Social welfare — Topics

18 Sep 2023

Provision of Infrastructure to Create Structured Work Environments and Work Processes to Support Persons with Disabilities

SG Enable administers the Open Door Programme to provide grants and job support for hiring persons with disabilities, averaging 500 placements yearly from 2020 to 2022.
The programme includes a Job Redesign Grant for workplace modifications like calm rooms and assistive technology, and offers workshops to train employees in inclusive practices.
An Enabling Business Hub will launch in Jurong later this year to showcase inclusive hiring practices and support employers, starting with the logistics industry.

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18 Sep 2023

Increasing Job Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Tech, Logistics and Healthcare Sectors

Christopher de Souza asked if the Ministry tracks SG Enable’s work with employers to increase job opportunities for persons with disabilities in tech, logistics, and healthcare.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that SG Enable engages employers through advisory services and partnerships to promote inclusive hiring.
SG Enable has helped create close to 800 job opportunities for persons with disabilities in these sectors from January 2021 to August 2023.
The Ministry encourages more employers to offer hiring opportunities for persons with disabilities.

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18 Sep 2023

Applications Received under HDB's Enhancement for Active Seniors (Direct Application) Scheme

From 2020 to 2022, HDB received 9,400, 8,800 and 10,300 applications respectively under the EASE (Direct Application) scheme.
HDB does not track the number of applications from households with persons with disabilities who do not meet the age requirement and assesses such cases on a case-by-case basis.
The average waiting time for application approval is within seven working days if all required documents are submitted, though no specific data is available for age-ineligible applicants.
The Minister noted that a dedicated EASE scheme to prioritise applications from persons with disabilities who do not meet the age requirement was not specifically addressed.

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18 Sep 2023

Subsidies for Addition and Alteration Works for HDB Flats with Multi-step Entrances

Pritam Singh asked whether subsidies for Addition and Alteration works would be extended to households with multi-step entrances after applying for EASE ramps or access solutions, and how many such HDB flats currently require these works.
Desmond Lee explained that EASE offers heavily subsidised accessibility solutions like portable ramps and wheelchair lifters, but minor Addition and Alteration works to install these are not subsidised and are akin to owner-funded renovations.
For flats needing such works, typically ground-floor units with more than three steps, HDB may refer owners to Social Service Organisations for financial assistance if they cannot afford the costs.
The need for minor works depends on site conditions and can only be determined after an HDB site assessment at the flat.
HDB will continue exploring solutions to improve flat accessibility.

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18 Sep 2023

Extension of HDB Public Rental Scheme to Families with Large Numbers of Children and Do Not have Realistic Prospect of Purchasing Own Homes

There are about 200 households currently in 3-room rental flats under the Public Rental Scheme, and HDB works with social service agencies to provide 3-room flats to large families with children on a case-by-case basis when they lack family support and housing options.
The government’s approach pairs rental housing with holistic social support, including guidance from Family Service Centres and the ComLink programme, to help families address challenges and build financial stability.
The long-term goal is to uplift rental households so they can eventually purchase their own flat, with substantial grants and one-to-one assistance provided when families are ready for home ownership.

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18 Sep 2023

Social and Fiscal Impact from Introduction of Plus and Prime HDB Flats

The new HDB framework introduces Standard, Plus, and Prime flats based on location to improve affordability, social mix, and fairness, with Plus and Prime flats receiving additional subsidies but facing tighter restrictions like income ceilings on resale and a 10-year Minimum Occupation Period.
The government anticipates a higher fiscal impact from the additional subsidies for Prime and Plus flats, though the exact cost depends on market conditions and demand, while committed to maintaining support for home ownership through grants and priority schemes for first-timer families.
Measures include increasing the supply of 2-room Flexi flats for singles and the elderly, with plans to launch up to 14,000 such flats from 2024 to 2026, and maintaining priority for first-timer families in BTO allocations to ensure fair access across different groups.

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3 Aug 2023

Eligibility Criteria and Amount of Cash Distributed at Festive Events Organised by People's Association and Grassroots Organisations

Mr. Gerald Giam asked for details on cash distributed by the People’s Association and grassroots organisations from 2020 to 2022, including total amounts, number of recipients, means-testing criteria, selection methods, and whether grassroots advisers personally distributed the cash.
Minister Edwin Tong responded that grassroots organisations administer various local and national financial support schemes with varying criteria, and distributions may occur during festive or non-festive occasions.
The Minister noted that the design and modality of cash distribution are left to the discretion of the local grassroots organisations, which tailor schemes to the specific needs of their communities.

