighted that advancements in healthcare have improved early detection and treatment, benefiting all patients, and emphasized the need for further cancer prevention efforts. Yip also questioned how the cost-effectiveness thresholds for drugs on the Cancer Drug List (CDL) are set and the widening access gap between subsidized patients and private payers. Rahayu responded that the subsidy framework supports lower-income groups, has led to significant reductions in drug prices, and assured that the government ensures access to clinically and cost-effective treatments for all.

Diana Pang Li Yen questioned the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth about the criteria used to evaluate the presence of heartland merchants when adding businesses to the CDC Vouchers Scheme. Edwin Tong Chun Fai explained that the CDC Vouchers scheme, launched in 2020, aims to assist households with expenses and support hawkers and heartland merchants. In 2023, a CDC Supermarket Vouchers category was introduced to help alleviate residents' costs further. He clarified that hawkers and heartland merchants are prioritized for the program, excluding merchants in commercial malls, with over 24,000 hawkers and heartland merchants already onboarded.

Gho Sze Kee asked the Minister for National Development about the number of flats sold to HDB under the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) and the average remaining lease portion by flat type. Chee Hong Tat responded that approximately 16,000 households have participated in the LBS since its launch in March 2009. The scheme allows eligible senior homeowners to sell a portion of their lease while retaining enough to ensure housing until at least age 95, with retained lease durations typically ranging from 15 to 35 years, depending on individual circumstances.

Diana Pang Li Yen raised concerns about the adoption process for unmarried and lower-income mothers wanting to adopt their biological children, questioning its complexity and cost. Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that the adoption process is necessary to protect child welfare and involves significant legal implications. He acknowledged that challenges exist for unmarried mothers, particularly those with financial difficulties, but noted that fee waivers and legal aid are available to assist them. The Ministry is not currently proposing a simpler pathway for adoption.

He Ting Ru asked the Deputy Prime Minister about the impact of time-limited vouchers and credits on the reported GDP growth for 2025. Gan Kim Yong responded that the 5% GDP growth was mainly driven by outward-oriented sectors like manufacturing and finance, which accounted for around 3.1 percentage points of the growth. He noted that support measures introduced to assist households contributed only about 0.04 percentage points to the GDP growth. The initiatives aimed to alleviate living expenses and share the nation's economic progress with citizens.

David Hoe asked the Minister for Education about the academic placement and outcomes of students in the UPLIFT programme over the past five years, and whether the Ministry has noted improvements in educational outcomes. The Minister, Desmond Lee, responded that UPLIFT's efforts have been integrated with ComLink+ to support lower-income families, noting that approximately 70% of school-going children from these families are regularly attending school and progressing to post-secondary education. Hoe raised supplementary questions regarding the significance of this 70% figure, the role of community support in education, and how UPLIFT helps students explore non-academic strengths. Lee emphasized the importance of holistic support from various agencies, community groups, and the need for continuous assessment of program efficacy, while also highlighting the broader developmental support provided by UPLIFT beyond academics.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the number of non-Malay Muslims applying for and receiving financial assistance from MENDAKI's schemes over the past decade, broken down by race. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim explained that MENDAKI supports the Malay/Muslim community through various assistance programs to ensure access to higher education. From 2022 to 2025, about 70% of non-Malay Muslims were successful in their applications for MENDAKI's financial assistance, which is similar to the success rate for Malay/Muslim applicants.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked about the qualifications and statistics related to the Platform Workers CPF Transition Support (PCTS) scheme for January 2026, including the number of qualified workers, total disbursed offsets, and rejection rates. Tan See Leng reported that in 2025, around 24,000 lower-income platform workers qualified for the scheme, with over $4 million disbursed in total, noting that data for January 2026 is not yet available. The Central Provident Fund Board automatically assesses eligibility for PCTS monthly, eliminating the need for applications from workers.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked whether the Ministry of Law would expand legal aid schemes or introduce targeted initiatives for individuals with special needs who do not qualify for pro bono services. Edwin Tong Chun Fai explained that the Legal Aid Bureau and Public Defender's Office already provide legal aid to citizens and permanent residents with special needs who meet the means and merits tests. Applicants with special needs who fail the means test due to extenuating circumstances can have their cases reviewed by an independent Means Test Panel. Pro Bono SG offers legal assistance through Community Law Centres and legal clinics, including schemes like the Ad Hoc Pro Bono Scheme which caters to vulnerable individuals needing exceptional legal support.

