Social welfare — Topics

6 Aug 2024

Blanket Approval and Subsidies for Residents in HDB Rental Flats to Install Energy-saving Air-Conditioning Units

Joan Pereira asked whether the government plans to subsidize or grant blanket approval for residents in HDB rental flats to install energy-efficient air-conditioning units.
Desmond Lee confirmed that HDB rental tenants must obtain consent before installing air-conditioners, which is standard practice, and HDB generally approves such requests based on tenants' circumstances.
HDB households, including rental tenants, can use $300 climate vouchers to offset the cost of energy-efficient appliances like air-conditioners from participating retailers.
The government will provide up to $950 in U-Save rebates this financial year to help eligible households offset utility expenses, covering about eight months of bills for one- and two-room flat dwellers.
These measures aim to support residents in adopting energy-saving appliances while maintaining existing approval processes and financial assistance schemes.

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6 Aug 2024

Increasing Earned Income Relief Granted to Persons with Disabilities

Ong Hua Han asked whether the government would consider increasing the Earned Income Relief for persons with disabilities and allowing tax deductions for assistive technology expenses.
Chee Hong Tat highlighted existing support measures such as higher Earned Income Relief for persons with disabilities and the Enabling Employment Credit, which provides wage offsets.
The government also offers job matching and training through SG Enable and subsidies for assistive technology via the Assistive Technology Fund, which covers up to 90% of costs for eligible persons.
Personal expenses, including for assistive technology, are generally not tax-deductible, but the government provides financial assistance through targeted subsidy schemes.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting employment for persons with disabilities through inclusive policies and community partnerships.

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6 Aug 2024

Ticketing Policies to Enhance Accessibility of Arts Performances for Persons with Disabilities

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth works with cultural institutions to offer ticket concessions for persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users, with take-up increasing by 33% from 2022 to 2023.
Arts groups like the Singapore Symphony Orchestra also provide discounted tickets for persons with disabilities, and events feature inclusive programming such as audio description, captioning, and sign language interpretation.
Initiatives like relaxed performances at Esplanade and inclusive programming with community partners such as SG Enable enhance accessibility for persons with sensory needs or disabilities.
The National Arts Council and National Heritage Board conduct capability development efforts, including forums and months focused on accessibility, to share best practices across the arts and heritage sector.
The National Arts Council supports arts education in Special Education schools through schemes and grants to expand access to quality arts experiences for persons with disabilities upstream.

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6 Aug 2024

Details on Assisted Living Government Sandbox Initiative

The Shared Stay-in Senior Care Services sandbox was launched in September 2023 to enable seniors to age in the community and support families with caregiving, reducing the default reliance on institutional care.
The sandbox offers work pass flexibilities for companies to test different manpower deployment models, with caregivers not required to be professional healthcare workers and training available through grants and community networks.
Four companies have onboarded since the start of 2023, serving about 200 clients, and the scheme will be reviewed after one year to decide on future steps, including scalability and manpower needs.

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6 Aug 2024

Findings from Trial of Giving Unconditional Cash Aid to Lower-income Families

The Ministry of Social and Family Development noted AWWA's pilot on unconditional cash aid, clarifying it targeted only eligible lower-income households and involved regular case officer meetings.
While the pilot showed short-term financial and mental health improvements, findings on long-term employment and income effects were inconclusive, and the Ministry has no plans to scale it up.
The Ministry instead focuses on strengthening existing safety nets like ComCare and ComLink+, which provide cash aid and coaching tied to specific actions for lower-income families.
ComLink+ Progress Packages offer additional cash transfers to families who take active steps toward stability, with effectiveness being rigorously evaluated by academics.
The Government stated it will continue evolving its social support system based on robust evidence, refining national programmes like ComCare and ComLink+ accordingly.

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6 Aug 2024

Improving Access to Fertility Preservation for Young Cancer Patients

Dr. Tan Wu Meng highlighted that about 1,000 young cancer patients under 40 are diagnosed annually in Singapore, with fertility often compromised by life-saving treatments, and currently fertility preservation is not covered under MediShield Life or most insurance plans as it is deemed optional.
He proposed that the government work with insurers to cover fertility preservation under Integrated Shield Plans, arguing it restores natural biological function similar to reconstructive surgery after accidents, and suggested front-loading government co-funding for unmarried patients who need egg freezing.
Other recommendations included collaborating with banks to provide interest-free loans for young cancer patients facing cash flow issues, and enhancing philanthropic support through higher tax deductions or matching grants, similar to the Rare Disease Fund model.
Minister of State Rahayu Mahzam acknowledged the challenges faced by young cancer patients and outlined existing government support, including co-funding for assisted reproduction treatments and MediSave use, while noting that MOH will study the proposals to extend support for fertility preservation.
The debate concluded with Parliament adjourning, reflecting a commitment to continue reviewing policies to support the parenthood aspirations of all Singaporeans, including young cancer patients.

