Social welfare

Eric Chua, the Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, provided a response to an Adjournment Motion regarding charities. He stated that in 2014, the COC granted 71 permits for fundraising appeals for foreign charitable purposes. A correction was later issued indicating that the accurate year for the permits should be 2024, maintaining the same number of permits granted.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang raised a question about how the Ministry for Social and Family Development supports kindergarten children with developmental needs when parents decline existing programs. Masagos Zulkifli explained that children are assessed by pediatricians and referred to appropriate Early Intervention (EI) programs, with strong encouragement for parental enrollment. The Early Childhood Development Agency has made EI programs more accessible and affordable, with significant funding increases and subsidized fees. Parents who opt out can utilize the Child Development Account for alternative programs or seek resources and training through SG Enable to support their child's development.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang expressed his deep concern for the refugee crisis in Asia, sharing personal experiences and stories from his visits to refugee camps, particularly highlighting the plight of Rohingya refugees. He called for changes to make it easier for NGOs working with refugees to obtain charity status and streamline the fundraising permit application process, emphasizing the need for support in raising funds for humanitarian causes. Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua acknowledged the challenges faced by organizations but reiterated the government's focus on prioritizing local community needs in charity regulations. Ng urged for a more compassionate approach, viewing the refugee situation as a shared human responsibility, while Chua recognized past efforts but maintained caution regarding fundraising stipulations. The session concluded with recognition of the urgency to address these humanitarian needs.

Wan Rizal raised concerns about the rising expenditure on private tuition in Singapore and its impact on educational equity for lower-income families. Yip Hon Weng inquired about the potential widening of social inequality as higher-income families spend more on tuition, and how this trend affects social mobility and student access to educational opportunities. The Minister of State for Education, Gan Siow Huang, acknowledged disparities in tuition spending and emphasized the Ministry's efforts to provide support for students from all backgrounds while promoting a broader definition of success beyond academic results. Concerns were expressed about the stress caused by tuition culture and the demand for early identification of student weaknesses, leading to discussions on the pace of curriculum and its implications for young learners. The Ministry is reviewing practices around tuition marketing and is committed to fostering a learning environment that prioritizes holistic development over excessive competition and academic pressure.

• Ms. He Ting Ru raised concerns about landlords making false claims for CDC Vouchers intended for tenants, asking for statistics on appeals, outcomes, and penalties for such claims.
• Minister Edwin Tong provided details on the distribution and spending of CDC Vouchers, highlighting that over $1.3 billion has been spent, with a near-equal split between heartland merchants and supermarkets.
• He explained that each household can only claim one set of vouchers per tranche and outlined the process for households living in co-tenanted premises to appeal for their vouchers.
• The Minister emphasized the importance of reporting false claims and mentioned that 97% of eligible households had claimed their 2024 CDC Vouchers, indicating high participation in the scheme.
• The Government is committed to ensuring the effectiveness of the CDC Vouchers Scheme and will continue to monitor and improve its implementation.

• Ms. He Ting Ru inquired about the total value and breakdown of unclaimed CDC Vouchers for 2024 as of December 31.
• Minister Edwin Tong reported that over $1.3 billion in CDC Vouchers have been spent, with nearly equal distribution between heartland merchants and supermarkets.
• Approximately 97% of Singaporean households claimed their CDC Vouchers for 2024, marking the highest claim rate since the digital scheme's launch in 2021.
• Some households may not claim their vouchers due to issues like co-tenancy or incorrect registered addresses, but they can appeal for assistance at community centers.
• The government is focused on ensuring all eligible households can claim their vouchers and is actively reaching out to those who may struggle with digital processes.

• Mr. Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired about the eligibility of residents with non-residential addresses, such as farms and businesses, to claim CDC Vouchers.
• Minister Edwin Tong explained that since January 2023, CDC Vouchers have been divided between hawkers and supermarkets to support households and local merchants.
• He noted that each household can claim only one set of vouchers per tranche, and those with non-residential addresses may face challenges in claiming them.
• Households living in co-tenanted premises can appeal for their vouchers at Community Centres if they provide proof of separate households.
• The government is committed to ensuring the effectiveness of the CDC Vouchers Scheme and is actively working to assist all eligible households in claiming their vouchers.

• Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired about the redemption rates of CDC Vouchers at supermarkets and small businesses over the past four years and suggested increasing the proportion of vouchers for supermarkets.
• Edwin Tong reported that since January 2023, CDC Vouchers have been equally distributed between supermarkets and heartland merchants, with approximately 50% spent at each category.
• Over $1.3 billion in CDC Vouchers has been utilized, with 97% of Singaporean households claiming their vouchers for 2024, marking the highest participation since the digital scheme's launch.
• The government is focused on ensuring all eligible households can claim their vouchers, particularly assisting those who are digitally less-savvy.
• There are measures in place to address issues related to households that may not have claimed their vouchers due to address discrepancies or other challenges.

• Ms. See Jinli Jean proposed that the Ministry for Social and Family Development (MSF) adopt an integrated marketing approach to engage employers in inclusive hiring practices for persons with disabilities.
• The MSF, in collaboration with SG Enable, is committed to promoting inclusive hiring and providing support to employers through various programs and initiatives.
• Key initiatives include the Enabling Mark accreditation, the Open Door Programme for job matching and support, and wage offsets for employers hiring persons with disabilities.
• SG Enable plans to focus on six target sectors with potential for inclusive hiring and will identify champions to share best practices among employers.
• The overall goal is to establish inclusive hiring as a norm in Singapore and enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

• Dr. Wan Rizal raised concerns about the decline in quality of life for caregivers of persons with disabilities (PwDs) and their difficulties in accessing financial assistance.
• Minister Masagos Zulkifli highlighted the stress caregivers face and outlined various support measures, including respite care, caregiver training, and financial assistance.
• The Take-A-Break programme offers short-term home-based respite services, and additional Enabling Services Hubs will be established to enhance community support for caregivers and PwDs.
• Caregivers can access resources like the Enabling Guide and Caregiver Learning Roadmap on SG Enable's website for information and support.
• The government is committed to continuously reviewing and improving caregiver support as part of the Enabling Masterplan 2030.

