Social welfare

• Seah Kian Peng advocates for better integration of Social Service Offices with community partners, stronger career pathways for social service professionals, and proposes a "community corps" to employ residents for neighborhood support.
• Lily Neo highlights coordination gaps among assistance schemes, calls for micro-interventions for long-term poverty solutions, and seeks updates on Social Service Office operations and support for the elderly.
• Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap urges proactive measures to prevent homelessness by identifying high-risk families early through collaboration with HDB, while Zainal Sapari and others seek updates on Social Service Office roll-out and coordination for families with multiple needs.
• Laurence Lien questions the Ministry’s ability to address root causes of social issues given its downstream role, suggesting a more holistic whole-of-government approach, while Penny Low proposes expanding social innovation and enterprise support.
• Multiple members discuss challenges in childcare, including shortages in centers and teachers, support for special needs children, and proposals to extend subsidies to grandparents or babysitters to alleviate care gaps.

• Several MPs highlighted concerns over high-stress assessments like the PSLE and urged for a review to reduce pressure on students, with Education Minister Heng Swee Keat affirming ongoing reviews to ensure the exam serves as a helpful checkpoint rather than a determinant of a child's future.
• There were calls to abolish academic streaming and elitism in schools, including the Gifted Education Programme, with MPs advocating for clustering schools and promoting diverse pathways to nurture different talents; the Minister responded that subject-based banding is being expanded and changes to Direct School Admission will emphasize personal qualities over test scores.
• The debate emphasized the need for more support for students with special needs and financial difficulties, with the government announcing new measures such as Disability Support Offices in tertiary institutions and increased bursaries for lower and middle-income families.

• Nominated Member Faizah Jamal supported the Budget but called for greater emphasis on emotional well-being, environmental conservation, and transparent governance, advocating for a healthcare system that addresses root causes rather than just symptoms.
• MP Ang Wei Neng praised the Pioneer Generation Package for its inclusivity and prudent funding but cautioned against expanding such packages universally, suggesting targeted subsidies and support for SMEs facing rising costs.
• Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam outlined three key themes: transforming the economy through productivity and SME support, building an equitable society with the Pioneer Generation Package and healthcare reforms, and ensuring long-term fiscal sustainability amid rising infrastructure and social spending.

The Singapore Parliament debated the 2014 Budget, with the $8 billion Pioneer Generation Package to support seniors' healthcare needs as a central highlight. The debate focused on sustaining economic restructuring and productivity growth, with extensions to schemes like the Productivity and Innovation Credit to support businesses. Discussions also covered strengthening social safety nets, particularly healthcare affordability, and calls for more support for low-wage workers and SMEs through measures like the Progressive Wage Model.

• The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted a stronger than expected fiscal surplus for FY2013, attributed to cyclical factors, and outlined a cautious economic outlook with expected growth of 2% to 4% in 2014, emphasizing the need for productivity-driven restructuring and innovation to sustain wage growth.
• Budget 2014 introduces significant social measures, including the Pioneer Generation Package to address healthcare costs for seniors, enhanced subsidies for low- and middle-income households in education and healthcare, and increased CPF contributions for retirement adequacy.
• The Budget extends and deepens support for business transformation, notably through the Productivity and Innovation Credit scheme, targeted ICT adoption programs, and initiatives to boost financing for SMEs and internationalization, while implementing measures to improve productivity in the construction sector.

• Assoc Prof Tan Kheng Boon Eugene asked the Acting Minister for Manpower under what circumstances employers' CPF contribution rates would return to parity with employees' and whether this could be expedited for retirement adequacy.
• The Acting Minister explained that current CPF rates are 36% (20% employee, 16% employer), and raising them further could impact business costs and employment, so any changes must be calibrated and gradual, with other measures like extra interest and Workfare also addressing retirement adequacy.
• Assoc Prof Tan suggested an incremental increase or managing expectations that rates may never return to parity, noting CPF contributions are a main source for retirement savings.
• The Acting Minister emphasized that while employees prefer higher employer contributions, business competitiveness and employability remain key concerns, and reviews will consider overall retirement adequacy beyond just CPF rate changes.

