Social welfare

Liang Eng Hwa asked about the number and nature of appeals related to the Silver Support Scheme over the past three years. Tan See Leng reported an average of 11,300 appeals annually, constituting around 4% of recipients, mainly due to changes in seniors' circumstances. Eligibility for the scheme is automatically assessed based on annual criteria, and seniors can update their information through the CPF Board. The Ministry provides information about the scheme through letters in multiple languages and uses community outreach to raise awareness. Additional support options are available for seniors seeking help with eligibility or information about the scheme.

Diana Pang Li Yen questioned the Minister for Education about the assessment of how persons with special needs utilize SkillsFuture credits and the barriers they face. Desmond Lee reported that from 2022 to 2024, approximately 500 individuals with disabilities benefit annually from training support provided by SG Enable and SkillsFuture Singapore. These initiatives include significant course fee subsidies, training allowances, and assistance with SkillsFuture credits. Additionally, SG Enable’s Capability Development Grant helps training providers adapt their programs for diverse disability needs, and there are efforts to increase the accessibility of training programs for people with disabilities.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Education about the total disbursement of Opportunity Fund grants, student participation rates from lower-income households, and measures to raise awareness about the fund. Desmond Lee responded that approximately $10 million per year has been disbursed to General Education schools over the past three years. Students on the Ministry of Education Financial Assistance Scheme and School-based Financial Assistance Scheme automatically receive grants, while other students are encouraged to seek assistance through their schools. On average, about 50,000 students benefit from the Opportunity Fund annually.

Elysa Chen asked about the number of people under 18 employed to support their households and their educational status. Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that only about 0.2% of the resident workforce is aged 15 to 17, with around three-quarters of these individuals working while attending school. Reasons for youth employment include personal circumstances, skill-building, and financial support for families. The Government offers financial assistance through ComCare for lower-income families, with additional support provided via ComLink+ for families with children under 21.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked whether polyclinic dental services could expand to include dentures and if MediSave rules on denture claims could be reviewed. Ong Ye Kung responded that polyclinics already offer denture services but complex cases are referred to tertiary institutions. He noted recent increases in subsidies for root canal treatments and crowns, with MediSave use planned for patients over 60 in 2026. The Ministry will continue reviewing MediSave coverage to balance affordability with future healthcare needs.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat questioned the Minister for Social and Family Development about the evaluation and reasoning behind the discontinuation of the Integrated Childcare Programme (ICCP) in 2024, as well as concerns regarding service gaps until the Inclusive Support Programme (InSP) expands in 2026. Masagos Zulkifli explained that the ICCP was providing tailored support but was not a substitute for more intensive Early Intervention (EI) services, which continued to be offered separately. Enhancements have been made to increase direct EI support in preschool settings, and the InSP, which offers integrated EI services, will start scaling up in the following year. Additionally, all preschools are now required to appoint an Inclusion Coordinator to help identify children needing EI support and ensure they access the necessary resources.

Foo Cexiang asked about the Take-A-Break (TAB) caregiver respite programme, specifically regarding application numbers, approval and rejection rates, and the possibility of extending the programme and providing overnight respite care. Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that since its launch in 2020, 576 applications have been received, with approximately 84% approved and 3% rejected due to requests being outside the programme's scope. He noted that overnight respite care is already available under TAB, and a review of the programme's future is ongoing as it approaches its end date of March 31, 2026.

Elysa Chen raised concerns about the "cliff effect" for households just above the CHAS Orange subsidy threshold, which leads to increased healthcare costs despite small income differences. Chen also inquired about the percentage of patients in the $2,000 to $3,500 income range who face out-of-pocket expenses exceeding 10% of their household income for chronic disease management. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Ministry of Health does not track out-of-pocket costs in the requested way but monitors affordability through post-subsidy bills for CHAS tiers, indicating that CHAS Green cardholders incur relatively low annual post-subsidy costs. He explained that the Ministry balances subsidy levels and complexity in the design of subsidy tiers, which aim to provide targeted support while minimizing complications. Additionally, individuals exceeding the income thresholds may appeal for case-by-case assessments.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked about the outreach of the Silver Generation Office (SGO) to socially isolated seniors and their participation in Active Ageing Centres. Ong Ye Kung reported that SGO has engaged nearly 600,000 seniors in the past three years, with about 14,000 assessed as at risk of social isolation. The SGO connects these seniors to community resources and ensures regular contact through community befrienders. Over 80% of at-risk seniors are engaged in various programs offered by Active Ageing Centres, Healthier SG, and other community initiatives.

Edward Chia Bing Hui asked if the Ministry of Transport would align the eligibility criteria for Public Transport Vouchers with the Community Health Assist Scheme for better clarity for residents. Jeffrey Siow confirmed that the Government is reviewing the PTV eligibility criteria and will consider the suggestion.

• Ms. Hazlina Abdul Halim raised concerns about rising COE prices and proposed government grants to help families with special needs afford vehicle access.
• She also inquired about support for car-sharing platforms and leasing services to provide flexible options for these families.
• Jeffrey Siow responded that the government prefers direct subsidies for specific needs rather than complicating the COE system, citing existing support like the Enabling Transport Subsidy.
• The government is focusing on enhancing public transport and expanding point-to-point transport options for those needing occasional car access.

• Shawn Loh raised concerns about the accessibility of pedestrian overhead bridges for seniors, suggesting the installation of lifts to prevent isolation.
• The Acting Minister for Transport confirmed that lifts will be installed at four specific pedestrian overhead bridges connecting Whampoa to nearby towns.
• The installation of lifts is prioritized over bridges that already have ramps, with upgrades already completed on one bridge and site studies initiated for others.