Social welfare — Topics

11 Nov 2013

Central Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the CPF Act to increase penalties for employer non-compliance, including higher fines, minimum fines, and jail terms for repeat offenders, and expands the powers of CPF Board inspectors to obtain documents from any person connected to employment during investigations.
It introduces greater flexibility for CPF members above 55 to make more than one withdrawal within a birthday year, subject to existing withdrawal rules, and updates pledging rules to allow private property jointly owned with non-relatives to be pledged.
The amendments close defunct schemes like the Minimum Sum Bank Deposit Scheme and Minimum Sum Plus Scheme, and include technical changes to streamline CPF administration.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Nov 2013

Criteria for Government Subsidies and Assistance Schemes

The Minister explained that government subsidies and assistance schemes use multiple eligibility criteria tailored to different needs, with broader subsidies for essential areas like housing and healthcare and targeted help for low-income groups through schemes like ComCare and Workfare.
Eligibility thresholds, such as the $550 per capita income cap for ComCare, are reviewed regularly based on factors like household size, medical conditions, and market conditions, with flexibility to assist those who may not meet strict criteria but are in genuine need.
The government is improving communication and accessibility of schemes, expanding Social Service Offices and Family Service Centres, and relying on volunteers and grassroots partners to reach needy families, though challenges like the "cliff effect" and sustainable funding remain concerns.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

11 Nov 2013

Keeping Transport Fares Affordable

The government accepted the Fare Review Mechanism Committee’s recommendations to implement a new fare formula and two new concession schemes for low-income workers and persons with disabilities, with discounts set to offset the next fare increase for these groups.
Public transport fares are expected to increase in 2014, but the Transport Minister urged the Public Transport Council to ensure any rise does not exceed the 2013 average national wage increase to maintain affordability for average commuters.
Service quality improvements are being addressed separately from the fare formula, with plans to add buses and trains and enhance regulatory standards to boost public transport reliability and capacity.
The Public Transport Fund will be strengthened with contributions from transport operators, allowing for more transport vouchers and support for needy households, with outreach efforts emphasized to ensure all eligible commuters benefit.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

CPF Savings of Self-employed Persons

Acting Minister Tan Chuan-Jin highlighted that self-employed persons (SEPs) are required to contribute to their MediSave Accounts, with median balances increasing steadily from $12,000 in 2008 to $18,000 in 2012.
The Drive and Save Scheme for taxi drivers, offering dollar-for-dollar matching from companies, has seen success with 17,000 drivers benefiting from $5.9 million in co-contributions between 2011 and 2012, and average annual contributions rising from $660 to $940.
The government encourages industry-led initiatives and provides support through measures like Workfare Income Supplement and MediSave top-ups, with WIS payouts increased in 2013 and higher contribution rates for low-income SEPs from 2014.
The Minister assured that the government will ensure affordability of MediShield Life premiums for lower-income Singaporeans, while emphasizing personal responsibility for SEPs to save for healthcare needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Transfer of CPF Funds from Ordinary Account to Retirement Account

Ms. Irene Ng Phek Hoong asked about the number and success rate of appeals from CPF members affected by the transfer of Ordinary Account funds to the Retirement Account at age 55, specifically regarding housing, education, and medical bills.
Acting Minister Tan Chuan-Jin explained that members aged 55 have their OA and SA funds used to meet the Minimum Sum in the RA, with excess RA savings available for housing; most members plan ahead, but some appeal for housing or education expenses.
The Ministry receives 200–500 appeals annually related to housing and education, with about 98% of these appeals concerning housing, and approximately 65% of housing appeals are successful.
Appeals for medical expenses do not arise because OA savings cannot be used for medical bills, as MediSave is designated for that purpose and is unaffected by the OA to RA transfer.
The CPF Board informs members in advance and holds seminars to explain the transfer process, addressing most issues before appeals are needed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Funeral Expenses of Persons Who Die Alone without Any Family Members

Seah Kian Peng asked who covers funeral expenses for those who die alone without family, including public assistance recipients, and what percentage is handled charitably by funeral directors.
Chan Chun Sing stated that MSF lacks data on these cases, noting that arrangements are made by facilities for those in welfare or hospital settings.
For individuals living alone, costs are typically managed by the community, sometimes with government aid, through neighbours, grassroots, or funeral homes, with potential help from Social Service Offices or CDCs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Payouts under Maintenance of Parents Act

