Social welfare — Topics

8 Jul 2013

Inclusion of Toilet Upgrading as Part of Enhancement for Active Seniors Scheme

Foo Mee Har asked whether HDB could include toilet upgrades in the EASE scheme to help seniors age safely and prevent falls.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that toilet upgrades are already covered by the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and are more cost-effective under HIP than EASE.
The government is speeding up HIP to ensure residents benefit from toilet and other upgrades sooner.

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8 Jul 2013

Access Solutions for the Physically-Challenged and Elderly Residents Living in Old HDB Estates

HDB subsidises up to 95% for ramps for flats with a one-step difference under the EASE programme, but building ramps for flats with more steps is technically challenging and costly, and HDB is exploring affordable solutions with industry partners.
Residents can install ramps not covered by EASE at their own cost with HDB and Town Council approval, and may seek financial assistance from ComCare or Volunteer Welfare Organisations if needed.
For those unable to implement solutions, HDB allows flat swopping by selling the existing flat and buying a resale flat from the open market.

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8 Jul 2013

Approval Timeframe for Use of MediFund

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about the average time patients wait for Medifund approval, including for new applications and downgrading hospital class.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that assessments are done by Medical Social Workers, with over 90% of approved applications receiving full assistance in the past three years.
Processing times vary; complete applications can be assessed within a week, but complex cases take longer, though urgent treatment is provided during processing.
Hospital downgrading requests are generally assessed within one to two days after complete financial information is obtained.

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8 Jul 2013

Revisions to Financial Assistance Schemes' Payouts

Mary Liew inquired about the frequency of adjustments to financial assistance payouts over the past five years to account for inflation and whether the payouts are sufficient for daily needs.
Chan Chun Sing noted that Public Assistance recipients receive a monthly cash allowance along with additional support, including medical care and community services, with extra help for households with school-going children.
The government has increased cash assistance rates three times in the last five years (2009, 2011, 2013) and introduced extra tiers in 2013 for special needs like healthcare and hygiene items to help recipients cope with rising costs.
These adjustments aim to address inflation and evolving needs, with ongoing reviews planned to keep financial assistance relevant and effective for emerging trends.

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8 Jul 2013

Employment of Persons with Disabilities

Tin Pei Ling asked about the number of pledges made by employers under the "We are Able!" campaign, how many specifically commit to employing persons with disabilities, and what plans exist to encourage more such pledges.
Chan Chun Sing reported that as of 2 July, 466 pledges were collected, with 40 focused on supporting employment for persons with disabilities, and affirmed ongoing efforts to promote inclusive employment.
The Ministry will continue collaborating with disability sectors and employers, with SG Enable launching this quarter to enhance employment opportunities through partnerships with education, training, and welfare organizations.
Additional actions under the Enabling Masterplan include reviewing and expanding schemes to facilitate employment for persons with disabilities.

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13 May 2013

Free Travel Scheme for Senior Citizens on Public Transport

Ms Tan Su Shan proposed a free travel scheme for senior citizens on public transport to help ease their cost of living.
Minister Lui Tuck Yew noted that seniors already receive 25% to 55% fare discounts, with full-day concessions since 2011.
The Minister highlighted existing social assistance schemes that support seniors and other Singaporeans with living costs.
The Fare Review Mechanism Committee is currently reviewing transport fare concessions, with its report expected mid-year.
The Minister indicated that the government will consider the committee's recommendations before any new measures.

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13 May 2013

MediShield Policy Cancellations and Removal of MediSave Withdrawal Limit for MediShield Premium Payments

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Ministry for Health about the number of residents aged 60 and above who cancelled their MediShield policies in the past three years and the reasons for cancellations, as well as whether the MediSave withdrawal limit for MediShield premiums could be removed to allow full payment.
Minister Gan Kim Yong reported that an average of 650 residents aged 60 and above cancelled their MediShield policies annually from 2010 to 2012, representing less than 1% of that age group, with no specific reasons recorded for the cancellations.
The Minister stated that MediSave withdrawal limits for MediShield premiums were revised in March 2013 to $800 for those aged 75 and below, $1,000 for ages 76–80, and $1,200 for those above 80, and these limits are sufficient to cover basic premiums for all policyholders.
The Government has implemented measures to assist elderly Singaporeans with premium payments, including one-time MediSave top-ups of up to $400, annual top-ups of up to $450 via the GST Voucher Scheme, and additional top-ups during Budget surpluses, such as a $200 top-up for those aged 45 and above in 2013.
These measures collectively address concerns about affordability and access to MediShield coverage for the elderly, ensuring that premiums can be managed within the existing MediSave withdrawal framework without requiring further changes to the withdrawal limit.

