Social welfare — Topics

6 Feb 2024

Impact of Red Sea Shipping Disruptions on Singapore Consumers and Businesses

Ms See Jinli Jean raised concerns about how global shipping disruptions might affect local consumers and businesses, particularly regarding the prices of essential food items for lower-income households.
The Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan, noted that minimal disruptions are expected for critical supplies like food, as most are delivered by air or avoid the Red Sea, and highlighted the government's stock-piling and diversification strategies.
The Minister also assured that monetary and fiscal policies, including the exchange rate policy and the $1.1 billion Cost-of-Living Support Package, will help manage imported inflation and support lower-income families.

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6 Feb 2024

Expected Additional Property Tax Collections Following November 2023 Announcement of Increase

The government expects an additional $600 million in residential property tax revenue for 2024 after accounting for rebates, higher than the initially projected $380 million due to increased annual values driven by market rentals.
Rebates of up to $1,000 have been provided to cushion the impact on owner-occupiers, with higher rebates for lower-value properties like HDB flats, but some retirees and seniors still face significant absolute increases.
The government is open to considering further assistance, such as installment plans or additional rebates, but maintains that the current rebate system is progressive and that implementing differentiated rates for retirees is administratively challenging.
Property owners can object to annual value assessments by IRAS and appeal to the Valuation Review Board if dissatisfied, with IRAS excluding outliers and basing assessments on market trends.

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5 Feb 2024

Usage of ActiveSG's Inclusive Swimming Pools and Gyms by Persons with Disabilities

Ong Hua Han inquired about the proportion of persons with disabilities using ActiveSG’s inclusive swimming pools from 2019 to 2023 and whether more pools will be retrofitted with ramps beyond the current six.
He also asked if ActiveSG tracks the number of persons with disabilities using inclusive gyms and plans to increase their gym usage ahead of making all gyms inclusive by 2026.
Edwin Tong responded that ActiveSG does not track user disability status but noted rising sports participation among persons with disabilities from 28% in 2015 to 54% in 2022.
ActiveSG has increased accessible swimming pools from six to eight, plans two more by end-2025, and will study installing features like ramps and hoists at all remaining pools; all new facilities will be inclusive.
Eight gyms are already accessible, all 27 will be inclusive by 2026, and a gym orientation programme for persons with disabilities will launch this year, while the Disability Sports Master Plan is being updated.

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5 Feb 2024

Support for Rental Households in Toa Payoh Being Relocated Due To Redevelopment

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for National Development about support for over 400 rental households in Toa Payoh being relocated for redevelopment and how such redevelopments align with community stability and affordable housing.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) initiated a relocation exercise in 2021 for 414 households at Blocks 29 and 31 in Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, forming a Care Team with public agencies and community partners to provide door-to-door engagement, on-site counters, and a dedicated hotline.
HDB offered support for vulnerable groups like seniors, including volunteer help for moving, worked with social service agencies to maintain care services, and provided replacement rental flats nearby or across the island to preserve community ties, with households moving mainly to stay near family.
All affected households received a $2,500 rehousing allowance, and those eligible to buy a flat were offered a $15,000 Relocation Grant in addition to other housing grants, and the relocation was completed by May 2023.

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5 Feb 2024

Statistics on Applications for Assistive Technology Fund

The median age of persons with disabilities who successfully applied for the Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) from 2019 to 2023 ranged from 51 to 58 years old.
The ATF provides eligible applicants with a means-tested subsidy of up to 90% of assistive device costs, subject to a lifetime cap of $40,000.
The Ministry does not explicitly state that it budgets for ATF usage based on per capita monthly household income data, but the subsidy is means-tested.

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5 Feb 2024

Statistics on Day Activity Centres and Residential Homes for Adult Persons with Autism

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the number of day activity centres and residential homes for adults with autism, how many adults are enrolled, and how many are on waiting lists.
The Ministry replied that there are eight day activity centres funded by MSF with over 300 enrolled clients and about 80 pending enrolment, while four adult disability homes serve about 50 residents with capacity for 100 and have 20 pending referrals.
The Ministry noted that assessments are ongoing for pending enrolments and that SG Enable guides clients to other suitable centres, with regular reviews of disability service capacity planned.