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3 Aug 2023

Support Available for Youths Diagnosed with Chronic Diseases

Tan Wu Meng sought data on youths with chronic diseases and details on support for young people entering the workforce with limited savings.
Ong Ye Kung reported that 1% of young adults aged 18–35 had chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidaemia based on the 2021 survey.
He outlined support options including subsidies at CHAS clinics, polyclinics, and specialist outpatient clinics, with MediSave and MediFund available for those in need.
He emphasized that no one would lose access to care due to financial constraints, with various subsidies and safety nets in place.

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3 Aug 2023

Proposal for Additional Healthcare and Other Benefits for Those in Post-Merdeka Generation

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked if there are plans to define a "post-Merdeka Generation" of those born in the 1960s approaching retirement age to receive additional public benefits, especially in healthcare.
Lawrence Wong stated that the Ministry's position remains unchanged from a previous reply to a similar parliamentary question on 20 March 2023.
The response referenced an official report detailing benefits packages for seniors born after the Merdeka Generation.
No new plans to create a defined post-Merdeka Generation category with additional benefits were indicated.
The debate highlights ongoing concerns about healthcare and support for seniors born after the Merdeka Generation.

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3 Aug 2023

Reviewing Current Practice of Refusing Coverage under CPF Dependants’ Protection Scheme for Persons with Certain Genetic Disorders

Murali Pillai questioned whether the CPF Board would reconsider its policy of denying Dependants’ Protection Scheme coverage to individuals with certain genetic disorders, such as Down Syndrome.
The Ministry of Manpower clarified that DPS does cover pre-existing conditions, including genetic disorders, if medical professionals deem the overall health condition mild or moderate.
Coverage may be withheld for severe pre-existing illnesses, as with standard life insurance, to keep premiums affordable and ensure the scheme’s sustainability.

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3 Aug 2023

Training for Migrant Domestic Workers in Caregiving for Individuals with Special Needs

The Agency for Integrated Care and SG Enable provide training courses for caregivers of individuals with special needs, which migrant domestic workers (MDWs) can attend if hired by households, with costs potentially covered by the Caregivers Training Grant.
Employment agencies facilitate matches by requiring employers to specify caregiving tasks, and MDWs have the chance to clarify job expectations and training before accepting assignments.
MDWs who feel unsure or uncomfortable with caregiving tasks should inform their employers to request additional training or support, and may also seek help from their employment agencies.

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3 Aug 2023

Households Receiving Lower GST Voucher Payouts Due to Revision in Annual Valuation of Property

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned how many households saw their GST voucher payouts reduced from $500–$700 to $250–$350 due to the Annual Valuation revision and whether this undermines the voucher’s purpose.
Lawrence Wong explained that the 2022 Annual Value of residential properties determined this year’s GST voucher payouts, with all HDB flats having an AV below $13,000, qualifying them for the higher tier.
The Ministry is reviewing the AV thresholds for social support schemes to ensure needy Singaporeans receive appropriate support and will provide updates once ready.
The exchange highlights concerns that valuation changes may unintentionally reduce support for lower-income households.
The government acknowledges the need to adjust criteria to maintain the effectiveness of the GST voucher scheme.

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3 Aug 2023

Relaxation of Income Criteria for HDB Rental Flats

Mr Ang Wei Neng questioned whether HDB would relax income criteria for rental flats, citing higher Comcare benchmarks, and sought data on rejections and flats rented despite exceeding income limits.
Minister Desmond Lee clarified that the Public Rental Scheme has no income ceiling and uses a holistic, needs-based approach, approving applications even for households above $1,500 monthly income.
HDB recently removed income references from its website to reduce psychological barriers and does not track rejections solely based on income thresholds.
As of June 2023, about 9,000 rental flats were occupied by households with incomes above $1,500, reflecting the scheme’s flexibility.
The debate underscores the government’s focus on assessing overall housing need rather than applying rigid income criteria for public rental.

