Social welfare

• Edward Chia Bing Hui raised concerns about the need to review the lifetime funding cap of the Assistive Technology Fund due to increasing costs of assistive technology products and services.
• Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that individuals who have exceeded their funding cap can still receive additional assistance from the Assistive Technology Fund on a case-by-case basis.

• Gerald Giam raised concerns about the impact of income-related rent increases on public rental flat tenants and questioned the Ministry's studies on this issue.
• Desmond Lee clarified that rent increases for public rental flats occur only during tenancy renewals every two to three years and do not affect tenants during their tenancy term.
• In 2024, about 25% of renewing public rental households experienced income growth, with one in five facing a rent increase, averaging $150, which is significantly lower than their median income increase of $1,300.
• The Government aims to support lower-income households with higher subsidies and ensures that rent increases are less than income growth to encourage financial independence.
• The Ministry will continue to review the Public Rental Scheme to ensure it aligns with tenants' needs and circumstances.

• Denise Phua Lay Peng raised concerns about the accessibility of the Government Disbursement Schemes website for illiterate or digitally-challenged individuals.
• The website allows citizens to log in with Singpass to check eligibility and update payment instructions for various government benefits.
• Notifications about disbursements are sent via SMS or hardcopy to citizens.
• The government promotes a "digital-first but not digital-only" approach, offering assistance at ServiceSG centres and community clubs for those in need.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about the take-up rate of the Enabling Mark since its introduction in 2020 and whether financial incentives would be considered to encourage employer participation. Masagos Zulkifli reported that the number of accredited organisations has risen significantly from 89 in 2021 to 246 in 2024, indicating an upward trend in adoption. The Enabling Mark serves as a framework for organisations to improve disability-inclusive employment and enhance their corporate image. Measures to support employers include customized employment support, wage offsets for employees with disabilities, and the upcoming Employer Development Grant effective January 2025 to bolster inclusive hiring capabilities.

Leong Mun Wai questioned the Prime Minister about the projected investment and interest income for the Pioneer Generation Fund and Merdeka Generation Fund, as well as their ability to cover estimated liabilities. Chee Hong Tat responded that the Government regularly reviews the funds' estimated liabilities and utilization trends to ensure sufficiency, noting that any necessary top-ups to the funds will occur to honor commitments to seniors. As of March 31, 2024, the estimated liabilities for the PG and MG Funds are $6.11 billion and $5.78 billion, while their current balances are $5.52 billion and $5.55 billion, respectively. The projected income figures are not published as they depend on fund utilization and remaining balances.

Leong Mun Wai asked if the Ministry for Social and Family Development has reached out to elderly men eating leftovers at People's Park Centre and what assistance was offered. Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that Social Service Offices (SSOs) do engage with such individuals and provide financial assistance when needed. He highlighted a recent case where an elderly man received assistance but chose not to apply for further support, citing reliance on savings and an intention to be frugal. The SSO has since reviewed his income sources, reinstated ComCare assistance, and advised him on proper food purchasing. The Minister emphasized the importance of community involvement in identifying individuals in need and encouraged reporting such cases to the relevant authorities.

Gan Thiam Poh raised concerns about the speed of the ComCare financial assistance application process, suggesting it could be expedited further. The Minister for Social and Family Development, Masagos Zulkifli, stated that most applications are processed within four to six weeks, and interim assistance is available for urgent cases. The Ministry has implemented digitalization to simplify applications, reducing the need for physical document submissions and allowing for better data sharing among agencies. Pritam Singh highlighted the challenges faced by seniors who may struggle with online applications, prompting the Minister to confirm that Silver Generation Ambassadors are already visiting seniors to assess their needs and refer them for assistance, ensuring that support is provided without needing digital access.

Tan Wu Meng urged the Minister for Health to enhance support for fertility preservation for young cancer patients, particularly those from low-income families, as they may have limited MediSave resources. The Minister of State for Health, Rahayu Mahzam, acknowledged the use of MediSave for egg freezing and assisted reproduction treatments, and expressed the ministry's commitment to reviewing and possibly extending support separate from the MediShield Life 2024 review. Tan highlighted the emotional challenges these patients face and emphasized the need for equitable access to fertility preservation options for all young cancer patients. The Minister indicated awareness of these concerns and acknowledged previous suggestions made by Tan regarding support for cancer patients' fertility treatments.

Ang Wei Neng inquired about the eligibility and outreach methods for the $200 LifeSG credits for past National Servicemen over 60 years old under the 2024 Budget. Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad confirmed that over a million NSmen would receive these credits, with 26% being over 60, and outlined support options including assistance at digital community hubs and the availability of hard copy vouchers for those not comfortable with digital methods. Ang expressed concern about ensuring the initiative does not widen the gap between digitally savvy and non-savvy individuals and emphasized the importance of support from community centers. Zaqy addressed this concern by assuring that both digital and hard copy options aim to include all NSmen and mentioned a high level of support for digital disbursements among NSmen.

Jean See inquired about the impact of increasing MediShield Life premiums on self-employed persons (SEPs), asking for statistics on those unable to meet MediSave contributions. Minister Tan See Leng reported that 1.4% of active SEPs had insufficient MediSave balances for the upcoming premiums, with half of that group unable to fulfill their contributions. The government provides support through a $4.1 billion package, including enhanced subsidies and MediSave bonuses to assist older SEPs. Assurance was given that no individual would lose MediShield coverage due to financial hardship, with support available for those unable to pay premiums.