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5 Feb 2024

Data on Individuals who Peddle Tissue Paper Packs and Support Measures for Them

As of end 2023, there are 28 licensed tissue sellers in Singapore, and the government does not track the number of unlicensed sellers.
The Vulnerable-In-Community Network has reached out to over 160 individuals, including unlicensed sellers, and assisted 90 with support like ComCare, though some reject help and continue their activities.
The Singapore Food Agency refers unlicensed sellers to the support network and may take enforcement action if they persist in operating illegally.

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5 Feb 2024

Help for Estate Planning and Funeral and Afterlife Arrangements for Singaporeans without Dependants

The Ministry provides an online portal, My Legacy@LifeSG, and ServiceSG Centres to assist all Singaporeans, including those without dependants, with estate planning, pre-funeral planning, and afterlife arrangements, covering wills, LPA, ACP, and funeral wishes.
Low-income families facing funeral costs can seek help from Social Service Offices, which connect them to community support, including pro bono services from funeral companies and charities.
The Ministry currently focuses on existing support channels and does not propose extending new financial assistance for estate or funeral planning beyond current programs.

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5 Feb 2024

Alternatives to Public Rental Flats for Urgent Cases during Waiting Time

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked about alternative accommodation options for applicants waiting for public rental flats under urgent circumstances.
Desmond Lee responded that HDB will expedite flat allocations for approved applicants with urgent needs, such as those with medical conditions or exceptional situations.
He added that applicants needing interim accommodation can approach Family Service Centres or Social Service Offices for referrals to six Transitional Shelters funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
These shelters provide temporary housing and on-site social work support, and individuals in urgent need can also call the MSF Hotline for assistance.

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5 Feb 2024

Proposal to Remove Household Income Eligibility Criterion for Silver Support Scheme

Lim Biow Chuan proposed removing household income as an eligibility criterion for the Silver Support Scheme to prevent seniors from having to move out of their children's homes to qualify.
Minister Tan See Leng explained that household income remains relevant as it indicates family support and helps target the scheme at seniors with the greatest need.
The scheme was last enhanced in 2021 by raising the qualifying income threshold, allowing more seniors living with children to qualify.
Further enhancements to the Silver Support Scheme were announced for 2024, alongside other measures to support seniors' retirement needs.
More details on these enhancements will be provided during the upcoming Budget and Committee of Supply debates.

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5 Feb 2024

Redemption Rate of CDC Vouchers and Ways to Redistribute Unredeemed Vouchers

97.7% of 1.27 million Singaporean households claimed their 2023 CDC Vouchers, with 96.5% of the claimed value spent at participating merchants, marking the highest redemption rate to date.
The government enabled households to donate unused 2021 and 2022 CDC Vouchers to charities, resulting in nearly 10,000 households donating close to $1.2 million to support various causes.
A similar donation option was extended for 2023 CDC Vouchers from December 2023 to January 2024, allowing households to support vulnerable groups through charity contributions.
The CDC Vouchers Scheme is part of broader government efforts to assist households with daily expenses and support heartland merchants amid cost-of-living pressures.

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10 Jan 2024

CPF Members Owning Private Annuities and Exempted from CPF LIFE

Melvin Yong asked the Ministry of Manpower for the annual number of CPF members exempted from CPF LIFE over the last five years due to owning private annuities.
Tan See Leng explained that members with qualifying private annuities bought using cash can apply for full exemption if their annuity payouts are at least as good as their cohort's Full Retirement Sum payouts under CPF LIFE.
The CPF Board approves such exemptions if the conditions are met.
Over the last five years, no member has applied for this exemption option from CPF LIFE.

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10 Jan 2024

Waiting Time to Secure Appointments for Root Canal Treatment at Public Healthcare Institutions and Use of MediSave

The average waiting time for subsidised root canal treatment at public healthcare institutions is approximately 30 days, with emergency dental cases addressed immediately.
MediSave is not currently expanded for root canal treatment as it is primarily for dental day surgeries with higher costs, but reviews consider affordability and fund sustainability.
Patients facing financial difficulties can seek help from medical social workers for MediFund and other assistance, with the Ministry of Health continuing to review dental financing schemes.