• Ms Lee Li Lian asked for the number and percentage of Singapore citizens born in 1950 or earlier not on the CPF LIFE scheme, and how many cannot afford to join.
• Tan Chuan-Jin explained that CPF LIFE is voluntary for those born before 1958, with about 10% of this group opting in, including 35,000 born in 1950 or earlier.
• He stated that non-participants remain on the Minimum Sum Scheme with no guaranteed lifelong income, but affordability is not a barrier as members can join anytime before age 80.

• Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed a review of CPF repayment rules for younger Singaporeans co-owning HDB flats with aged parents, suggesting options for lump sum repayment, instalment repayment, or waiver of CPF funds used.
• Acting Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin explained that CPF funds withdrawn for property must be repaid with accrued interest to protect retirement adequacy, noting current flexibility allows voluntary repayments and a six-month deadline after the child takes a new flat.
• The minister stated that waivers cannot be granted as they would compromise the member’s retirement savings, though parents’ CPF or loan funds can be used for repayment upon the child’s withdrawal from co-ownership.

• Chen Show Mao queried the Ministry for Social and Family Development on the number of applicants assessed and successful, average payout, and common expenses for the secondary and discretionary tiers of the Public Assistance scheme introduced in 2013.
• Chan Chun Sing responded that between April and December 2013, 70 applications were received for the secondary tier with all approved, and 140 for the discretionary tier with 92% approved.
• The average payout for both tiers was close to $200, with common expenses including recurrent medical consumables like adult diapers and milk feeds, and household items such as mattresses and fans.

• Chen Show Mao questioned the Minister for Social and Family Development on the number of applications and successful placements under the Public Assistance Scheme in 2013, specifically for those aged 55 and above.
• The Ministry received 629 applications for the Public Assistance Scheme in 2013, with 510 applicants placed on the scheme and 23 linked to other assistance programs.
• Among the 629 applicants, 541 were aged 55 and above, and of the 510 placed on the scheme, 442 were in this age group.
• The Public Assistance Scheme targets those permanently unable to work due to old age, illness, or disability, with limited income and family support.
• The response provided specific figures for 2013, highlighting the scheme's focus on older applicants.

• Chen Show Mao asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for age breakdowns of Work Support Scheme participants in 2012 and 2013, average duration on the scheme, and how success is measured via job retention rates.
• Chan Chun Sing presented data showing the Ministry tracks job placement rates, with about three in four unemployed beneficiaries placed in jobs from 2008 to 2012.
• The Ministry also reported that around 65% of case-managed beneficiaries saw an income increase during that period.
• The response did not provide the specific age group numbers or average duration figures requested by Chen Show Mao.

• Chen Show Mao asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for yearly data from 2009 to 2013 on ComCare short- to medium-term scheme recipients, applicants assessed, successful applicants, and those aged 55 and above in each category.
• Chan Chun Sing responded by presenting the relevant data in tables on pages 176 and 177, addressing the specific queries raised.

• Chen Show Mao requested an update on the proposed ElderShield reform, specifically plans to increase monthly payouts to $800–$1,000.
• The Ministry of Health is reviewing ElderShield to enhance protection and support for Singaporeans while balancing benefit improvements with premium impacts.
• Additional measures have been introduced to improve affordability of intermediate and long-term care, including increased subsidies, GST absorption, and a Foreign Domestic Worker Grant.

• The undisbursed TTFS amount in 2012 was $15.48 million, which was 32.9% of the $47 million received, and these funds were redirected to MENDAKI’s Education Development Fund.
• Revised income criteria in 2012 increased the number of beneficiaries by 3,805 compared to 2011, with 5,973 students benefiting in AY2012.
• In comparison, 2,168 students benefited in AY2011 and 2,182 in AY2010 before the criteria revision.