David Hoe asked about the number of households supported by the DigitalAccess@Home Scheme since its launch in April 2023, its progress towards the target of 60,000 households, and budget allocation. Josephine Teo responded that over 30,000 assistance packages have been provided to low-income households, indicating the figures reflect resources allocated to meet qualifying demand rather than fixed targets. The Infocomm Media Development Authority is collaborating with various government agencies and social partners to increase awareness and streamline applications for the scheme. Efforts will continue to promote inclusive digital access for all.

Pritam Singh requested data on the percentage of day-surgery bills fully covered by Medisave from 2020 to 2025, including cash amounts needed for uncovered bills. Ong Ye Kung reported that over 80% of Singapore Citizens did not pay cash out-of-pocket for subsidized day surgeries after utilizing MediSave and MediShield Life. Most individuals who did incur cash expenses paid less than $500. MediFund is available to assist those struggling with healthcare costs beyond subsidies, ensuring access to necessary healthcare services.

Lee Hui Ying asked about the rejection rate of applications for subsidies under the Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund based on additional mobility vehicle criteria. Ong Ye Kung explained that to qualify for a subsidised Motorised Device, applicants must meet specific criteria, including needing the device to age in place, being fit to drive it, and lacking independence in using a manual wheelchair. The Ministry of Health does not track the rejection rates of applications, and those needing assistance can contact the Agency for Integrated Care for support.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked whether the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) tracks moderate to severe food insecurity in Singapore, what the trend has been over the last five years, and how food insecurity is officially quantified. Masagos Zulkifli responded that MSF does not systematically track food insecurity prevalence, although global publications indicate rising levels similar to other high-income economies. MSF focuses on providing financial support through ComCare assistance and connecting households with various support services, while noting that food security may be considered for more systematic measurement in the future.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has considered establishing Government-operated Adult Disability Homes and Day Activity Centres, and how it plans to address long waiting lists for these facilities. Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that MSF relies on Social Service Agencies for these services, as they have the necessary expertise and networks. Currently, there are no plans for Government-operated facilities, but MSF will increase capacity by adding a new Adult Disability Home by 2030 and adding 500 Day Activity Centre places. MSF also prioritizes cases with urgent needs and explores community-based support options.

Poh Li San asked how the HDB will ensure sufficient budget meal options in coffee shops for those unable to afford regular-priced meals following the introduction of optional budget meals. Chee Hong Tat referred to a previous response from the Ministry of National Development regarding budget meals, indicating there may be changes affecting lower-income residents due to the scrapping of the budget meal initiative.

Ng Shi Xuan asked if the Government would increase benefits for large families under the new Large Families Scheme introduced in 2025, specifically regarding U-Save utility rebates and GST vouchers. Jeffrey Siow explained that the scheme aims to support families with three or more children and builds on existing subsidies that provide greater support per child. He clarified that other social schemes, like the GST Voucher, are means-tested to prioritize aid for lower-income households. The Government will continue to review social schemes to ensure targeted assistance for households in need.

Eileen Chong Pei Shan raised concerns regarding the number of Day Activity Centre clients with caregivers aged 65 and above and the future demand for Adult Disability Homes (ADH). Masagos Zulkifli reported that about one-third of DAC clients, approximately 500 individuals, have caregivers in this age group. The ministry aims to support individuals with disabilities in the community by piloting various community-based programs to reduce reliance on residential care. Currently, over 1,000 individuals live in 11 MSF-funded ADHs, operating at over 80% capacity. Resources for future care planning and community support initiatives are available through SG Enable and other networks.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked about the publication of child-raising expenditure estimates, the reference data for determining the Baby Bonus quantum, and evaluations of cashflow fit against infant care expenses for lower-income households. Indranee Rajah affirmed the government's commitment to support families with various financial aids, noting that they do not publish specific child-raising expenditure estimates due to variability in family needs. She explained that the Baby Bonus Scheme is informed by household income and parent feedback, with adjustments made to enhance support during a child’s early years. Additional support measures include grants, subsidies for childcare and infant care, and programs like the Child Development Account, which helps cover approved child-related expenses. The government continuously reviews support measures to assist parents with the costs of raising children.