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10 Jan 2024

Possibility of Seniors Purchasing Assistive Devices with CPF or Government-endorsed Financing Arrangements

Ms See Jinli Jean proposed allowing seniors to use CPF or government-endorsed financing to purchase assistive devices like hearing aids to support active ageing and work productivity.
The government currently offers subsidies through the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund, vouchers via Project Silver Screen, and subsidies for listed medical implants.
Seniors can also use MediShield Life and MediSave for implant costs, with further assistance available through healthcare providers or Agency for Integrated Care Link.

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10 Jan 2024

Rationale for Non-provision of Similar Infant Care or Childcare Subsidy for Non-working Mothers with Children Enrolled in Licensed Childcare Centres

Leong Mun Wai questioned the rationale for not providing non-working mothers with the same childcare subsidies as working mothers for children under seven in licensed centres.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that working mothers receive higher subsidies due to their need for childcare while at work, but non-working mothers can apply for equivalent support under specific circumstances like illness or job-seeking.
Families under HDB rental or ComCare schemes automatically qualify for maximum preschool subsidies regardless of the mother’s working status.
Non-working mothers can also access half-day kindergarten subsidies that are not dependent on employment.
The government plans to extend full childcare subsidies to all lower-income families based on income tiers, with more details to come.

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10 Jan 2024

Data of Persons with Disabilities Using Personal Mobility Aids for Freelance Delivery Work and Assessing Impact on Income from Recent Reduction of Speed Limit

The Ministry for Social and Family Development does not track the number of persons with disabilities using personal mobility aids for freelance delivery work.
Eligible persons with disabilities, including freelance delivery workers, can receive up to $2,800 per year under the highest Workfare Income Supplement tier, with further enhancements to be announced in the 2024 Budget.
Strengthened protections for platform workers, effective from the second half of 2024, will help improve retirement adequacy for persons with disabilities working in this sector.
Persons with disabilities seeking other employment can access support through the Open Door Programme, which offers up to a year of job matching and employment support, as well as training subsidies through the Enabling Academy.
Additional job and training opportunities are available through the customised Place-and-Train programme for persons with disabilities.

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10 Jan 2024

Requirement for At Least One Co-occupier for First-timer Application of HDB BTO Flats to Have Worked Continuously for 12 Months to Be Eligible for Housing Grant

The government explains that requiring at least one co-occupier in a first-timer family to have worked continuously for 12 months serves as a fair proxy for assessing the household's financial situation to determine eligibility and the amount of the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant.
Officials note that most flat buyers can meet this continuous employment condition when applying for the HFE letter, and flexibility is provided for young couples or recent graduates and National Servicemen by deferring income assessment closer to key collection.
The government states it will continue to monitor flat buyers' needs and review policies where necessary, indicating openness to potential future adjustments to the requirement.

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10 Jan 2024

Update on Single Room Shared Facilities Pilot for HDB Rental Flats

Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for National Development about the status of the Single Room Shared Facilities (SRSF) pilot for HDB rental flats and when successful applicants can collect keys.
The SRSF pilot aims to provide more housing options for low-income singles under the Public Rental Scheme and improve living experiences with greater privacy and support.
HDB is currently appointing an operator for the SRSF pilot at the former Anderson Junior College hostel, after which applications will open.
The first batch of successful applicants is expected to move in around the third quarter of 2024.

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10 Jan 2024

HDB 3-room Flats Rented Out under Public Rental Scheme

Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development for the number of 3-room HDB flats rented under the Public Rental Scheme and those still available.
Desmond Lee responded that about 200 public rental households currently live in 3-room flats and 40 such flats are available for allocation.
The HDB collaborates with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Family Service Centres to offer 3-room rental flats to large families with children under the ComLink Rental Scheme, providing holistic social support.

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10 Jan 2024

Healthcare Subsidy Savings Achieved with Use of Residential Property Annual Value for Means Testing

Gerald Giam asked the Minister for Health about the total healthcare subsidy savings since September 2022 from using residential property Annual Value for means-testing and whether the Ministry would consider removing it as a criterion.
Ong Ye Kung clarified that means-testing aims to target subsidies to those who need them most as subsidy amounts increase, not to save money.
He noted that patients struggling with bills after subsidies, insurance, and MediSave can apply for financial assistance like MediFund, which is assessed holistically.

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