Social welfare — Topics

2 Apr 2024

Enhancing Detection and Prevention Mechanisms in Government Financial Aid Schemes to Safeguard against Fraudulent Activities

The Ministry for Social and Family Development (MSF) uses a multi-layered approach, including staff checks for inconsistencies and cross-verification with agencies like CPF, IRAS, and employers, to detect fraudulent applications for financial aid.
MSF has identified that false declarations can occur, and it addresses this by making applicants aware of enforcement actions and having mechanisms to recover assistance from ineligible recipients.
The ministry employs data analytics post-disbursement to identify higher-risk profiles for further investigation and commits to strict enforcement and legal action against fraud to maintain system integrity.

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2 Apr 2024

Number of Training Providers Applying for SG Enable's Capability Development Grant

Since 2017, eight training providers have applied for SG Enable's Capability Development Grant to develop customised training programmes for people with disabilities, five of which are from the disability or social sector.
The number of customised courses for persons with disabilities has increased from about 10 in 2014 to about 50 in 2023, reflecting enhanced course offerings by SSG and SG Enable.
SSG and SG Enable will continue to encourage training providers to apply for the grant to make course modifications or incorporate assistive technology to suit different learning needs.

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2 Apr 2024

ComCare Support for Those Who Do Not Stay in Public Rental Housing and Extension of ComLink+ To Them

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked about the number of families receiving ComCare support without public rental housing and whether ComLink+ could be extended to them.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua revealed that around 20,000 households, or half of ComCare recipients in 2022-2023, do not live in public rental housing, with ComLink+ set to be offered to 3,000 eligible families over three years.
The extension of ComLink+ to these families depends on the success of the pilot program, after which MSF will consider further expansion to other lower-income groups.

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2 Apr 2024

Increasing Quantum and Income Ceiling of HDB's Open Market Rental Voucher Scheme for Lower-income Families and In Response to Higher Rentals

The government introduced a one-year PPHS Open Market Voucher Scheme starting July 2024, offering $300 monthly to eligible lower-income families renting in the open market, with a $7,000 income ceiling, to provide temporary relief amid rising rents.
Open market rents for HDB flats increased significantly—by 35% in 2022 and 10% in 2023—due to supply constraints and post-pandemic demand, prompting measures like doubling PPHS rental flats to 4,000 units by 2025.
The minister stated no plans to raise the voucher quantum or income ceiling, emphasizing the need to avoid inflating rents further, but will consider case-by-case assistance for households with exceptional circumstances.

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7 Mar 2024

Funding and Support for Patients with Rare Diseases and Their Caregivers

The government highlighted that patients ineligible for the Rare Disease Fund can seek support from other charity funds, with the public encouraged to donate to the RDF to increase coverage, as every dollar donated is matched by three dollars from the government.
Social support for caregivers is available through initiatives like the Caregiver Support Networks and assistance from the Agency for Integrated Care via hotline or local AIC Links.
The government did not directly address the question on alternative funding sources beyond MediFund and MediSave for treatments not covered by the RDF, focusing instead on charitable matching and existing caregiver support channels.

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7 Mar 2024

Singaporeans Diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia and Support and Insurance Coverage Available

The Ministry of Health does not track the annual number of Singaporeans diagnosed with young onset dementia (YOD), but support is available through means-tested subsidies of up to 80% at public healthcare institutions, along with coverage under MediShield Life, Integrated Shield Plans, Community Health Assist Scheme, and MediSave for treatment.
Eligible individuals with YOD can access financial support schemes like the Home Caregiving Grant and CareShield Life to alleviate caregiving expenses, and Post-Diagnostic Support Community Outreach Teams provide resources and coping skills for families.
Efforts to raise awareness of YOD symptoms and screening are being made through the Dementia-Friendly Singapore initiative and Community Outreach Teams, which conduct outreach activities for early identification among those aged 35 and above.

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7 Mar 2024

Attendance at Appointments with Family Coaches by Recipients of ComLink+ Enhanced Package

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked about the percentage of ComLink+ families who have met their family coaches and the expected frequency of future check-ins, as well as the average monthly pre-school fees for eligible households.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary explained that family coaches contact new families within one month and check-ins occur every one to two months based on need, with a focus on outcomes rather than visit counts.
He clarified that the ComLink+ Packages, including preschool subsidies, have not yet been rolled out and are scheduled for launch in the second half of 2024.
He noted that all Singaporean children in public rental flats, including ComLink+ families, automatically qualify for maximum preschool subsidies, costing $3 per month for full-day childcare or $1 per month for half-day kindergarten at designated operators.