• As of 31 December 2013, about 520,000 Singaporeans have registered for the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).
• Approximately 20,500 households living in HDB rental flats are on CHAS, representing about 40% of all such households, with the remainder including those on Public Assistance or newly eligible younger families.
• The Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Agency for Integrated Care, Health Promotion Board, and grassroots groups to conduct targeted outreach, including door-to-door visits, to encourage more eligible Singaporeans to sign up for CHAS.

• Mr Gan Thiam Poh questioned how Singapore's bus and train fares compare to other major cities in terms of fare per kilometre and as a percentage of monthly income.
• For a 10 km journey, fares in Singapore are cheaper than in London and Tokyo and comparable to Hong Kong for single-mode trips, but are lower than in all three cities for journeys involving transfers due to Singapore's distance fare system.
• Households in the second income quintile in Singapore spent about 2.6% of their monthly income on public transport in 2012, which is lower than the estimated 4% spent by median-income households in Hong Kong before their recent fare increases.
• The Minister acknowledged that fare impacts vary across income groups and emphasised the focus on assisting lower-income and disadvantaged commuters through enhanced concession schemes.

• Nicholas Fang asked the Deputy Prime Minister about the criteria for defining the Pioneer Generation who will be recognized through measures announced in December 2013.
• Tharman Shanmugaratnam stated that the Prime Minister announced plans at the 2013 National Day Rally to honor the Pioneer Generation, who are seniors that worked hard to lay Singapore's foundation and are now in their golden years.
• The Government is developing a Pioneer Generation Package, has consulted groups and welcomes suggestions, and will define the criteria by Budget 2014.

• The Public Transport Council approved a 3.2% net fare increase for 2013, which is lower than the operators' requested 6.6% and below the average national wage increase, ensuring fares remain affordable for commuters.
• Enhancements to existing fare concession schemes for children, students, seniors, and heavy adult commuters will take effect on 6 April 2014, benefiting up to half a million commuters.
• The government will implement new concession schemes for lower-wage workers and persons with disabilities, effective from 6 July 2014, with transport vouchers provided for the interim period and extensive publicity to ensure eligible commuters can apply.

• The government has enhanced the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme, raising the income cap to $1,900, increasing the maximum payout to $3,500, and boosting the cash component to 40% to better support low-wage workers with retirement and immediate expenses.
• Initiatives like the WorkRight programme, sector-specific criteria in cleaning, and fair employment practices through TAFEP are underway to ensure workers receive CPF benefits and improve employment terms.
• The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) has been expanded, removing the age floor to allow all eligible family members in lower- and middle-income households to access subsidised medical and dental care.
• The government is considering a consolidated statement to inform workers of their total annual benefits from various schemes and to include information on upgrading and training opportunities.
• Assistance to low-wage workers extends beyond wages to include housing, healthcare, and education, with ongoing reviews to enhance support as part of a whole-of-government effort.

• Baey Yam Keng asked how polyclinics and government hospitals raise awareness of MediFund among patients, noting that some families struggle with medical bills despite existing subsidies and coverage.
• The Parliamentary Secretary explained that MediFund, established in 1993, has expanded its scope and increased annual assistance to nearly $100 million, with information disseminated through brochures and encouragement for patients to seek help from medical social workers or staff.
• Baey Yam Keng highlighted cases where patients resort to selling flats or reducing medication due to unawareness of MediFund, proposing SOPs like leaflets at admission and multilingual notices at cashiers.
• The Parliamentary Secretary acknowledged the suggestions and shared that MediFund assistance grew by 12.2% in FY2012, urging lawmakers to help outreach and report difficulties for further assistance.
• Chia Shi-Lu echoed concerns about awareness and suggested a campaign or programme to publicise financial assistance avenues, with the Parliamentary Secretary agreeing to take the feedback to the Ministry.