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2 Jul 2024

Impact of Increased Trend of Contract Work on Income Security and Government Policies for Singaporeans

Saktiandi Supaat raised concerns about whether the growing trend of contract work might affect income security and longstanding government schemes like CPF and HDB home ownership for Singaporeans.
Tan See Leng clarified that the proportion of resident employees in contract work has actually declined to 6.6% in 2023, with more residents taking permanent jobs, and highlighted existing government support such as employment facilitation and reskilling programmes.
The Minister assured that CPF retirement adequacy is improving across cohorts, including contract workers, and that targeted support continues for those with less retirement savings, while contract workers enjoy equal access to housing grants and loans.

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2 Jul 2024

Enhancing MSO's OneService App and "Help Neighbour" Function to Facilitate Locating and Helping Seniors with Dementia

Miss Rachel Ong asked the Ministry for National Development to consider adding location-based SMS alerts for missing seniors with dementia via the OneService app.
She also inquired about enhancing the app’s “Help Neighbour” function to better connect residents with community help needs and asked for a timeline for its release.
Desmond Lee responded that the “Help Neighbour” function already exists for alerting agencies about vulnerable individuals and that missing person alerts are broadcast via app notifications, but SMS was not adopted due to limitations like not supporting photos.
He noted that further enhancements to mobilize volunteers and track help would require a new operating model and further study with social agencies.
Residents interested in helping are encouraged to volunteer through SG Cares and the Silver Generation Office while feasibility is assessed.

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2 Jul 2024

Extending Home Caregiving Grant to Individuals with Neurological Conditions Requiring Assistance with IADLs

Gerald Giam asked whether individuals with neurological or psychiatric conditions who can perform basic daily activities but need help with instrumental tasks could qualify for the Home Caregiving Grant, and if not, whether the grant should be expanded.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the ability to perform Activities of Daily Living is a sound basis for assessing eligibility for the Home Caregiving Grant, as it is a broad-based scheme.
He added that instrumental activities involve different tasks like managing finances or housekeeping, and other schemes exist to support those needs.
Ong Ye Kung suggested that specific cases deserving the grant could be surfaced to the ministry for consideration.

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2 Jul 2024

Improving Accessibility to Higher-Quality Meals for Low-Income Families

Ms See Jinli Jean asked about the cost gap for nutritious meals and how many low-income families eat lower-quality food due to finances, seeking Ministry measures.
The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social and Family Development lack data on meal quality thresholds but use strategies like Healthy with KidSTART and nutrition talks.
Initiatives include partnerships with food businesses and supermarkets to offer affordable healthier options via the Healthier Dining Programme and Healthier Choice Symbol.

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2 Jul 2024

Unsuccessful Applications for Student Care Fee Assistance and Requests for Backdating

About 10% of Student Care Fee Assistance applications were unsuccessful from January 2021 to March 2024, with only 0.4% of unsuccessful cases involving late requests for retrospective payment.
Student Care Centres assist parents in submitting applications up to four months in advance, and MSF considers appeals for retrospective payments if delays are substantiated.
Families can appeal against a centre’s assessment, as MSF oversees the process and allows for review of decisions.

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2 Jul 2024

Additional Financial Assistance Akin to Bursaries for Preschool Children from Low-income Families

The government provides extensive financial support for preschool children from low-income families through fee caps, basic subsidies, and means-tested additional subsidies, reducing monthly costs to as low as $1 to $3 in government-supported preschools.
Starting in late 2024, more families with monthly household income of $6,000 and below will qualify for maximum childcare subsidies, and fee caps for Anchor and Partner Operator preschools will be lowered in 2025 and 2026.
The ComLink+ Progress Package for Preschool will launch in the second half of the year, offering financial top-ups in children’s Child Development Accounts for families meeting enrolment and attendance requirements.
Additional support is available through the Child Care Financial Assistance scheme, which includes aid for childcare fees and a one-time grant up to $1,000 for enrolment and out-of-pocket costs, with Social Service Offices assisting with broader living expenses.
The government regularly reviews its schemes to ensure comprehensive support for lower-income families to give children a good start in life.

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2 Jul 2024

Annual Cost of Taking Risdiplam for Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Decisions on Drug Advisory Committee Recommendations

The annual cost of risdiplam for spinal muscular atrophy treatment in Singapore is approximately S$375,000 per patient, with subsidies up to 75% available from August 2024 under the Medication Assistance Fund.
The Standard Drug List Subsidy Framework is supplemented by additional financial assistance options like MediFund for patients facing affordability issues post-subsidy.
The Ministry of Health regularly accepts the Drug Advisory Committee’s evidence-based recommendations, considering factors such as clinical need, effectiveness, and budget impact, with submissions made three to four times yearly.

