Social welfare — Topics

20 Jan 2014

Waiting Time for Placement for Subsidised Stay in Nursing Homes

The mean waiting time for a subsidised nursing home bed is about four months, with priority given to seniors based on their care needs.
Singapore has over 60 nursing homes providing approximately 9,800 beds for the elderly with high care needs.
The government is ramping up capacity, adding nearly 1,000 beds in 2013 and planning an additional 3,500 by 2016 to reach 15,600 beds by 2020.
The expansion involves developing new nursing homes and on-site expansion of existing facilities to address the needs of Singapore's ageing population.

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20 Jan 2014

Affordability of Nursing Homes

Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Ministry of Health (MOH) about plans to increase cost norms for nursing homes to improve affordability.
MOH highlighted recent measures such as increased funding rates, expanded subsidies for middle-income households, and GST absorption for subsidised patients.
The Community Silver Trust was expanded to cover long-term care providers' operating expenses, helping nursing homes defray costs.
MOH committed to continuous reviews of funding rates to ensure nursing home care remains affordable and cost-effective.
The government's actions aim to balance affordability while maintaining sustainable healthcare financing.

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20 Jan 2014

HDB Rental Flats for Low-income Families

Tin Pei Ling asked whether HDB is on track to provide 60,000 rental units by 2017 and whether blocks under the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme can be set aside for rental by low-income families.
The Minister for National Development confirmed HDB is on schedule to reach 60,000 rental units by 2017, with new units becoming available as projects are completed.
Vacated blocks under the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme are generally slated for demolition for redevelopment, but may be used for interim rental housing if redevelopment is not imminent.

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20 Jan 2014

Homeless Families Who Camp by Beach

The Ministry for Social and Family Development (MSF) regularly patrols beaches and public areas and responds to ComCare hotline calls to identify and assist homeless individuals and families.
Between 2011 and 2013, MSF provided support and shelter to 565 individuals and 404 families, with many having low income and weak social support due to reasons like flat sales, financial problems, or family conflicts.
The government offers various housing options, including purchasing a flat, reuniting with family, rental flats, and interim housing, alongside financial aid, job training, and social support to help families regain independence.
While many families make progress, some refuse to cooperate with officials or accept offered accommodation, making it challenging to resolve their homelessness.
A specific example showed a family found at the beach receiving shelter, employment, school re-enrollment, and monthly financial assistance, demonstrating positive outcomes with support.

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20 Jan 2014

Employment and Employability of Seniors

David Ong proposed removing the statutory retirement age and restoring full CPF contributions for workers over 50 to empower seniors and address age discrimination, emphasizing that longer lifespans and a tight labour market make their continued employment both economically sensible and personally beneficial for financial security and well-being.
Dr Amy Khor, representing the Ministry of Manpower, defended the existing re-employment framework under the Retirement and Re-employment Act as a balanced approach that protects workers while giving employers flexibility, noting high re-employment rates and gradual progress in restoring CPF contributions without harming older workers' employability.
Both speakers highlighted the need to redesign jobs, enhance schemes like WorkPro and the Special Employment Credit, and shift societal attitudes to view older workers as assets, ensuring fair compensation and active ageing for Singapore's ageing population.

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20 Jan 2014

Review of Enhancement for Active Seniors Scheme

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed automatically including households with at least one member aged 60 and above in the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) scheme, while the Minister of State explained the current eligibility criteria and noted HDB is reviewing the scheme.
The Minister highlighted that EASE is available through two pathways, with direct applications prioritizing seniors aged 70 and above or those aged 65–69 needing assistance, and mentioned over 5,400 households have benefited.
Dr Mokhtar suggested expanding EASE to cover more areas like anti-slip treatments in kitchens and additional bathrooms, and including bamboo pole supports in the scheme.
The Minister acknowledged the suggestions and confirmed they would be considered during the comprehensive review of EASE in consultation with the Ministry of Health.

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12 Nov 2013

Poverty Line in Singapore

Tan Su Shan questioned why the government does not establish a defined poverty line as part of its strategy to combat poverty.
The Minister explained that Singapore uses multiple, flexible criteria and assistance schemes tailored to specific needs like housing and healthcare, rather than a single poverty line, to avoid limitations and unintended consequences such as the "cliff effect" and social stigmatization.
The government emphasized its commitment to regularly review and enhance support for vulnerable groups, while collaborating with community organizations and citizens.