Seah Kian Peng asked for the range of payouts under the Maintenance of Parents Act from 2011 to 2013, the average amount granted, and the percentage of payers from households earning less than $2,500 per capita.
Chan Chun Sing stated that payouts ranged from $100 to $1,200 monthly, with over 90% receiving $600 or less and an average of about $300 per month.
He added that about 85% of those ordered to pay maintenance came from households with per capita incomes below $2,500.
The Tribunal considers both parents' and children's financial situations and may dismiss or reduce orders if parents had abandoned, abused, or neglected their children.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Waiver of GST on Medical Consumables for Kidney Dialysis

David Ong asked if the GST waiver on kidney dialysis medical consumables could be extended to all patients, noting that some opt for private dialysis due to limited space or conditions at government-related centres.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam explained that Singapore maintains a broad-based GST system with minimal exemptions to keep rates low, using targeted subsidies and GST absorption for lower- and middle-income patients at government-funded VWO dialysis centres.
The government recently expanded subsidies to cover up to the 67th percentile of households, increasing the number of patients receiving GST absorption by about 40%, and aims to ensure adequate capacity in subsidized centres.
While there is generally sufficient capacity in government-funded VWO centres, the government acknowledges regional demand variations and will work to maintain supply, and VWO providers may offer financial assistance to patients unable to use these centres.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Goods and Services Tax on MediShield Premiums

Christopher de Souza questioned the rationale for imposing GST on MediShield premiums and asked whether the tax could be waived for the elderly or low-income workers.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam explained that Singapore maintains a broad-based GST system with minimal exemptions to keep the rate low, while offering targeted subsidies and grants to assist lower-income groups.
He noted that the government absorbs GST for subsidised patients in healthcare settings and provides support through GST Vouchers and Workfare Income Supplement, which include top-ups to Medisave accounts to cover MediShield premiums.
Tharman highlighted that a retiree household could receive substantial Medisave top-ups that more than offset their MediShield premiums, and similar support exists for lower-income working households.
He added that with the introduction of MediShield Life, further government assistance will be provided to ensure premiums remain affordable for older and less well-off Singaporeans.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Use of CPF Savings to Pay Mortgage

Alex Yam proposed a tiered transfer of CPF funds from the Ordinary Account to the Retirement Account for lower-income homeowners, but the Ministry considers it unnecessary as most members have sufficient savings or completed loans, and a tiered system is not planned.
Ang Wei Neng raised concerns about homeowners needing to use cash due to the valuation limit or age-based CPF transfers, and suggested re-valuing HDB flats; the Ministry responded that the valuation limit is fixed at purchase and only affects a very small percentage of members, and periodic re-valuation is not considered necessary.
The Ministry emphasized that CPF safeguards like the valuation limit and age 55 transfers ensure retirement adequacy, with flexibility exercised for hardship cases, and highlighted that over 95% of those turning 55 are not adversely affected by these rules.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Invitations to Health Screening

Minister Gan Kim Yong outlined that the Integrated Screening Programme (ISP) invites Singapore residents aged 40 and above for affordable screenings for chronic diseases and cancers, with 490,000 invitations sent in 2011 and 200,000 in 2012, and 36,000 and 19,000 attendees respectively, noting higher numbers in 2011 due to a mammogram campaign.
Screening costs are subsidized, ranging from $8 for blood tests to $30 for colorectal cancer tests, with full subsidies for lower-income Singaporeans and enhanced CHAS coverage from 2014, reflecting a shared responsibility model.
The Ministry cites encouraging results from the 2010 National Health Survey, with high screening rates for hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes, but acknowledges room for improvement and plans to enhance affordability and convenience to boost participation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Pre-approved Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) for Residents Living in HDB Rental Flats

Irene Ng inquired if residents living in HDB rental flats could automatically receive a pre-approved CHAS card to simplify access to the scheme.
Gan Kim Yong explained that the Ministry of Health currently promotes CHAS through door-to-door visits with grassroots leaders to assist rental flat residents in applying and understanding the benefits.
The ministry plans to continue collaborating with community partners like Family Service Centres to encourage more eligible Singaporeans to join CHAS.
MOH will explore additional measures to target outreach to lower- and middle-income households, including facilitating CHAS enrollment for rental flat residents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Study Grants for UniSIM Students

Christopher de Souza asked if the Ministry of Education can assist Singaporean students at UniSIM or SIM-administered qualifications with grants, awards, or concessionary loans, and if existing programs can be enhanced.
Heng Swee Keat explained that UniSIM, unlike SIM Global Education, receives MOE subsidies for part-time undergraduate programs similar to NUS and NTU, and Singapore Citizen students can use their Post-Secondary Education Account funds for fees.
MOE has extended the Bursary Scheme to UniSIM for part-time undergraduates with household incomes of $1,700 per capita or below, and introduced Tuition Fee Loans covering up to 90% of subsidised fees, with Study Loans for the remaining 10% for those with incomes up to $2,400 per capita.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Update on Initiatives of Ministerial Committee on Ageing