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13 May 2013

Support for Family Caregivers

David Ong asked about support for families caring for patients with multiple chronic diseases, particularly with the push for peritoneal dialysis.
Gan Kim Yong explained that peritoneal dialysis offers convenience but some patients need caregiver assistance, and support is provided through training, home visits, and social work assistance.
The Ministry of Health collaborates with voluntary welfare organisations and hospitals to offer training, home visits, community support, and financial subsidies to caregivers.
Future efforts will continue to enhance support for peritoneal dialysis patients and their caregivers.

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13 May 2013

Home Ownership Needs of Low-Income Elderly

David Ong asked about the low take-up of the Lease Buyback Scheme and Silver Housing Bonus, seeking learning points, further refinements, and the impact of recent cooling measures.
Khaw Boon Wan reported that the enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme received 265 applications (averaging 88 monthly, up from 18), while the Silver Housing Bonus had 15 applications and 170 financial counselling requests, noting the latter is new and processes take time.
Khaw explained that the schemes are part of monetisation options for elderly homeowners and that cooling measures should not affect response rates as eligibility is limited to Singaporean households without a second property.
The Ministry will continue outreach and discuss further enhancements as part of "Our Singapore Conversation on Housing".

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13 May 2013

Update on Usage of Medication Assistance Fund

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked for an update on the Medication Assistance Fund's utilisation following an increase in subsidy coverage and plans to review eligibility and subsidies for medical implants.
The Minister for Health stated that the Medication Assistance Fund now covers up to 75% of costs for selected high-cost drugs, with over 6,000 applications approved and $6 million in assistance provided as of December 2012.
The Standard Drug List and Medication Assistance Fund were recently expanded to include 17 more drugs, such as second-generation insulin products, to lower costs for diabetic patients.
Public hospital patients receive a 50% subsidy on medical implants up to a $1,000 cap, which covers almost 90% of implants, and the Ministry of Health will continue regular reviews to maintain affordability.
Patients needing additional financial help can seek assistance from medical social workers at hospitals.

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13 May 2013

Coverage for ElderShield

ElderShield provides basic long-term care insurance with monthly payouts of up to $400 for six years for severe old-age disability, covering 59% of the resident population aged 40 to 80 as of end 2012, with a 92% enrolment rate for those turning 40 in 2012.
About 26% of the one million ElderShield policyholders have purchased additional coverage through supplements, and claims have increased from 3,900 to 4,900 annually between 2008 and 2012, with claim amounts rising from $23 million to $58 million.
The government is reviewing ElderShield for possible enhancements as claims are expected to grow significantly with the ageing population and scheme maturity.

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13 May 2013

Affordability of Studio Apartments for Senior Citizens

Dr Lam Pin Min questioned how HDB determines the pricing of studio apartments for seniors and whether they are affordable given the shorter 30-year lease compared to other flat types.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained that studio apartments are purpose-built for the elderly with elderly-friendly features and are priced based on location, size, lease period, and market conditions.
The minister highlighted that seniors can receive significant financial support, such as net proceeds from selling their existing homes and a cash bonus of up to $20,000 through the Silver Housing Bonus scheme.
Studio apartments are offered on 30-year leases in two sizes (35 and 45 square metres) to cater to different budgets and needs of elderly Singaporeans.
Second-timers buying studio apartments are exempt from resale levies, further reducing their financial outlay.

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13 May 2013

Impact of Home Ownership Plus Education (HOPE) Scheme on Beneficiaries

Since its introduction in January 2004, the HOPE scheme has benefited 2,967 families, with an average of 303 families joining annually over the last five years, indicating steady growth.
Beneficiaries have generally improved their circumstances, with increased household income, mothers' employment rates rising from about 30% to 60%, and about 50% of parents using the training grant for skills upgrades.
Families receive mentoring from professionals at Social Service Agencies, including individual sessions and support groups aimed at boosting skills, financial resilience, and family relationships, with over 70% satisfied in recent surveys.
The mentoring programme's effectiveness is regularly reviewed through surveys, with most beneficiaries reporting motivation to upgrade skills and seek better employment.
The scheme provides structured family support through mentoring and group sessions, contributing to positive outcomes in income, employment, and personal development for participating families.