Dr. Wan Rizal raised concerns about improving accessibility and affordability of legacy planning tools, like Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) and advance care plans, especially for low-income groups and seniors facing barriers. He also called for enhanced public education to address misconceptions about legacy planning and encourage younger Singaporeans to engage in it. In response, the Ministry of Social and Family Development revealed a three-year Legacy Planning Campaign launched in July 2023, including public education initiatives like roadshows and mobile clinics offering pro bono services for those aged 50 and above. The Ministry emphasized expanding partnerships and outreach efforts to normalize legacy planning conversations across generations. Additionally, it ensures affordable legacy planning workshops and services for seniors and lower-income groups, with fees for LPA certification starting at $25 and support available for those in need.

Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked about training plans for caregivers of single seniors and individuals with special needs in mental well-being management. Ong Ye Kung responded that under the National Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, the goal is to train over 130,000 frontline personnel and volunteers by 2030 to provide basic mental health support. This training will include caregivers who work with seniors and special needs individuals. Eligible households can access the Caregivers Training Grant of up to $400 annually for approved courses.

Tan Wu Meng asked about the diagnosis rate, morbidity, and subsidy eligibility for patients with craniopharyngioma in Singapore. Ong Ye Kung reported that approximately 40 patients were diagnosed with this rare brain tumor from 2014 to 2023, but specific morbidity data is not collected. Patients with craniopharyngioma qualify for the same subsidies and MediSave/MediShield Life coverage as cancer patients, including significant financial assistance for treatments. Those struggling with healthcare costs can seek additional support from medical social workers in public healthcare institutions.

Ong Hua Han asked about the number of car parks lacking accessible parking lots as per the Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment and plans to enhance accessibility in these car parks. Desmond Lee explained that the Code was first introduced in 1990, requiring new or renovated buildings to comply, but older car parks are not mandated to provide accessible features retroactively. The government encourages owners of older car parks to upgrade for accessibility and offers support through the Accessibility Fund to help finance these changes.

• Ms See Jinli Jean asked for data on recipients of Government assistance with debt repayment arrangements, a review of income eligibility criteria to include families affected by debt or long-term care costs, and an explanation if this was not possible.
• Minister Masagos Zulkifli stated that the Ministry does not collect debt repayment data in ComCare applications and cannot provide the requested figures.
• He explained that considering debt repayments for eligibility would create misaligned incentives and undermine the social safety net’s principles.
• For households supporting elderly dependents, the Minister noted they can seek help from Social Service Offices and be referred to relevant agencies for support.

• Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim proposed broadening tax relief for Parent Relief and Parent Relief (Disability) to include dependants above 50 years old or with annual income not exceeding $5,000 to encourage seniors to stay active in the workforce.
• Lawrence Wong explained that Parent Relief aims to promote filial piety and support taxpayers caring for parents, grandparents, and in-laws, noting that Budget 2024 increased the income threshold for such reliefs from $4,000 to $8,000 starting in the 2025 Year of Assessment.
• Wong highlighted other government schemes supporting senior employment, including the Senior Employment Credit, Part-Time Re-Employment Grant, SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, and Career Conversion Programmes.

• Leong Mun Wai proposed extending MediShield Life coverage to include maternity charges to reduce financial burdens on expecting parents.
• Ong Ye Kung stated that MediShield Life is designed for large subsidised medical bills from accidents or illnesses, and general maternity expenses are not covered, though subsidies and MediSave support are available.
• The government provides up to 80% subsidies for maternity expenses, uses MediSave through the MediSave Maternity Package, and covers serious pregnancy complications under MediShield Life.
• Additional parental support includes the Baby Bonus Cash Gift and an increased MediSave Grant for Newborns from $4,000 to $5,000 starting April 2025.

• Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired about the number and success rate of applications by Singaporean seniors to the Agency for Integrated Care for hearing aid funding outside the Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund or Assistive Technology Fund over the past three years, and the funding range for successful cases.
• Ong Ye Kung responded that the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund and Assistive Technology Fund provide up to 90% means-tested subsidies for hearing aids, with over 99% success among about 4,000 annual applicants since 2019, and criteria were revised in 2024 to target greater needs.
• Seniors who do not qualify for these funds can seek alternative financial support from the Agency for Integrated Care, SG Enable, or hospital social workers, but the Government does not track applications for such alternative funding.
• The Government will continue to regularly review the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund and Assistive Technology Fund to ensure adequate support for those in need.

• Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health if policyholders above 55 could opt out of the enhanced MediShield Life scheme to retain existing premiums and coverage, citing concerns over premium increases.
• Ong Ye Kung emphasized that MediShield Life is a national scheme requiring universal participation for collective risk-sharing, with no opt-out allowed.
• The government announced $4.1 billion in support measures to offset $1.8 billion in premium increases over three years, ensuring most Singaporeans face no net premium rise.
• Support includes enhanced subsidies and MediSave top-ups, with specific protections for Pioneer and Merdeka Generation seniors.
• Additional Premium Support will assist those still struggling to pay premiums despite the overall cushioning measures.

Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for Health, addressed concerns about the Senior Mobility Fund (SMF) and noted that over 16,000 seniors have applied for assistance since 2019, with 99% eligible for subsidies. A correction clarified that this number refers to annual applications rather than cumulative. Seniors who do not meet eligibility requirements can seek additional support from the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).