Social welfare — Topics

7 Jul 2014

Repayment of Additional Housing Grant when Couples Break Up

David Ong asked why couples who break up before buying an HDB flat must repay the Additional Housing Grant, noting the financial burden especially for low-income applicants, and suggested a review of repayment policies.
The Minister explained the grant is meant to assist first-timers in purchasing their first flat, so repayment is required if the purchase falls through, though individuals can reapply with a new partner later, subject to eligibility conditions.
The Minister acknowledged financial challenges in repayment, noting industry-standard penalties for purchase cancellations and options like cash or CPF installment plans, while assuring that cases are rare and market trends are improving.
Dr Lee Bee Wah asked whether a Singaporean must repay the full grant if their PR partner is involved in an annulled marriage, to which the Minister replied that the grant is recovered from whoever received it.

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30 May 2014

Debate on President's Address

The debate centered on how Singapore can secure its future, with speakers emphasizing the need for constructive politics that prioritizes long-term national interests over populism.
Key challenges discussed were an ageing population and rising income inequality, with calls for social programs that maintain competitiveness, such as the Pioneer Generation Package and support for older workers.
Members highlighted the importance of values, community support, and strong families in building a gracious society, alongside measures to improve work-life balance and reduce stress in the education system.

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29 May 2014

Debate on President's Address

The debate highlighted the need to strengthen Singapore's early childhood education system, with calls for greater government leadership, improved infrastructure, and a level playing field across the preschool sector to ensure all children have a strong start in life.
Members of Parliament raised concerns about retirement adequacy, urging a review of the CPF Minimum Sum and drawdown ages, and suggesting more flexible CPF LIFE plans to better support an ageing population.
The Committee to Strengthen National Service presented recommendations to enhance NS, including shorter waiting times, skills accreditation for servicemen, and the creation of a SAF Volunteer Corps, with an investment of about $4.5 billion over the next decade.
Speakers emphasized the importance of building trust between the government and citizens, improving policy communication, and fostering a more inclusive society that supports vulnerable groups, such as divorcees and families with foreign spouses.
The need for a more constructive public discourse was noted, with suggestions to create more space for civil society and arts to contribute to robust debates on complex national issues.

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29 May 2014

MediShield for Secondary Depression

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked if MediShield can cover secondary depression, which is not a primary mental disorder but arises from other medical conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Dr Amy Khor explained that since March 2013, MediShield covers inpatient treatment for newly diagnosed psychiatric conditions, including secondary depression, but pre-existing conditions before that date are not covered until MediShield Life is implemented.
The government offers subsidies, Medisave usage, and Medifund assistance for psychiatric care, and is reviewing the specific case raised to provide support while awaiting MediShield Life details.

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29 May 2014

Withdrawal of CPF Monies by Permanent Residents

The Ministry for Manpower reported that from 2003 to 2013, Permanent Residents who left Singapore withdrew an average of $426 million in CPF funds annually, though they do not specifically track withdrawals by PRs who give up their status.
The Minister noted that PRs who withdraw their CPF monies and leave Singapore may continue to own property in their names and could be considered for future employment in Singapore based on their application and history.
The debate highlighted that data on the average length of PR status among those who left is not tracked, and specific details on property and employment rules for departing PRs would require further parliamentary questions.

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28 May 2014

Debate on President's Address

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong outlined the government's progress on housing, public transport, and population management, highlighting initiatives like HDB flat construction, the Bus Service Enhancement Programme, and tighter foreign worker inflows to support economic and social goals.
The debate emphasized strengthening social safety nets, including MediShield Life and retirement adequacy measures, while maintaining fiscal prudence to avoid pitfalls seen in other countries, with a focus on sharing economic progress and ensuring affordability for all.
A core theme was keeping pathways open for opportunity through education, lifelong learning, and fostering an inclusive society, with examples of support for both the young and elderly, including suggestions like free off-peak bus rides for the Pioneer Generation.
Constructive politics was a key debate point, with the Prime Minister urging robust policy debate and clear stances from the opposition, while the Workers' Party defended its approach as responsible and focused on checking the government without offering detailed alternatives.
National security and defense were discussed, with support for Committee to Strengthen National Service recommendations to enhance training, safety, and inclusivity in NS, underscoring the importance of a secure Singapore for all other progress.