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12 Nov 2013

Lifting Needy Families Out of Poverty Cycle

The Minister outlined a multi-pronged approach to help needy families, combining financial aid like ComCare and Workfare with case management, social interventions, and a new network of Social Service Offices for better service integration.
Data from 2008 to 2012 showed that 75% of unemployed ComCare recipients found jobs, and 20% of families on assistance saw incomes rise beyond eligibility thresholds with case management support.
The government emphasized a holistic strategy to address underlying family challenges, with a new national case management system to improve data sharing and forecasting for emerging needs.

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12 Nov 2013

Easing the Cost of Healthcare for Singaporeans

Gerald Giam highlighted that high out-of-pocket medical costs worry many Singaporeans, especially the elderly, and proposed premium subsidies for vulnerable groups, an annual cap on out-of-pocket payments, and better use of technology to improve care coordination.
Gan Kim Yong acknowledged rising healthcare costs and the need for Government support, outlining a multi-pronged approach including subsidies, risk-pooling through MediShield Life, and a Pioneer Generation Package to help seniors with premiums.
The Minister emphasized balancing co-payments to prevent over-consumption while ensuring affordability, and committed to increasing the Government’s share of healthcare costs while managing overall expenditure sustainably.
Both speakers agreed on the need to reform healthcare financing, with Giam calling for greater Government intervention and risk-sharing, and Gan outlining current and future measures to strengthen the system.
The debate concluded with Parliament agreeing to adjourn, reflecting ongoing efforts to ease healthcare costs for Singaporeans.

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12 Nov 2013

Central Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill

Parliament debated amendments to the Central Provident Fund Act to increase penalties for employers who default on contributions, aligning them with the Employment Act by introducing imprisonment terms and higher fines.
Members raised concerns about retirement adequacy, especially for low-income workers, homemakers, and the self-employed, urging the government to review CPF coverage and support for those outside traditional employment.
Discussions highlighted the need for greater flexibility in CPF withdrawals for members above 55 and for those facing housing loan challenges, with suggestions for staggered transfers and alignment with housing schemes.

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12 Nov 2013

Mortgage Arrears Due to CPF Withdrawal Limits

The Minister reported that 5% of HDB flat owners with outstanding loans are in arrears, with 0.7% of those affected by CPF Valuation Limit, and that no eviction cases in the past three years were due to CPF limits.
HDB provides proactive assistance to flat owners in arrears, such as reducing or deferring installments, and only proceeds with compulsory acquisition and eviction as a last resort for uncooperative cases.
The Minister clarified that CPF rules allow the use of OA savings for mortgage repayments after setting aside required retirement sums, and exceptions for using SA savings are limited to CPF policy changes affecting ongoing mortgage servicing.

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12 Nov 2013

Coverage of Home Protection Scheme

Lee Li Lian inquired about the percentage of HDB flat owners not covered by the Home Protection Scheme (HPS), reasons for insufficient funds, and whether children’s CPF Ordinary Account could be used for premiums.
The Acting Minister for Manpower explained that 60% of HDB flat owners with loans are required to have HPS or equivalent insurance, with 95% covered, while the remaining 40% can opt in voluntarily, and CPF funds are auto-deducted with grace periods for top-ups.
The Minister noted that while children can assist with premium payments via cash top-ups, the government is studying allowing non-spouse co-owners’ CPF funds for premiums but is cautious about compromising retirement adequacy.
Lee Li Lian questioned why children’s CPF Ordinary Account cannot be used for HPS premiums when MediShield premiums allow parent-child CPF transfers, and the Minister responded that Ordinary Account savings are primarily sized for housing, not to support additional family housing needs, to prioritize retirement adequacy.

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11 Nov 2013

Review of ElderShield

Ms Tan Su Shan questioned if ElderShield's adequacy would be reviewed alongside the new MediShield Life terms.
The Ministry of Health stated it regularly reviews long-term care insurance like ElderShield to meet Singaporeans' needs.
ElderShield currently provides up to $400 monthly for six years for severe old-age disability.
MOH is reviewing ElderShield's design parameters to consider long-term care needs and premium impacts.
The review aims to support higher benefits while ensuring the scheme remains sustainable.

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11 Nov 2013

Impact of Schemes to Monetise HDB Flats for Retirement Adequacy

The CPF Board conducts outreach through talks, events, and online platforms to educate members on retirement planning and tools like the Minimum Sum Topping-up Scheme.
The government has launched the Enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme and Silver Housing Bonus to help elderly Singaporeans unlock home value for retirement, but acknowledges these may not be preferred by those with sufficient savings or family support.
Efforts are ongoing to improve public messaging and member education, encouraging early retirement planning and prudent home financing to ensure adequacy.