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7 Mar 2024

Review of HDB Flat Size Eligibility Criterion for Silver Support Scheme

The government defends the use of HDB flat type, particularly ownership of 5-room or larger flats, as an eligibility criterion for the Silver Support Scheme, as it indicates greater resources, but allows for case-by-case appeals for seniors with unique circumstances such as short remaining leases or low annual values.
To enhance support, the government has increased the qualifying per capita household income threshold in the 2024 Budget and is rolling out other measures like the Majulah Package and enhancements to Workfare and retirement schemes.
During the debate, a member suggested a graduated eligibility system based on flat size and lease length to avoid excluding seniors in larger flats with no savings or family support, but the government maintained its focus on targeted support for the bottom 20-30% of seniors through comprehensive measures.

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7 Mar 2024

Selection of Organisations to Operate Active Ageing Centres

The Ministry of Health aims to increase Active Ageing Centres from 157 to around 220 by 2025 through a Request-for-Proposal process and direct appointments based on merit, track record, and financial viability.
Providers will be selected via a fair and transparent system that considers existing local presence to minimize disruption to seniors, while ensuring flexibility to meet growing demand.
Pritam Singh asked if all centres, including those in opposition wards, will be run on a non-partisan and non-political basis, similar to current charitable operations.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed that all Active Ageing Centres will be run in a non-political and non-partisan manner, with the selection process open to all applicants.
The Ministry emphasised that the dual approach of RFPs and direct appointments aims to balance fairness, transparency, and operational efficiency in expanding services for seniors.

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6 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

The debate focused on enhancing family support, with MSF announcing a month-long National Family Festival to strengthen family bonds and plans to expand the Families for Life movement to more towns.
MSF outlined new initiatives for lower-income families, including the ComLink+ programme with family coaches and progress packages to empower social mobility, while also expanding preschool subsidies and childminding services.
For persons with disabilities, MSF committed to increasing employment and care services, including extending the Place-and-Train programme and launching Enabling Services Hubs, while reviewing the Enabling Masterplan 2030 annually for relevance.

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5 Mar 2024

Study on Extending Development and Learning Support Programme to Differently-abled Children at Nursery Levels

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for an update on the ECDA's study about extending the Development Support and Learning Support Programme to differently abled children at nursery levels.
The Development Support-Learning Support (DS-LS) Programme currently supports preschool children aged five and six with mild developmental delays or learning needs.
In 2021, the Early Childhood Development Agency piloted extending the DS-LS programme to children aged three and four in 20 preschool centres.
The pilot extension to younger children is still in progress.
The debate focused on whether the programme can be further extended to include differently abled children at the nursery level.

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5 Mar 2024

Alternative Accessibility Solutions for Wheelchair-bound Residents in HDB Blocks where Lift Upgrading Programme Remains Unfeasible

Residents in HDB blocks without direct lift access face challenges, with the Ministry highlighting that 99% of blocks now have lifts and offering a grant for relocation, but some MPs argue this isn't always feasible for long-term residents.
The Ministry is exploring alternative accessibility solutions and urges affected residents to approach HDB for personalized assistance, but has not yet detailed specific options or timelines.
MPs raised questions about stair-lifts, cost-benefit analyses, and lift upgrading timelines, with the Minister acknowledging ongoing feasibility studies but noting safety and technical constraints.

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4 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head S (Ministry of Manpower)

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced a tripartite agreement to raise the retirement age from 63 to 64 and the re-employment age from 68 to 69 by 2026, as part of efforts to support an ageing workforce.
MOM outlined enhancements to support lower-wage workers and retirement adequacy, including raising the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS), enhancing the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS) with a higher matching cap, and rolling out the $8.2 billion Majulah Package for older Singaporeans.
The ministry will implement tripartite guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) requests to standardise the process for employees and employers, while also expanding career conversion programmes and launching new overseas immersion schemes to support worker upskilling and career mobility.

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1 Mar 2024

Enrolment and Accessibility of SkillsFuture Courses for Persons with Disabilities

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Ministry for Education for data on the number and reasons for rejections of persons with disabilities applying for SkillsFuture courses over the last five years, including whether providers rejected applicants due to an inability to provide reasonable accommodations, and whether the Ministry would collect such data if unavailable.
She also inquired about the proportion of SkillsFuture course enrollees who are persons with disabilities and whether the Ministry would review protocols within the SkillsFuture scheme to increase accessibility beyond the specially curated courses at Enabling Academy.
Minister Chan Chun Sing responded that SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) provides enhanced training support through Enabling Academy, benefiting about 380 persons with disabilities annually from 2021 to 2023, and that persons with disabilities can also access mainstream courses with subsidies.
SSG does not collect data on unsuccessful applicants, including those with disabilities, but engages with stakeholders like SG Enable and training providers to gather feedback and improve accessibility, including through grants for assistive technology and programme development.