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13 May 2013

Singaporeans Who Are Not Able to Benefit from MediShield

Zaqy Mohamad asked if citizens with pre-existing conditions who are ineligible for MediShield could use Medisave or CPF Special Accounts for commercial insurance, and requested data on the number and age profile of Singaporeans unable to benefit from MediShield.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that MediShield covers 92% of residents, with very low rejection rates (under 0.5% for ages 60 and below and 1-2% for above 60) due to pre-existing conditions.
Gan explained that Medisave can be used for certain private health insurance plans, but those with pre-existing conditions may still face coverage denials or high premiums, and CPF Special Account funds are reserved for retirement, not insurance purchases.
He noted that Singaporeans without MediShield or private insurance can rely on heavy government subsidies, MediSave, and financial assistance like MediFund, with the government also providing periodic MediSave top-ups.
The Ministry is reviewing how to further assist those unable to obtain insurance due to pre-existing conditions as part of healthcare financing reforms.

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13 May 2013

Dialysis Centres in New Towns

Dr Janil Puthucheary questioned how the Ministry of Health will facilitate dialysis centres in new towns like Punggol and plan for future chronic healthcare needs.
MOH collaborates with Voluntary Welfare Organizations like NKF to identify sites and secure locations for dialysis services while monitoring demand in new towns.
The government supports VWOs through funding mechanisms such as the Community Silver Trust, operating subvention, and expanding primary care with new polyclinics in Punggol and Pioneer by 2017.

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13 May 2013

Schemes to Assist Low-income Malay/Muslim Families

MUIS and MENDAKI administer programs like zakat financial aid, the Empowerment Partnership Scheme, and educational subsidies to help low-income Malay/Muslim families achieve self-reliance, with millions disbursed and thousands benefiting annually.
The minister emphasized a collaborative approach where community organizations first tap national schemes before deploying their own resources, avoiding duplication and providing tailored support.
Partnerships between government agencies, voluntary welfare organizations, and community groups are seen as viable and effective, with examples like the successful uplift of a family through coordinated assistance.
MUIS and MENDAKI acknowledge ongoing gaps in demand and resources, requiring more partners and scaled-up efforts to meet the needs of low-income families.

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13 May 2013

Extending Use of CPF Monies to Pay for Education in More Institutions

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef proposed allowing CPF funds for children's education at institutions like SHATEC, NAFA, and LASALLE.
The Minister responded that the CPF Education Scheme already covers NAFA and LASALLE's fully subsidised courses but not SHATEC, as the primary purpose of CPF is for retirement, housing, and healthcare.
Tin Pei Ling questioned whether more flexibility should be given for non-subsidised courses, suggesting repayment could preserve retirement savings.
The Minister maintained the stance to limit CPF usage to subsidised courses, citing the core purpose of CPF and alternative support options like bursaries.

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8 Apr 2013

Withdrawal of CPF Funds upon Reaching 55 Years of Age

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Acting Minister for Manpower how many Singaporeans have opted not to withdraw CPF funds upon reaching 55 and the percentage out of total CPF members.
Tan Chuan-Jin explained that CPF members must set aside the Minimum Sum in their Retirement Account upon turning 55 and can withdraw excess funds, with about 18% of those who turned 55 in 2012 not withdrawing their excess balances.
He noted that members with balances above the Minimum Sum often keep their money in CPF for the long term, possibly due to attractive CPF interest rates.

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8 Apr 2013

Computation of Increment for Public Assistance (PA)

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap questioned how the specific increment amounts for Public Assistance (PA) are determined and tabulated, citing a range from $50 to $130 per month based on household size.
Chan Chun Sing responded that PA assistance is reviewed regularly to reflect beneficiaries' needs and cost of living, with additional support for children, healthcare, and other services.
The minister highlighted that PA includes cash, medical, and social service benefits, which are adjusted to ensure comprehensiveness.

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8 Apr 2013

Staffing Arrangements for Proposed Social Service Offices

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked about the manpower arrangements and whether social-work trained officers would staff the proposed Social Service Offices, including the proposed number.
The Social Service Offices will deliver ComCare assistance, undertake local social service planning, and provide coordinated help with partner agencies, staffed mainly by Ministry of Social and Family Development employees.
Some staff may have social work training, but the Ministry will provide training to all staff to enable them to perform their roles.
The number of officers will vary by location based on the level of needs in each area.

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