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3 Aug 2023

Accessible Membership for Persons with Differentiated Abilities to Younger Children in Development Disability Registry

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked whether the National Library Board's Accessible Membership can be extended to younger children registered with the Development Disability Registry to support early reading.
The National Library Board provides inclusive programmes and resources, such as Sensory Storytime and accessible features at Punggol Regional Library, for persons with disabilities.
The Accessible Membership, launched in January 2023, offers benefits like longer borrowing periods and priority access, currently available to beneficiaries of eligible schemes and special education students.
Ongoing collaboration between NLB and MSF will expand the membership to those on SG Enable’s Developmental Disability Registry, with further updates to follow.
NLB remains committed to equitable access and inclusive library services, aligning with the Enabling Masterplan 2030.

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2 Aug 2023

Eligibility for ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance under Past and Present Per Capita Household Income Benchmarks

Leong Mun Wai requested an estimate of households eligible for ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance under the 2014, 2023, and new per capita household income benchmarks.
Masagos Zulkifli clarified that the per capita household income benchmark indicates approximate income levels for qualification but is not an automatic eligibility criterion.
He emphasized that eligibility is determined through a holistic assessment by Social Service Offices, considering household income, savings, and family support, rather than using the benchmark to count eligible households.

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2 Aug 2023

Assistance to Residents Ineligible for HDB Public Rental Scheme or Unable to Afford Market Public Rentals

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development whether the policy could be reviewed to extend assistance to residents ineligible for HDB public rental flats or unable to afford market rentals.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB takes a holistic, needs-based approach, considering factors like household income, family support, and ability to afford other housing options.
He emphasized that those without family support and unable to afford alternatives, including market rentals, are assisted with public rental flats.
The Public Rental Scheme is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains a social safety net for citizen households with no other housing options.
The government's response highlights a targeted approach to assist only the most vulnerable households while maintaining the scheme's integrity.

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2 Aug 2023

Allowing Households to Withdraw Unutilised GST U-Save Vouchers for Other Living Expenses

Henry Kwek asked if households can withdraw unused GST U-Save vouchers for other living expenses.
Lawrence Wong explained that the vouchers are only for utilities and any unused portion can be rolled over indefinitely.
He noted the government already offers other support like CDC Vouchers and cash payouts for living costs.

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2 Aug 2023

Residents Affected by Delays in HDB's BTO Projects Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic and Interim Housing Options Offered

About 22,000 households are still affected by ongoing delays in 28% of BTO projects, with key collection expected by early 2025.
Eligible flat buyers needing temporary housing can apply for the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme or, for low-income households without alternatives, Interim Rental Housing on a case-by-case basis.
HDB provides automatic maximum monetary reimbursement under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act for delays beyond the Delivery Possession Dates, without requiring claims or proof.
HDB is working with contractors to minimize further delays while ensuring safety and quality, and balancing rental scheme allocations to prioritize the most needy households.
The majority of delayed projects (72%) have been completed, with 49,000 out of 71,000 affected households already invited to collect keys.

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2 Aug 2023

Practice of Grassroots Organisations Transferring Sums of Money to Personal Bank Accounts for Official Operational Needs and Actions Taken

The AGO found two GROs used personal bank accounts for official transactions, with one GRO issuing crossed cheques to staff for cash withdrawals for welfare distributions and another using similar methods for CDC voucher reimbursements, but no funds were lost and practices ceased.
The Minister confirmed three additional similar cases were identified, with staff counselled and no disciplinary actions taken due to no misappropriation; PA is implementing AGO recommendations and strengthening internal governance.
PA is digitalizing processes to reduce cash handling while assisting elderly residents, and an independent committee has been set up to review AGO findings, though public reporting of its results is under consideration.

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2 Aug 2023

Families Denied Financial Assistance Due to Per Capital Household Income Requirement

Multiple MPs raised concerns about households being denied financial assistance because their per capita household income (PCHI) falls between $650 and $800, and asked whether the Ministry would proactively reach out to these families or revise assistance benchmarks and payouts.
The Minister for Social and Family Development explained that the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) PCHI benchmark is not a hard threshold but a guide, with eligibility based on a holistic assessment by Social Service Offices; the benchmark was recently raised from $650 to $800, and assistance amounts were adjusted for inflation, but future projections based on the new benchmark are not used.
The Minister stated that the most common reasons for unsuccessful ComCare applications are sufficient income or financial support, withdrawal to apply for other schemes, or failure to submit documents, and that MSF will continue to regularly review and improve ComCare schemes and outreach efforts.

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