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27 May 2014

Debate on President's Address

Janil Puthucheary warned against politicizing healthcare, advocating for a collaborative, long-term approach over short-term electoral gains, while Gerald Giam argued for a higher loss ratio in MediShield Life, leading to a debate on financial prudence versus affordability.
Minister Gan Kim Yong outlined enhancements to MediShield Life, including removing lifetime claim limits and increasing coverage, with subsidies to ensure premiums are affordable for all, including the Pioneer Generation.
Yee Jenn Jong highlighted education's role in social mobility, citing data showing class stratification in school admissions and university entry, and proposed measures like standardized Child Development Account top-ups and smaller class sizes.
Denise Phua questioned the relevance of the Elected Presidency and called for reforms in the public sector to adapt to a more dynamic political landscape, emphasizing the need for updated leadership selection and communication strategies.
Senior Minister of State Amy Khor addressed ageing challenges, focusing on healthcare affordability, retirement adequacy, and employment for older PMEs, while advocating for a mindset shift to view ageing as an opportunity rather than a burden.

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27 May 2014

Debate on President's Address

Several MPs highlighted the need to enhance healthcare affordability and accessibility, with specific references to the Pioneer Generation Package and MediShield Life, while also cautioning against over-reliance on medical interventions and stressing the importance of preventive health measures.
The debate emphasized preparing for an ageing society through community-based support, senior-friendly technology, and improved communication of policies, alongside calls to review CPF and retirement adequacy to ensure sustained financial security for the elderly.
Multiple speakers stressed the importance of fostering a caring and inclusive society, promoting constructive politics, strengthening civil society engagement, and building social cohesion to address emerging challenges and uphold shared national values.

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26 May 2014

Debate on President's Address

Supporters of the President’s Address highlighted progress on social policies like the Pioneer Generation Package and housing cooling measures, while urging continued focus on retirement adequacy, CPF reforms, and stronger safety nets for vulnerable groups, including the middle class and PMEs.
Debates emphasized the need for economic restructuring, productivity growth, and support for SMEs through technology adoption and skills training, with calls for fair employment practices to prioritize local workers and address wage stagnation.
Concerns were raised about political discourse, with some advocating for constructive politics and institution-building, while others questioned government actions and called for greater transparency and accountability in policy implementation.

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16 May 2014

Ministry of Social and Family Development

The Ministry of Social and Family Development will build an integrated social service system by strengthening partnerships with community groups, VWOs, and government agencies to improve coordination and last-mile delivery.
MSF will complete the island-wide network of Social Service Offices and roll out the Social Service Net to enable seamless information sharing and case management for timely assistance.
The Ministry will enhance protections for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and children, through early intervention, improved facilities, and a whole-of-government approach.
MSF will support families through the Family Matters! initiative by improving preschool accessibility and affordability, strengthening marriages, and providing support for couples considering divorce.
The Ministry will invest in expanding capacity and raising capabilities in the social service sector, including manpower development, professional training, and greater use of technology.

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16 May 2014

President's Address

The President highlights Singapore's 50-year journey of resilience and prosperity, urging continued effort to build a fair and just society ahead of the nation's Golden Jubilee.
The Government commits to strengthening social safety nets, enhancing retirement adequacy, and supporting families to improve quality of life, transport, and community spaces.
Policies will focus on education from pre-school to lifelong learning, ensuring opportunities for all, including expanding university places and practical skills development.
Efforts will emphasize home ownership, affordable healthcare, and support for vulnerable groups, while encouraging personal responsibility and community involvement.
The President calls for constructive politics and unity amid challenges, reaffirming Singapore's security, diplomatic efforts, and pioneering spirit for a brighter future.

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14 Apr 2014

Applying the Progressive Wage Model to Benefit More Low-wage Workers

Gerald Giam asked how the Government plans to raise wages for the 110,000 local low-wage workers in industries beyond cleaning, security, and landscaping, noting that the Progressive Wage Model (PWM) currently only covers about 80,000 workers in these three sectors.
The Minister highlighted that raising incomes requires a holistic effort, including maintaining a healthy economy, a tight labour market to keep unemployment low and wages rising, and enhancing Workfare to supplement incomes for over 400,000 Singaporean workers.
The Government supports PWM as a targeted legislative measure for specific sectors with labour market issues, but for other sectors, it prefers NTUC’s efforts to work with employers on progressive wage structures and career pathways.
Additional support for low-income earners includes housing, medical, and education subsidies, alongside measures like raising the full-time equivalent salary to $1,000 to ensure meaningful employment.
The approach emphasizes sustainability through productivity improvements and sector-specific interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all mandate.

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14 Apr 2014

Help with Fees of Detailed Medical Reports for Low-income Workers Claiming Work Injury Compensation or Reimbursement

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef raised concerns about low-income workers struggling to afford fees for detailed medical reports needed to claim work injury compensation or reimbursement.
The Acting Minister for Manpower explained that under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA), employers are required to cover medical expenses, including report fees, up to $30,000 or one year from the accident date, and workers can seek reimbursement if they pay upfront.
Low-income workers can apply for financial assistance through the Special Relief Fund administered by the Singapore Labour Foundation, which provides up to $5,000 in temporary relief for eligible industrial accident victims.
Workers are advised to contact the Ministry of Manpower if employers fail to compensate them, as the Ministry will take firm action against errant employers.

