Social welfare

Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked about the incidence of low pay in Singapore compared to OECD countries, specifically regarding workers earning less than two-thirds of the median wage. Tan See Leng reported that about 30% of full-time employed residents in Singapore were classified as low-pay in 2024, significantly higher than the OECD average of 13% in 2023. He noted that while Singapore has a higher low-pay incidence, it also has government support for lower-wage workers, such as income top-ups. Additionally, real gross monthly income at the 20th percentile has increased significantly more than the median wage from 2021 to 2024. The government plans to continue efforts to uplift lower-wage workers through sustainable wage increases and the Progressive Wage Model.

Elysa Chen asked about the monitoring and evaluation frameworks used by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) for government-funded social service programs and whether findings influenced recent policies. Masagos Zulkifli explained that MSF analyzes population-level outcomes and through various performance indicators at the program level to ensure support reaches those in need. An example is the KidSTART evaluation, which showed positive results in parent-child interactions and child development outcomes, leading to the decision to scale the program nationwide. Additionally, the National Council of Social Service launched the Sector Evaluation Framework and published a report comparing youth program outcomes, highlighting the importance of program fidelity.

Valerie Lee questioned the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health about the number of seniors aged 65 and above living alone as of 2025 and whether there are new initiatives beyond current programs to prevent seniors from dying alone. Ong Ye Kung reported that approximately 87,000 seniors were living alone in 2024. He emphasized the importance of community befriending programs and highlighted efforts from the Silver Generation Office and Active Ageing Centres to address issues related to ageing and improve outreach.

Ng Chee Meng asked about the use of MediSave by Singaporeans for family members, the income profile of these users, and their risk of insufficient MediSave for personal expenses. Ong Ye Kung reported that approximately 210,000 Singaporeans have used MediSave for family members annually from 2022 to 2024, but most use it for their own healthcare needs. The risk of MediSave inadequacy is more associated with personal healthcare requirements, but support systems such as Government top-ups and MediFund are in place for those in financial distress. The government ensures that no individual will lose access to necessary healthcare due to payment issues.

Charlene Chen raised concerns about the high demand for ambulatory services and asked whether the Ministry of Health will collaborate with private operators to offer subsidized services and how it plans to meet the needs of an aging population. Ong Ye Kung responded that the Agency for Integrated Care already refers eligible seniors to subsidized ambulatory services and is working with various partners to enhance service provision. The Ministry is coordinating these services with other community resources to ensure a smooth transition for seniors and will continuously review the capacity of Community Rehabilitation and Day Care services to meet growing demands.

Assoc Prof Jamus Lim asked if the doctor's fee for certifying medical status for SG Enable schemes could be waived at polyclinics. Ong Ye Kung explained that the fee is necessary due to the time and effort required by doctors to prepare such memos. He stated that polyclinic charges are generally not waived as they are heavily subsidized, but patients can apply for additional financial assistance if needed, and relevant agencies may cover the charges based on their assessments.

Jamus Lim asked if Medisave accounts could be used for wake-related expenses for immediate family members and questioned the distinction between medical and posthumous expenditures. Ong Ye Kung responded that Medisave is designated for healthcare expenses, and using it for non-healthcare costs would be imprudent. He mentioned that there are circumstances allowing for the withdrawal of CPF savings for urgent needs and that remaining MediSave funds of deceased members can be accessed by their nominees. He also noted the existence of welfare organizations to assist with funeral costs.

David Hoe raised several questions regarding the CDC vouchers, including the consideration of physical voucher uptake rates before discontinuing notification letters for the May 2025 tranche, redemption rates by age and channel, and the possibility of opt-in paper-vouchers for future tranches. Edwin Tong responded that the stop of notification letters was a result of consistent high claim rates (averaging 97%) and environmental considerations. He emphasized that public awareness efforts would continue through various media channels, and support would be available for those needing help with the digital process. Tong also noted that the high claim rate for the May 2025 tranche indicates familiarity with the process, and reiterated that unused vouchers can be donated to charities.

Foo Cexiang asked about the number of HDB flat owners participating in the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) and the eligibility of their flats for the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) in the future. Chee Hong Tat reported that 1,170 senior households joined LBS between January and June 2025, allowing them to sell part of their lease while continuing to live in their flats. The scheme helps seniors enhance their retirement income through CPF payouts. Seniors can participate in LBS without concerns about VERS, as the government will provide a fair compensation package if their block is redeveloped.

Elysa Chen asked about measures to enhance housing mobility for seniors, specifically regarding Community Care Apartments and options for downsizing. Chee Hong Tat responded that the HDB aims to provide various housing options for seniors, including CCA projects, with five already launched and more planned. Short-lease 2-room flexi flats are also available, with at least 40% reserved for seniors in BTO projects. Enhancements to the Silver Housing Bonus will provide additional cash bonuses and broaden eligibility for seniors downsizing to smaller flats or CCAs, impacting private property residents as well.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik sought information on the uptake of ComLink+ support among lower-income families not residing in public rental flats. Masagos Zulkifli B M M reported that as of September 2025, approximately 1,000 families not living in public rental flats are receiving ComLink+ support. The Ministry aims to extend support to about 2,000 additional families over the next two years.

