Social welfare

Foo Cexiang requested an update on the Inclusive Support Programme (InSP) pilot and inquired about the inclusion of environmental adjustments in preschools. Masagos Zulkifli B M M reported that the InSP effectively supports children with medium levels of early intervention, showing significant developmental progress and interactions in an inclusive setting. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) plans to add approximately 600 more InSP places from 2026, with guidelines for environmental modifications, including options like frequency modulation systems for children with hearing impairments. ECDA provides funding for these modifications, and families can also access subsidies through the Ministry of Social and Family Development's Assistive Technology Fund.

Foo Cexiang raised a question about the possibility of aligning the CPF life expectancy factor for property purchases with the average life expectancy of 83.5 years, instead of the current 95 years. Chee Hong Tat explained that the existing policy is designed to ensure that Singaporeans can secure housing for life and address retirement adequacy. Foo noted that some residents face challenges in home ownership due to their circumstances, such as being mid-career renters or long-term HDB renters nearing the lease requirement. Chee acknowledged these concerns and indicated that the Ministry of National Development is open to reviewing options to assist these individuals while maintaining the policy's intent.

Kuah Boon Theng raised concerns about the waitlist for Day Activity Centres (DACs) for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), asking for current statistics and average wait times. Eric Chua reported that there are 130 individuals on the waitlist for eight specialized DACs, with an average wait time of nine months, and announced plans to increase DAC capacity by 500 places. Kuah highlighted issues with long wait times and affordability for families, questioning whether the waitlist accurately reflects demand. Chua emphasized the ministry's commitment to improving capacity, working with private providers, and focusing on community living options for individuals with disabilities. Kuah reiterated the urgency of providing early DAC access for those with high support needs, and Chua assured that they would ramp up DAC spaces based on assessed needs.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat questioned the Minister for Social and Family Development about the number of ComCare applications denied due to non-compliance with employment action plans, the process for applicants to provide evidence of their engagement with partner agencies, and the opportunity for applicants to be heard before such denials. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim explained that ComCare assistance is designed to help clients with basic living expenses while they improve their financial situation, but the ministry does not track how many applications are denied based on action plan non-compliance. Tiong presented a specific case of a constituent denied assistance despite having evidence of ongoing communication with an employment agency, asking if Social Service Office decisions are solely based on their report without considering the applicant's side. The Minister confirmed that each case is treated individually, with an appeal process in place, and stated that assistance continues to be provided throughout the review process.

Saktiandi Supaat inquired about the impact of the 2026 CDC vouchers, specifically regarding household claims, spending proportions at heartland businesses, and overall effects on consumption and small business resilience. Edwin Tong Chun Fai responded that the latest tranche was launched recently, and it's premature to provide detailed claim and spend rates. Over the past four years, $3.995 billion in CDC and SG60 vouchers was spent, with $2.127 billion at heartland merchants and hawkers. The CDC vouchers not only support household needs but also boost local business and enhance the vibrancy of heartland shops.

Yip Hon Weng raised questions about the revised budget meal scheme, focusing on meal quality, portion standards, daily quantity limits, and potential incentives for exceeding minimum requirements. Chee Hong Tat responded that various food options are available in HDB coffee shops, and there are ongoing support programs for lower-income residents. The budget meal initiative will undergo changes, allowing operators more flexibility, with participation becoming optional for renewing tenancies from January 2026. Funding support for operators has been tripled, ensuring discounts are passed to stallholders, and HDB will standardize requirements for budget meals to include specific meal options while preventing quantity limits. Continuous engagement with operators will take place to monitor the situation and assess the need for further adjustments.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the number of HDB blocks lacking direct lift access that were offered the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) and the current number of blocks where same-floor lift access is unfeasible. Ang Wei Neng inquired about the application trend for the enhanced Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG) since its increase to $80,000. Chee Hong Tat explained that the LUP has benefited the majority of HDB blocks initially without direct lift access, with plans for additional blocks to receive upgrades. Since the LHG enhancement, applications increased from 11 per year to 18 in eight months, and the HDB continues to assist residents facing mobility challenges.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned the Minister for Education regarding a review of the $5,000 cap on the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Fund due to increased costs for private support, and how many students currently benefit from both the SEN Fund and the expanded MOE Financial Assistance Scheme. Desmond Lee responded that the MOE routinely reviews the SEN Fund and finds the current cap sufficient based on utilization patterns. He also noted that the revised income criteria for government bursaries will take effect in 2026, but data on the number of students benefiting from both funding sources is not yet available.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the uptake of the Enabling Employment Credit by eligible employers, the barriers to greater utilization, and measures to raise the employment rate of persons with disabilities to 40% by 2030. Masagos Zulkifli highlighted that employers hiring residents with disabilities earning under $4,000 are automatically enrolled in the credit scheme. He referenced a previous written reply detailing barriers faced by employers and the support measures in place. Additionally, the Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities will propose further recommendations to enhance support for employers and improve job resilience for persons with disabilities.

Ng Shi Xuan asked about the take-up rate of the Special Needs Trust Company's services, specifically in terms of household income, per capita income, and race. Masagos Zulkifli B M M reported that there are 1,410 trusts set up by SNTC, but income data is not collected as a requirement for opening a trust account. The largest proportion of trust accounts is held by Chinese clients, followed by Malays and Indians. The government plans to enhance awareness and increase take-up rates, particularly among median income families, by providing a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of up to $10,000 to support lower- and middle-income caregivers in establishing trust accounts.