The Ministerial Committee on Ageing is advancing two main goals to support seniors: keeping them healthy, active, and safe in the community, and enhancing aged care accessibility, quality, and affordability.
Initiatives include nationwide rollouts of the Wellness Programme, new Senior Activity Centres, home modification subsidies via EASE, and community projects like CFAA to create senior-friendly environments.
Capacity for aged care services is being expanded, with targets for more nursing home beds, Senior Care Centre places, and home care clients by 2020, alongside efforts to improve care standards and affordability through subsidy schemes.
A study trip to Japan reinforced the importance of active ageing and early development of home care services, leading to the establishment of a Home Care Workgroup to develop a roadmap for Singapore’s home care sector.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Definition of Needy Households

The Government defined needy households for the 2013 haze mask distribution as those with a per-capita income below $900, verified through the CHAS Blue scheme or self-declaration at community centers.
It uses broader criteria and multiple assistance schemes rather than a single poverty line to identify and support at-risk families, including regular reviews of programs like ComCare and the Public Assistance Scheme.
The minimal household income needed for basic well-being and social inclusion is not defined by a fixed figure but is addressed through tailored assistance based on individual household needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Official Poverty Line to Identify At-risk Families

Yee Jenn Jong asked if the Government plans to adopt an official poverty line based on international practice to identify at-risk families and measure anti-poverty efforts.
Chan Chun Sing responded that Singapore uses tailored schemes and broad definitions instead of a poverty line, citing examples like New Zealand and Canada.
He argued that a poverty line could overlook complex needs and create a "cliff effect," excluding some genuinely needy citizens.
The Government stressed its rigorous yet flexible assessment process to assist all deserving Singaporeans, even those outside strict criteria.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Purchase of HDB Studio Apartments before Age 55

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar raised concerns about older Singaporeans needing to purchase HDB Studio Apartments before age 55, as the CPF Minimum Sum transfer reduces funds available for such housing.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained that Studio Apartments are designed for elderly right-sizing, with flexibility considered case-by-case for those slightly below 55, and noted alternative options like 2-room flats for younger applicants.
The Minister addressed supplementary questions, confirming Studio Apartment pricing is reasonable, prioritizing in the same location is available, and transitional help is provided for residents with cash flow issues.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Oct 2013

Extension of Mortgage Insurance Cover for HDB Flats

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about extending HDB mortgage insurance (HPS) to flat owners with pre-existing illnesses, and sought data on HPS rejections and claims over three years.
The Acting Minister explained that HPS excludes those with serious pre-existing conditions due to premium affordability and moral hazard concerns, noting 1.3% of applications were rejected for this reason.
The Minister stated that 95% of eligible CPF members using CPF for housing are covered by HPS or equivalent insurance, and highlighted available assistance schemes for those with pre-existing illnesses.
The government is considering options to help those with pre-existing illnesses and will study the issue further, while promoting public education on HPS without yet making it compulsory.
Discussions continue on balancing coverage, premiums, and scheme viability, with a focus on protecting families from losing HDB flats due to death or permanent incapacitation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 Sep 2013

CPF Housing Withdrawal Limit

Mr Ong Teng Koon questioned if the 120% CPF Housing Withdrawal Limit is adequate for typical housing loans and how low-income families with limited CPF savings can fully finance their housing when the limit is reached.
The Ministry clarified that the Valuation Limit is based on the lower of the purchase price or property value, with a Withdrawal Limit set at 120% of this limit, and that using CPF beyond the Valuation Limit requires setting aside half the Minimum Sum.
The Ministry noted that most CPF members prudently plan their housing purchases within these limits, and only a very small fraction of members encounter issues with these caps, with flexibility granted in deserving cases.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

16 Sep 2013

Transport Vouchers for Low-income Families

Ms Lee Li Lian queried the number of families that applied for and received transport vouchers, whether any were denied due to insufficient supply, and suggested a longer-term subsidy like automatic EZ-Link top-ups for low-income households.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew stated that transport vouchers are one-off measures to offset fare increases, with no shortages reported since 2007, and noted that no vouchers were issued in years without fare hikes.
The Fare Review Mechanism Committee is currently examining the public transport concessions framework to maintain affordability for low-income earners.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source