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat raised questions about the suitability of the multi-stage process for the Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) regarding low-cost digital aids like AirTags, suggesting a need for a simplified fast-track process and questioning if low subsidy uptake indicates issues with the current system. Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that the ATF provides means-tested subsidies for assistive devices to aid persons with disabilities, with a structured application process involving healthcare professionals. Although there have been no applications for tracking devices, a simplified process exists for basic devices. The assessment criteria focus on whether devices support early intervention, education, employment, therapy, rehabilitation, or independent living.

The debate centered on proposed amendments to the CareShield Life and Long-Term Care Act, focusing on enhancing the national long-term care insurance scheme. The key points include the introduction of a 4% annual payout growth rate to improve financial protection against rising long-term care costs, with discussions on ensuring premiums remain affordable. There is a reinstatement of stricter underwriting criteria, limiting coverage for those born before 1980 with pre-existing disabilities, which has raised concerns about fairness for older Singaporeans. Lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency, regular reviews of premiums and payouts, and enhancements to caregiver support, as well as the importance of preventive health measures. Many members expressed the need for a coherent system that provides comprehensive care while ensuring that the administration of CareShield Life remains user-friendly and accessible for all Singaporeans.

Jessica Tan Soon Neo raised concerns about rising electricity and gas tariffs affecting middle-income households and retirees living in private properties who do not qualify for existing support schemes. Dr. Tan See Leng responded that the tariff increase is due to higher fuel costs, and many households receive GST vouchers and U-Save to help offset utility bills. He noted that retirees aged 60 and above are eligible for SG60 vouchers worth $800, while those retired between 55 and 59 can receive $600. The Minister emphasized that there are various support schemes available and highlighted the need for energy conservation to sustain future assistance.

Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Manpower about the employment status of CPF members aged 65 to 67 and the possibility of raising the Dependants' Protection Scheme (DPS) age limit beyond 65 years. The Minister reported that 33% of CPF members in this age group are employed and stated that the government is reviewing the DPS for relevance and sustainability. While there are concerns regarding potential premium increases if the age limit is raised, the Minister indicated openness to considerations based on actuarial studies and the growing workforce of seniors. Jaafar also inquired about why some members fail to pay premiums, with the Minister noting that many lapsed members are older and no longer working, and suggested exploring targeted support options for them.

• Elysa Chen inquired about government support for stay-at-home mothers regarding retirement adequacy and workforce reintegration.
• Minister Tan See Leng highlighted existing initiatives like the HerCareer program and Career Conversion Programmes to assist stay-at-home mothers in returning to work.
• The government offers measures to enhance retirement savings for stay-at-home mothers, including the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme and Silver Support Scheme.
• Ongoing reviews of support measures for caregivers, including stay-at-home mothers, will be conducted to ensure their needs are met throughout life stages.

• Patrick Tay questioned the Minister for Manpower about the current 75th percentile gross monthly income for full-time employed residents and proposed raising the Jobseeker Support Scheme's income ceiling to better support involuntarily unemployed Singaporeans.
• The Minister, Tan See Leng, stated that in 2024, the 75th percentile gross monthly income is approximately $8,100 excluding employer CPF contributions and $9,300 including them.
• The Jobseeker Support Scheme currently targets individuals who earned up to $5,000 gross monthly income, which is slightly above the median income of $4,900.
• The Ministry of Manpower plans to review the scheme's effectiveness and consider extending support to higher-earning individuals in the future.

• The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) provides lump-sum compensation of up to $225,000 to the next of kin of workers who die from work-related incidents under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA), with plans to increase this limit to $269,000 in November 2025.
• Employers who do not comply with WICA compensation requirements can face fines or imprisonment, and the MOM offers assistance through the Workers' Fund if employers are unable to provide compensation.
• Families of workplace death victims can access various support services, including financial assistance, legal advice, and psychological support, depending on their specific needs and circumstances.

• Ms. Mariam Jaafar inquired about the differences in MediSave adequacy at age 65 across income groups and the risk of lower-income seniors exhausting their MediSave balances.
• Minister Ong Ye Kung explained that MediSave adequacy varies based on individual health needs and lifespan, making age 65 an inadequate benchmark for assessment.
• He noted that lower-income individuals may save less in MediSave but benefit from higher healthcare subsidies and initiatives to help build their balances, such as the MediSave Bonus and the upcoming Matched MediSave Scheme.
• Ong assured that safety nets like MediFund are available for those who exhaust their MediSave balances, ensuring access to necessary healthcare regardless of financial status.

• Ms. Mariam Jaafar inquired about the number of Singaporeans aged 65 with less than the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) and the plans for reviewing the BHS.
• Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that 55% of active Singaporean CPF members aged 65 have accumulated MediSave funds up to the BHS.
• The Basic Healthcare Sum is reviewed annually to ensure it meets the basic healthcare needs of members at age 65.