Gabriel Lam questioned the adequacy of Medisave withdrawal limits and MediShield Life coverage for patients undergoing long-term dialysis over the past five years. Ong Ye Kung responded that dialysis patients receive lifelong financial support through government subsidies, MediShield Life, and MediSave, which are regularly reviewed for affordability. He announced an increase in MediShield Life claim limits for dialysis from $1,100 to $1,750 per month starting in April 2025, alongside enhanced government subsidies since July 2025. Eligible patients can also access charity assistance and other support, ensuring no one is denied care due to financial constraints.

Shawn Loh raised questions regarding the government's plans to increase property taxes on non-owner-occupied properties to tackle wealth inequality. Jeffrey Siow responded that higher tax rates for non-owner-occupied residential properties, which are primarily investment properties, have already been implemented, increasing from 10%-20% to 12%-36% in 2023 and 2024. The government intends to keep reviewing property taxes to ensure a progressive and fair taxation system.

Shawn Loh requested that CDC vouchers be allowed for use at heartland merchants in addition to supermarkets, to support residents who do not shop at supermarkets. Jeffrey Siow explained that the CDC Vouchers scheme aims to assist households and support heartland merchants; originally meant only for heartland shops, the scheme was modified in January 2023 to allow equal use at both supermarkets and heartland businesses. The split approach addresses varied shopping needs and maintains high utilization rates for both categories. The parameters of the scheme will remain unchanged for now.

Elysa Chen raised concerns about future plans to improve long-term financial security and employment re-entry for individuals exiting the workforce for unpaid caregiving under the Caregiver Support Action Plan. Tan See Leng responded that caregivers can access employment facilitation and reskilling programs through Workforce Singapore and NTUC's Employment and Employability Institute, including Career Conversion and Mid-Career Pathways Programmes. Additionally, SkillsFuture support is available for training and course subsidies. Upcoming financial enhancements, including the Majulah Package's Retirement Savings Bonus and changes to the Silver Support Scheme, aim to improve retirement adequacy for seniors with caregiving responsibilities. Caregivers may also qualify for the Workfare Income Supplement and Earn and Save Bonus, which provide income and retirement savings support.

Yeo Wan Ling asked about the number of appeals for additional Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers from households sharing the same address and the possibility of accepting more proof forms, like rental agreements, for verification. Edwin Tong Chun Fai clarified that each Singaporean household can claim one set of vouchers per tranche, but unrelated households at the same address can apply for their own vouchers with appropriate supporting documents. Accepted documents include tenancy agreements and marriage certificates, and applications are generally approved as long as claimants are not from the same household and have not claimed before. Assistance is available at Community Centres or Clubs for those facing difficulties.

Saktiandi Supaat asked about Public Transport Voucher (PTV) take-up rates, evaluation of its effectiveness in alleviating commuting costs, and plans for further enhancements beyond the current $60 benefit. Jeffrey Siow reported that 360,000 PTVs were issued, representing a 72% take-up rate among eligible households, with improvements made to the application process to increase accessibility. PTVs are designed to offset half a year's worth of fare increases for a typical family, and additional support is available for households in need via Community Centres. The government allocates over $2 billion annually in subsidies for public transport, which has resulted in decreased public transport expenditure as a percentage of income for lower-income households.

Shawn Loh and Liang Eng Hwa proposed the idea of a property tax deferral scheme for asset-rich, cash-poor Singaporeans and seniors facing cash flow issues. Jeffrey Siow highlighted concerns that deferring taxes could lead to significant liabilities during property transfers or inheritances. He noted that eligible property owners aged 65 and above can currently access a 24-month interest-free installment plan for property tax payments. The Government will continue to evaluate existing support measures and consider additional assistance if necessary.

Hazlina Abdul Halim asked the government when it would study the effectiveness of initiatives like the GSTV scheme and CDC vouchers in addressing cost-of-living issues and what cost control measures could be implemented for vulnerable Singaporeans. Indranee Rajah responded that the government regularly reviews these schemes and has enhanced the Assurance Package to offset inflation effects, increasing support from $6.6 billion in 2022 to over $10 billion by 2025. Structural supports, including Workfare and Silver Support, target vulnerable groups, while one-off assistance complements these measures. The government emphasizes broad-based wage growth, economic growth, and skill development as long-term solutions to cost pressures.

Joan Pereira asked about measures to encourage seniors to undergo regular dental check-ups and preventive care in addition to the enhanced CHAS subsidies for dental procedures set for October 2025. Ong Ye Kung outlined existing policies aimed at improving seniors' access to dental care, focusing on preventive measures, service availability, and financial support, including enhanced CHAS subsidies. The government is expanding dental services at polyclinics and forming partnerships with community providers to facilitate convenient care for seniors. Programs like Project Silver Screen provide screenings for seniors and refer those with dental issues to CHAS clinics, while initiatives from the National Dental Centre aim to promote oral health retention into old age. Additionally, tele-dentistry and mobile clinics have been introduced to increase access to dental services for seniors.

Assoc Prof Terence Ho raised concerns about the impact on budget meal options for lower-income residents following the decision to make budget meals optional for HDB coffeeshops, suggesting potential financial incentives for stallholders. He Ting Ru questioned the factors influencing the decision to discontinue mandatory budget meals and how the changes will be evaluated. Chee Hong Tat responded that while budget meals will be optional from January 2026, existing operators will continue to provide them until their tenancies end. HDB is increasing funding support for stallholders who offer budget meals and standardizing the scope of options provided. The new arrangement aims to balance sustainability for operators with the needs of residents.