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2 Jul 2024

Study on Whether Food Price Increases Are In Line with Inflation

Gan Kim Yong explained that hawker food price increases in 2022 and 2023 were driven by higher import costs due to global supply disruptions, and that inflation has since moderated to 3.7% in May 2024, broadly in line with overall CPI.
The government introduced support measures including an enhanced Assurance Package with CDC Vouchers, a Cost-of-Living Special Payment, and initiatives like the BudgetMealGoWhere website and Price Kaki app to help consumers access affordable food.
The Committee Against Profiteering has investigated and resolved 16 cases of alleged GST misrepresentation by food outlets since 2022, with no such feedback received since March 2024.

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2 Jul 2024

Housing Options for Youths Who Do Not Receive Financial or Practical Support from Any Living Parent or Relative

Assoc Prof Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim questioned the Minister for National Development on HDB housing options for youths aged 12–23 who receive no financial or practical support from any living parent or relative due to parental death or separation.
For younger orphans under 18, the Ministry of Social and Family Development places them in kinship care or alternative arrangements like foster or residential care if no suitable carers exist.
Orphans aged 18 and above who inherit a fully paid-up HDB flat can continue living there; those under 21 may have a trust created for the flat until they turn 21, while cases with unpaid flats are handled individually with an adult guardian when appropriate.
Adult orphans aged 21 and above can take over their parents’ flat if financially able, buy a new flat with siblings or alone under the Single Singapore Citizen scheme, or apply for public rental under the Joint Singles Scheme if they have no other options.
For children of separated or divorced parents, the parents remain responsible for their housing needs, regardless of the children’s age.

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2 Jul 2024

Enhancing Assurance Package Assistance for Low-income and Vulnerable Families

MP Gan Thiam Poh proposed enhancing the Assurance Package to provide monthly assistance scaled by per capita income to help low-income families cope with rising costs.
Senior Minister Chee Hong Tat explained that the Assurance Package, recently enhanced by $1.9 billion, uses criteria like individual income and housing type, not per capita income, but still provides more support to lower-income and larger households.
Chee noted that lower-income households with children can receive around $5,500 in combined benefits from the Assurance Package and GST Voucher scheme in FY2024, alongside other subsidies for public services.
The Government continues to monitor living costs and regularly reviews support measures to address Singaporeans' concerns.

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2 Jul 2024

Average Hourly Earnings of Self-employed Persons as Criterion for Application of Financial Assistance and Social Support

Ms See Jinli Jean asked whether the Ministry would consider using average hourly earnings of self-employed persons to calculate equivalent household income for financial assistance applications, to account for potentially lower hourly earnings compared to those working standard hours.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance (SMTA) assessment is based on the applicant’s total monthly earnings, other income, and savings, compared against basic living expenses.
He noted that for households with the same monthly expenditure for basic needs, those with lower monthly income receive more cash assistance, regardless of employment type or hours worked.
The Minister clarified that the current system does not differentiate based on employment status or working hours, focusing instead on total monthly income against essential expenses.

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2 Jul 2024

Measures to Prevent Profiteering by Landlords with Launch of PPHS (Open Market) Vouchers for Rent Subsidy

Ms Hany Soh questioned how HDB will prevent landlords from profiteering or price gouging, which could negate the $300 rental voucher benefit for eligible families.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that the PPHS Voucher is a temporary support measure, disbursed directly to households without involving landlords, and families need not disclose voucher use during negotiations.
He added that families can consult HDB InfoWeb or private listing platforms to understand market rental rates and make informed decisions before signing rental contracts.

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2 Jul 2024

Distribution of CDC Vouchers for Separate Households Living in Same Public Rental Flats or Registered Addresses

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin inquired about the distribution of CDC vouchers for separate households residing together in public rental flats or sharing the same registered addresses under HDB’s Joint Singles Scheme.
Minister Edwin Tong clarified that households are not disadvantaged by co-tenanted living status if they provide proof, such as a tenancy agreement, that they are separate households and have not yet claimed their vouchers.
Assistance is available at the nearest Community Centre or Club for households facing difficulties in claiming the vouchers.
The policy ensures equitable access to CDC vouchers for all eligible households, regardless of shared addresses or rental arrangements.
The response reaffirms the government's commitment to supporting all Singaporean households through community development initiatives.

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2 Jul 2024

Exclusion of Pre-existing Conditions from Insurance Coverage When Applying for New Integrated Shield Plans

Dr Tan Wu Meng questioned whether insurers excluding pre-existing conditions when applying for new Integrated Shield Plans could lead to dominant market positions and whether panel doctor lists might be scrutinized under the Competition Act.
The Ministry of Health, after consulting the Competition and Consumer Commission, found no evidence of collusion or abuse of dominance, as the market has seven insurers with no single player holding a dominant share.
The real issue is that insurers avoid covering high-risk customers with pre-existing conditions due to higher claim probabilities, which is a social security concern rather than a competition problem.
The government addresses this through subsidies, MediShield Life coverage for all regardless of pre-existing conditions, and MediFund as a safety net for those unable to afford care.
Panel doctor arrangements are not anti-competitive, as they do not restrict price or product competition, and both doctors and patients retain choice in selecting providers.

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