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1 Mar 2024

Babies Born to Teenage Mothers in Past Five Years and Assistance Provided

Mr Louis Ng requested annual statistics over the past five years on babies born to mothers under 14, 14–15, and 16–19, and asked what assistance is provided to these families, noting that existing reports lack the specific breakdown he sought.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary replied that detailed data is in the ICA’s Annual Report and outlined support for pregnant minor mothers, including a multidisciplinary team, follow-up care, community referrals, ComCare assistance via Social Service Offices, and enrollment in KidSTART and Family Service Centres.
Mr Ng pressed for the specific breakdown and asked whether a dedicated social worker journeys with teenage mothers and for how long, citing a case of a child now in a Girls’ Home whose mother gave birth at 15.
The official responded that the requested statistics require a further PQ to the Ministry of Home Affairs, and emphasized a “village” approach where stakeholders—medical staff, family, teachers, and others—raise alerts to enable tailored, wrap-around support rather than a fixed assignment of a single social worker.
Mr Ng clarified whether a medical social worker typically initiates contact at birth or if a social worker could engage the teenage mother from the point of delivery, and the official reiterated that any stakeholder can alert agencies to trigger multi-dimensional, case-specific support.

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29 Feb 2024

Applications for Assistive Technology Fund and Subsidy Amounts Disbursed

From 2019 to 2023, 9,100 individuals applied for the Assistive Technology Fund, with 98% of applications being successful.
The mean subsidy amount for successful cases was $1,520, and the median subsidy amount was $1,020.
No appeals have been received for further disbursements beyond the $40,000 lifetime cap.

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28 Feb 2024

Installation of Stair Lifts or Escalators or Redevelopment for HDB Blocks without Direct Lift Access

Leong Mun Wai asked whether HDB would install stair lifts, escalators, or redevelop HDB blocks without direct lift access.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB’s Lift Upgrading Programme has brought direct lift access to over 5,000 blocks, covering about 99% of blocks, while stair lifts and escalators are not feasible due to safety, fire escape, and space constraints.
HDB does not plan to redevelop blocks where upgrading is not feasible due to high cost or technical constraints, but it offers a Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 for households needing urgent access.

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28 Feb 2024

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Parliament approved the Government's financial policy for FY2024-2025, with debates focusing on cost-of-living support, economic growth strategies, and strengthening social safety nets through measures like the Assurance Package, SkillsFuture enhancements, and new jobseeker support schemes.
Members raised concerns about fiscal sustainability, demographic challenges, and the need for better support for vulnerable groups, including migrant workers, seniors, and low-income families, prompting calls for more equitable and targeted policies.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized prudent fiscal management, rejecting the use of past reserves for current spending, and highlighted Singapore's commitment to maintaining competitiveness through investment in human capital and infrastructure while ensuring long-term fiscal responsibility.

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27 Feb 2024

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Sharael Taha stressed the need to balance fiscal discipline with attracting quality investments and supporting workers, highlighting concerns about global uncertainty and the importance of a united social compact to navigate future challenges.
Sylvia Lim emphasized tackling age discrimination in the workplace and expanding opportunities for older workers, while questioning some details of the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme's implementation and effectiveness.
Don Wee proposed enhancements to tax incentives for businesses, better support for SMEs and lower-wage workers, and more targeted measures to address household needs and inclusivity hiring.
Syed Harun Alhabsyi underscored social mobility as essential for fairness and national progress, welcoming the Budget’s support for lifelong learning and urging compassionate delivery of policies to uplift the vulnerable.
Christopher de Souza highlighted AI's impact on jobs and social compact, praised Singapore’s proactive AI governance, and shared a personal story to illustrate how government measures and ground efforts can support seniors and families.

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26 Feb 2024

Cost of Developing and Maintaining IT Systems, Helplines and Processes to Disburse CDC Vouchers and Onboarding Merchants

The CDC Vouchers Scheme, launched in June 2020 as a paper-based initiative, evolved into a nationwide digital scheme in December 2021, with the latest tranche starting on 3 January 2024 to help households with living costs and support local merchants.
The digital scheme was developed through collaboration among CDCs, PA, GovTech, IMDA, MCI, ESG, and community partners, using existing government resources like RedeemSG and Digital Ambassadors to ensure cost-effectiveness and inclusivity.
The total cost of developing and maintaining IT systems, helplines, and processes for disbursing vouchers, including civil servant man-hours, was not specified in the response.
The total cost of onboarding merchants to the system was also not provided in the response, with an emphasis on leveraging whole-of-government and community approaches for sustainability.

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