Social welfare

Cheryl Chan highlighted the need for housing policies that reflect changing demographics, advocating for revised income ceilings for HDB BTO flats to assist middle-income couples and singles who are ineligible under current restrictions. She also emphasized the importance of extending the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) program to private property owners to help seniors age in place with necessary modifications. Concerns were raised about long-term housing solutions for families with special needs children or adults, urging the Ministry to introduce exemptions and better support options. Pritam Singh and other MPs pointed out issues related to the rising costs of HDB resale flats, proposing policy adjustments to ensure affordability and retirement adequacy for buyers. The debate also covered recommendations for enhancing community spaces, wildlife management, and support for families facing housing challenges, including single unwed parents.

• Pritam Singh inquired about the number of Singaporeans and PRs receiving ComCare assistance from each Social Service Office (SSO) and the total population overseen by these offices as of December 2024.
• The Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Eric Chua, stated that each SSO assists about 1,000 households with ComCare assistance, with an average of 61,000 households per SSO.
• Singh asked if the Ministry publishes SSO-specific data on assistance and questioned the percentage of households exceeding the income guideline that still qualify for assistance.
• Chua explained that the Ministry does not publish SSO-specific data due to variabilities across towns and suggested Singh file another question for specific statistics.
• Singh noted discrepancies in reported assistance amounts and requested clarification, which Chua agreed to provide during the Committee of Supply debates.

Tan Wu Meng questioned whether vendors of motorised mobility devices eligible for subsidy schemes are required to ensure sufficient supply chains for replacement parts and if they must adhere to responsiveness standards for repairs. The Minister of State for Health stated that the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund and Assistive Technology Fund provide subsidies for assistive devices, including repairs and parts. Beneficiaries can purchase devices from various vendors but there are no universal standards for repairs across all vendors; however, clients may choose vendors that offer warranties for timely repairs and replacements.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang requested data on the mean and median CPF account balances for residents outside the labor force due to caregiving over the past five years, broken down by specific age groups. Tan See Leng responded that the Ministry does not have the requested data available.

Assoc Prof Jamus Lim asked the Minister for Health about the vaccine take-up rates from 2020 to 2024 for those listed in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) and whether there are plans to increase government subsidies. Ong Ye Kung reported that the uptake for pneumococcal vaccinations in residents aged 65 and above rose from 22% in 2020 to 61% in 2024, while influenza vaccination uptake increased from 18% to 42%. He noted existing financial support for NAIS vaccines, with free vaccinations for eligible enrollees and subsidies of 50% to 87.5% for others, as well as MediSave usage to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Transport about the possibility of expanding the Taxi Subsidy Scheme or introducing measures to cap surcharges for motorised wheelchair users who need affordable travel options beyond school or work. Chee Hong Tat responded that point-to-point and private transport operators have wheelchair-accessible vehicles for persons with disabilities, who can access financial assistance through existing schemes. The Land Transport Authority will collaborate with relevant ministries and operators to enhance the accessibility of point-to-point transport for passengers with diverse needs.

• The Budget 2025 aims to support all Singaporeans amid rising costs of living and economic uncertainties, while emphasizing the importance of long-term growth and resilience.
• The government plans to enhance social safety nets for vulnerable groups, including lower-wage workers, seniors, and persons with disabilities, through initiatives like the Workfare Income Supplement and enhanced CDC Vouchers.
• There is a call for improving job security and conditions for workers, focusing on upskilling and transitioning support for mid-career professionals and those facing job disruptions.
• The emphasis is also on fostering partnerships between businesses, unions, and the government to ensure fair job opportunities and facilitate transition to sectors in need of talent, such as technology and sustainability.
• Discussions around the need for structural reforms to address income inequality and rising costs for average citizens were highlighted, advocating for policies that uplift the middle class and provide fair access to opportunities.

• The Budget 2025 debate highlighted significant government initiatives aimed at addressing the rising cost of living, with various vouchers and support schemes introduced to assist families, particularly those with children and seniors.
• Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of these measures, with some parliamentarians arguing that ad hoc financial assistance does not address the structural economic issues facing Singaporeans, such as stagnant wages and high living costs.
• The debate also focused on the need for long-term strategies to enhance job security and economic resilience, particularly in light of technological disruptions and an ageing population.
• Several speakers emphasized the importance of fiscal prudence and questioned the necessity of recent tax increases, given the government's projected budget surpluses.
• There was a call for a more inclusive approach to policy-making, with suggestions for better tracking of social outcomes and the establishment of a dashboard to measure the effectiveness of government initiatives in improving the quality of life for all Singaporeans.

• Mr. Chua Kheng Wee Louis inquired about the number and percentage of CPF members and active CPF members earning an extra 1% on their first $60,000 of combined CPF balances over the past decade.
• Minister Tan See Leng reported that from 2015 to 2024, the number of active CPF members receiving the maximum extra interest increased from 1.1 million to 1.6 million, rising from 54% to 74%.
• The total number of CPF members benefiting from the extra interest also grew from 1.3 million to 2.2 million, with the percentage increasing from 40% to 52%.

• Mr. Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the percentage and number of CPF members with arrears in MediSave contributions, reasons for these arrears, and the assistance available for those in financial difficulties.
• Minister Tan See Leng reported that approximately 75% of self-employed persons (SEPs) meet their MediSave obligations on time, while 25% face challenges primarily due to financial difficulties.
• SEPs can opt for monthly instalment plans for MediSave contributions, and the CPF Board collaborates with them to create affordable payment plans.
• For SEPs unable to contribute and in need of further assistance, the CPF Board will refer them to other agencies for financial support.

• Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about the necessity of a doctor's memo for individuals applying for ComCare Long Term Assistance.
• The Minister for Social and Family Development clarified that ComCare supports those permanently unable to work due to age, illness, or disability with limited income.
• For applicants with clear disabilities, no doctor's certification is needed, but for others, a doctor's certification of permanent medical conditions is required.

• Louis Ng Kok Kwang inquired about the timeline for the pilot extension of the Development Support and Learning Support (DS-LS) Programme for differently-abled children at the nursery level and the criteria for making it permanent.
• The DS-LS Programme currently supports preschool children aged five and six with mild developmental delays and was piloted for children aged three to four in 2022.
• The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is reviewing the pilot's outcomes in collaboration with a consultancy team from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
• Factors for evaluating the pilot's success include the effectiveness of support provided, required resources, and how the programme integrates with existing early intervention services.

• Patrick Tay proposed expanding the UPLIFT Scholarship to all lower-income students in independent schools, not just those admitted through Direct School Admissions or Edusave Scholarships.
• Chan Chun Sing explained that the UPLIFT Scholarship is currently limited to students who meet specific criteria, including being Edusave Scholarship recipients or admitted via Direct School Admissions.
• The Ministry of Education provides additional financial assistance for lower-to-middle income students in independent schools, including full subsidies for those with a gross household income of $3,000 or less.
• Students with a gross household income between $3,001 and $4,400 receive significant fee subsidies, ensuring they pay similar fees to those in government schools.
• The Ministry regularly reviews financial assistance schemes to ensure all deserving students have access to educational opportunities.

• The Prime Minister presented the Annual Budget Statement for the financial year 2025, emphasizing Singapore's resilience and progress over the past 60 years since independence.
• The budget aims to address rising costs for individuals and businesses, with measures including CDC vouchers, utility rebates, and enhanced support for lower-income households and families with children.
• Economic growth is projected to moderate, with a focus on advancing technology, innovation, and infrastructure to maintain competitiveness in a changing global landscape.
• The budget includes significant investments in clean energy, climate resilience, and social support systems, particularly for seniors, families, and persons with disabilities.
• The government aims to foster unity and inclusivity among Singaporeans, with initiatives to strengthen community bonds and support for various social causes.

• The spending on preschool education in Singapore increased from $1 billion in 2018 to $1.3 billion in 2023, attributed to higher enrollment in full-day childcare and inflation.
• The government has implemented various measures to enhance affordability, including basic subsidies for all Singapore Citizen children and additional subsidies for lower-income families.
• Fee caps for preschool services have been progressively reduced, resulting in a decrease in median childcare fees from $800 in 2018 to $720 in 2023.
• The household income ceiling for additional subsidies was raised from $7,500 to $12,000 in 2020, allowing more families to benefit from financial support.
• A median-income household now spends a lower percentage of their income on preschool education, decreasing from 4.9% in 2018 to 3.1% in 2023.

• Ms. Carrie Tan proposed the idea of utilizing neighbourhood shops and minimarts as social enterprises to provide essential services and subsidized groceries to families in need.
• The Ministry for Social and Family Development acknowledged existing community initiatives that support similar goals, including partnerships with local merchants to deliver meals and supplies at lower prices.
• The Ministry highlighted its own programs, such as the Meals-on-Wheels service and vendor appointments for Long-Term Assistance clients, to ensure they receive necessary supplies.
• There is an emphasis on community collaboration as part of a broader social compact to support those who are financially challenged and mobility-compromised.

• Ms. Carrie Tan proposed the development of transformation and funding schemes for neighbourhood shops to create employment opportunities for persons with special needs and disabilities.
• The Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Mr. Eric Chua, highlighted existing government support for inclusive hiring through programs like the Open Door Programme and the Inclusive Business Programme, which offer job matching and financial incentives for businesses.
• Ms. Tan emphasized the potential of the 712 minimarts under HDB leases to provide local employment for persons with disabilities and requested a more systematic approach to facilitate this.
• Mr. Chua acknowledged the need for a coordinated plan to promote inclusive employment and expressed willingness to explore scaling up current initiatives with local businesses and community associations.

• The debate focused on the challenges faced by seniors and residents with mobility issues living in HDB flats without direct lift access, particularly those in segmented units.
• Members of Parliament raised concerns about the limited options available for these residents, especially regarding the Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG) and the difficulties in applying for new flats with direct lift access.
• The Minister for National Development highlighted existing support measures, including the LHG and the Senior Priority Scheme, while acknowledging the need for ongoing review and potential enhancements to assist affected residents.
• Suggestions were made for exploring innovative solutions and increasing subsidies for lift upgrades in blocks that currently lack direct access, as well as addressing the technical challenges involved.
• The Minister encouraged residents with pressing mobility needs to approach HDB for personalized assistance and to share any innovative ideas for improving access solutions.

• The debate focused on the assessment process for applicants seeking ComCare financial assistance, particularly regarding the verification of income and assets to prevent wrongful claims.
• The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) uses a combination of government data and self-declarations from applicants to evaluate financial situations, with flexibility based on individual circumstances.
• Over the past five years, there have been 25 cases of wrongful ComCare payments due to inaccurate declarations, with recovery actions taken in appropriate cases, including potential police reports for fraudulent actions.
• The Ministry aims to balance the swift disbursement of funds with stringent checks to prevent misuse, ensuring that legitimate applicants are not disadvantaged in the process.
• Frontline officers at Social Service Offices conduct periodic checks on applicants to adapt to any changes in their financial situations while maintaining accountability in the use of public funds.