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14 Apr 2014

Reviewing Job Structure for Taxi Drivers

Tan Su Shan questioned whether the Ministry of Transport will collaborate with taxi operators to restructure taxi drivers' jobs to enable employer CPF contributions.
Lui Tuck Yew explained that taxi drivers currently prefer self-employment, making them responsible for their own CPF contributions.
A Drive-and-Save Scheme was introduced in 2011 where taxi companies co-contribute $15 to drivers' Medisave accounts if the drivers contribute at least $15 themselves.

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14 Apr 2014

MOE's Financial Assistance for Students

In 2013, around 65,000 Singaporean students in primary and secondary schools and JCs received financial assistance, a 1.5-fold increase from five years prior due to relaxed eligibility criteria, with beneficiaries receiving free textbooks, uniforms, and primary students getting free breakfast.
About 47,000 Singaporean students in post-secondary institutions received bursaries in 2013, a 2.5-fold increase from five years earlier, with enhancements from AY2014 including higher bursary amounts and a raised income threshold, plus options for tuition fee and study loans.
MOE provides additional resources to schools for students who may not qualify for formal assistance, an Opportunity Fund for enrichment and computers, and partnerships with self-help groups and external donors like the School Pocket Money Fund.
Schools offer academic support programmes like Learning Support Programmes and after-school care, with subsidies available through ComCare for student care fees, ensuring no Singaporean student is left behind due to financial circumstances.

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14 Apr 2014

GST Offsets for Low-income Households

Gerald Giam asked if the government would consider fully offsetting GST for the lowest 20% of households even without one-off Special Payments, and what percentage of their GST was offset last year.
The Senior Minister of State for Finance stated that without special payments, the lowest-income households had about half their GST offset, and with special payments, over 90% was covered, noting that other subsidies also reduce their overall tax burden.
The government explained that the GST Voucher Scheme is part of a broader progressive system designed to provide permanent support, but it is not intended to fully offset GST on its own, as support is delivered holistically across various areas.

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14 Apr 2014

Extension of List of Improvements in Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) Scheme

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef proposed adding the replacement of old clothes drying systems with new aluminium drying racks to the EASE scheme for seniors.
The Senior Minister of State responded that such replacements require complex work and are currently handled under larger upgrading programmes like HIP, not the light-touch EASE improvements.
Assoc Prof Lateef asked for interim options for seniors waiting for HIP and suggested lowering the EASE age threshold due to rapid population ageing.
The Minister agreed to review EASE qualification criteria, including possibly lowering the age limit, and offered to discuss specific constituency needs offline.
The debate highlighted balancing practical feasibility with the need to support seniors' safety and comfort in HDB flats amid an ageing population.

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14 Apr 2014

Tuition Fee Increases at Tertiary Institutions

Ms Tin Pei Ling raised concerns about rising costs at tertiary institutions and their impact on student fees and household affordability, while Minister Heng Swee Keat explained that tuition fee increases have been modest (averaging 1–1.6% annually) compared to cost growth (around 4% per year) and that subsidies cover 75–85% of education costs.
The government is enhancing financial assistance from AY2014, including raising bursary eligibility and amounts, which will help cover most or all costs for students from lower-income households and provide interest-free loans for others.
Starting AY2014, polytechnics will adopt a cohort-based fee system, giving students fee certainty for their entire course, while universities continue to manage costs to keep tertiary education affordable and competitive.

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14 Apr 2014

Extending Community Health Assist Scheme to House Calls Made by Doctors

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked if CHAS subsidies can be extended to house visits by primary care doctors for elderly or sick patients.
The Ministry of Health currently provides means-tested subsidies of up to $133 per visit for home medical services through MOH-subvented providers for referred home-bound patients.
For ad hoc medical needs, patients on CHAS can already receive subsidies for house visits by CHAS GPs at rates of up to $18.50 for common illnesses and $120 for chronic conditions.

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13 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

Ministers Chan Chun Sing and Low Yen Ling outlined expanded support for vulnerable groups, including higher ComCare income eligibility, enhanced childcare subsidies, and new transport concessions for persons with disabilities to improve affordability and accessibility.
The Ministry is strengthening integrated social services through Community Service Offices (SSOs) and Family Service Centres, focusing on localized, whole-of-society approaches to help families achieve independence rather than long-term reliance.
Significant investments are being made in early childhood services and special education, with plans to increase childcare places, improve quality standards, and support professionals in the social service and early childhood sectors.

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