• The debate focused on increasing participation rates of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in training programs, addressing health and commuting challenges they face.
• SG Enable is actively working to improve access to lifelong learning for PwDs through initiatives like the Open Door Programme Training Grant, which subsidizes course fees for employers.
• The Enabling Academy collaborates with training providers to expand course offerings tailored for PwDs and provides grants for assistive technology and course modifications.
• New Enabling Services Hubs are being established to offer disability support and education closer to PwDs' homes, with courses designed to enhance life skills and independence.
• Transportation support is available for PwDs through public transport concessions and taxi subsidies to facilitate their attendance at training and work.

Gerald Giam Yean Song questioned the Minister for Manpower about the $140,000 CPF contribution threshold for the Silver Support Scheme, asking if it had been reviewed in light of inflation, what indicators guide adjustments, and if a systematic review process would be established. Tan See Leng responded that the Silver Support Scheme targets seniors with lower incomes and limited support, with periodic reviews considering inflation and sustainability. Starting January 2025, the qualifying per capita household income threshold will increase to $2,300, and quarterly payments will rise by 20%. The government has also introduced additional measures to assist Singaporeans with cost-of-living concerns, including an Assurance Package exceeding $10 billion.

Usha Chandradas questioned the inclusion of arts-related businesses in the Community Development Council Vouchers Scheme, seeking clarification on the Ministry's policy and any exclusions. Edwin Tong stated that the scheme primarily aims to support Singaporeans with cost of living issues, focusing on essential daily expenses and heartland businesses. Arts-related businesses can apply to join the scheme on a case-by-case basis, and the People's Association offers subsidized arts courses and programs for residents in the heartlands.

Jean See inquired about the number of youths with special educational needs (SEN) in tertiary education since 2018, their internship experiences, and initiatives for employer engagement in creating inclusive environments. Chan Chun Sing responded that approximately 7,000 students with reported SEN are currently enrolled in Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), with support systems in place for their transition to post-secondary education and internships. The SG Enable IHL Internship Programme facilitates matching students with disabilities to inclusive organizations, and various workshops and job programs are provided to assist their workforce transition. The Ministry of Education (MOE) collaborates with SG Enable to enhance vocational education and incentivize employers to redesign jobs for students with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive workforce.

Leong Mun Wai asked the Prime Minister if there are plans to issue another Occasional Paper to study income growth, inter-generational inequality, and mobility trends for Singaporeans born after 1982. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that the Government intends to issue such a paper and mentioned that relevant data and analysis have been provided through annual reports, including the Key Household Income Trends report.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned the Minister for National Development about the impact of the revised Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) on total grants disbursed and the average grant amount for HDB flats. Desmond Lee explained that the EHG, increased on 20 August 2024, now offers up to $120,000 for families and $60,000 for singles, with more for lower-income households. Data on BTO flats under the new framework is unavailable as the first exercise post-enhancement has not occurred yet. For resale flats, approximately $12 million in EHG has been disbursed since the enhancement, with increases ranging from $2,500 to $40,000 for qualifying households.

Christopher de Souza asked for an update on the review of MediSave usage for root canal treatment to help seniors afford dental care. The Minister of State for Health, Ms Rahayu Mahzam, confirmed that Singaporeans can currently receive subsidies for root canal treatment at public institutions and CHAS-participating clinics. There have been numerous requests to permit MediSave use for this treatment, given its increasing commonality among seniors. The Ministry of Health is still in the process of reviewing this matter.

• Melvin Yong Yik Chye inquired about the Ministry of Health's plans to study ways to help stay-alone seniors connect with the community and track those who pass away alone.
• The Ministry of Health is already funding research to understand the needs of senior citizens, including a study on health and social engagement among older Singaporeans.
• Findings from these studies inform initiatives like the Silver Generation Office, which identifies and supports vulnerable seniors living alone through community services and active ageing programs.

• Ms. Carrie Tan inquired about evidence-based approaches from other countries that the Ministry for Social and Family Development is studying to enhance home ownership and school attendance among lower-income families.
• She highlighted concerns from the latest report indicating that a significant percentage of ComLink+ families ready for home ownership have not moved out of public rental housing, and a low percentage of families with preschool-aged children are attending school regularly.
• Minister Masagos Zulkifli explained that the ComLink+ initiative considers the complex challenges faced by lower-income families and provides support through social workers and family coaches to help set and achieve goals.
• The government is implementing ComLink+ with a focus on practical support rather than further studies, utilizing strategies like financial top-ups to encourage progress in home ownership and education.
• The initiative is still in its early stages, with ongoing efforts to address the specific challenges faced by families regarding home ownership and preschool attendance.

• Mr. Gan Thiam Poh raised concerns about the adequacy of current government assistance schemes for low- and medium-income workers in light of rising living costs due to inflation.
• Chee Hong Tat, representing the government, stated that social support schemes are regularly reviewed and have been enhanced to better support lower- and middle-income workers, including increases in the Workfare Income Supplement.
• The government has introduced additional measures, such as the Assurance Package and various rebates, to assist families with the cost of living.
• Chee emphasized that increasing real wages over time is crucial for helping workers cope with living costs, highlighting efforts to grow the economy and promote skills upgrading.
• The government will continue to monitor economic conditions and adjust support measures as necessary to ensure they meet the needs of workers.