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11 Nov 2013

Use of CPF Retirement Account Funds for Haj

Lee Li Lian asked if Muslims above 55 can use part of their CPF Retirement Account for Haj pilgrimages.
The Acting Minister for Manpower explained that CPF Retirement Account funds are primarily reserved for retirement needs and can only be withdrawn under specific conditions like exceeding the Minimum Sum or via a $5,000 concession.
The Minister stated that aside from these limited withdrawals, CPF Retirement Account savings cannot be used for other purposes, including Haj pilgrimages.

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11 Nov 2013

Financial Counselling for Vulnerable Households

Foo Mee Har asked if HDB will set up a formal financial counselling process to help vulnerable households avoid encashing their HDB equity and risk homelessness.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that HDB Housing Counsellors already provide financial counselling and proactive help for flat owners in mortgage arrears or financial difficulty.
HDB offers short-term measures like reducing or deferring instalments, and collaborates with social agencies for employment, financial, or social assistance.
For those unable to afford their flats, HDB explores permanent solutions such as moving to a smaller flat, and requires a Resale Checklist for open-market sales to ensure financial planning.
HDB urges flat owners to engage early and avoid quick-fix solutions like encashing flats, while conducting public education on financial responsibility.

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11 Nov 2013

Employers' CPF Contributions for Workers Age 50 and Above

The Acting Minister for Manpower explained that the reduced CPF contributions for workers aged 50 to 55 were initially introduced in 2005-2006 to improve their employability in a seniority-based wage system.
With improved employment rates and wage restructuring for older workers, the government in 2012 agreed with tripartite partners to eventually restore their CPF contributions to match younger workers.
The CPF rate for workers aged 50 to 55 was raised by 2.5 percentage points in September last year, and the government will monitor conditions before taking further steps to balance employee take-home pay and employer costs.

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11 Nov 2013

Singapore's Stance on Official Poverty Line

Laurence Lien questioned whether Singapore would consider establishing an official poverty line, referencing its adoption in other Asian economies.
Chan Chun Sing explained that Singapore uses multiple targeted criteria and assistance schemes instead of a single poverty line to flexibly address diverse needs such as housing, healthcare, and education.
The government believes a single poverty line is overly simplistic, risks creating a "cliff effect," and may lead to social stigmatization, whereas multiple lines allow more nuanced and effective support.
Singapore’s approach includes publishing data on assistance schemes and income levels to provide insight into low-income groups, and the government commits to regularly reviewing and improving support measures.

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11 Nov 2013

Payment of Premiums for Home Protection Scheme

Dr Janil Puthucheary raised questions about HDB homeowners paying Home Protection Scheme (HPS) premiums in cash, the percentage of those above 55 unable to pay, and suggested allowing the use of children’s or divorced individuals’ CPF accounts for payments.
Tan Chuan-Jin responded that about 3% of HPS policyholders paid premiums in cash this year, and about 4% of those above 55 had coverage lapse due to non-payment.
The Ministry explained that HPS premiums are deducted from CPF Ordinary Accounts, with a two-month grace period and notifications for cash top-ups if funds are insufficient, and noted that children can assist via cash top-ups to the member’s CPF.
The Ministry is studying the feasibility of allowing non-spouse co-owners’ CPF savings to pay HPS premiums and exploring other options to help those facing payment difficulties.

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11 Nov 2013

Social Assistance and Affordability for Singaporeans

Intan Azura Mokhtar highlighted the ongoing challenges for vulnerable Singaporeans due to rising costs and slower wage growth, proposing enhancements like streamlining ComCare, extending MediSave flexibility for preventive and antenatal care, and ensuring MediShield Life affordability through subsidies or higher withdrawal limits.
She emphasized the need for better inter-ministry coordination, timely assistance, and accessibility to social services, while also calling on the community to actively support the vulnerable.
Minister Chan Chun Sing acknowledged the issues and outlined government strategies, including expanding healthcare schemes, improving case management through Social Service Offices, and strengthening training for frontline officers to ensure flexible, targeted, and timely support.
The Minister affirmed the government's commitment to partnering with the community to care for the elderly and vulnerable, ensuring dignity and assurance for all Singaporeans.

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