Social welfare

2,215 debates and bills about social welfare

4 Aug 2026

Improving Short-term Relief Fund Outreach to Retrenched Low-wage Workers and Expediting Emergency Payouts after Company Closure

STRF is a last-resort fund for retrenched low-wage workers' unrecoverable owed salaries.
Disbursement takes one to two months to verify claims; urgent cases get social office help.
Government does not commit to proactive outreach or faster emergency payouts.

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4 Aug 2026

Data on First-generation Malay Graduates by Academic Year, Income Background and MENDAKI Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy Recipients

MENDAKI does not track first-generation Malay graduates.
Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy supports about 10,000 Malay students yearly.
Income eligibility criteria were revised to better support lower-income households.

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4 Aug 2026

Extending Subsidies to Children with Mild Special Needs Attending Private Special Student Care Centres

Yeo asked if subsidies cover mild special needs children in private special student care centres.
Minister replied existing subsidies apply to school-based, community-based, and Special SSCs, subject to income thresholds.

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4 Aug 2026

Existing Provisions and Expanding Eligibility of Crisis and Transitional Shelters for Homeless Youths under 21 With No History of Family Violence

Minister says homeless youths under 21 can use Family Service Centres, drop-in centres, and SSA temporary shelters.
Crisis or transitional shelter admission is possible case-by-case, without requiring family violence.
MSF commits to working with social service agencies to keep support responsive.

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4 Aug 2026

Reviewing ADL-Based Migrant Domestic Worker Levy Concession Assessments to Address Caregiving Needs

MP asked if ADL-based levy concession assessments miss those needing supervision for cognitive or mental health conditions.
Minister said concession not limited to ADL assistance; most care needs, including cognitive impairment, can qualify.

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4 Aug 2026

Addressing Gaps in Caregiving Support for Elderly Households After Experiencing Falls

MP sought support for elderly fall victims without family caregivers, including when spouse-caregiver is incapacitated.
Minister cited subsidised rehabilitation at Senior Care Centres or home therapy, plus enhanced home personal care.
Agency for Integrated Care assesses needs to match households to suitable services.

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4 Aug 2026

Inclusion of Disposable Incontinence Sheets in Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund Subsidies for Comprehensive Hygiene and Pressure Sore Protection

Minister Ong confirmed SMF subsidy covers full-sized disposable incontinence sheets from April 2026.
Dennis Tan raised concerns for bed-bound patients' hygiene and pressure sore protection.

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4 Aug 2026

Reviewing GST Voucher Eligibility Framework to Reflect Current Economic Conditions

Government periodically reviews GST Voucher scheme, raising income threshold to $39,000.
Scheme is individual-based; household support comes via other measures like U-Save.
No immediate changes; will review considering incomes and economic conditions.

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4 Aug 2026

Average Occupancy Rates for Shop Spaces in HDB-managed Neighbourhood Malls and Proposal to Set Aside Space for Social Enterprises at Concessionary Rates

HDB malls averaged 95% occupancy from 2021 to 2025, serving residents' commercial needs.
Social communal facilities usually sit in void decks; mall space requests are considered case-by-case.
Supported social enterprises get direct allocation and 30% rental discount via raiSE or SG Enable.

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4 Aug 2026

Minimum and Mean Number of Years of Non-contribution to CPF for Members who Turned 55 in 2025 and who Do Not Fulfil Basic Retirement Sum

Minimum non-contribution years: 0 for CPF members turning 55 in 2025 not meeting BRS.
Mean non-contribution years: 16 for the same group.

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4 Aug 2026

Proposal to Allow Households to Use CDC Vouchers to Offset Utilities Charges

CDC vouchers won't offset utilities; U-Save remains separate for energy rebates.
Current schemes serve distinct goals: cost-of-living support versus utilities aid.
Integration rejected; U-Save's no-expiry design already incentivizes household energy efficiency.

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4 Aug 2026

Impact of Recent Adjustments to Tote Board Enhanced Fundraising Programme

Government expects Tote Board fundraising adjustments to minimally impact charity donations and operations.
Charities won't get GST refunds; support remains via direct grants and 250% donation tax deductions.

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4 Aug 2026

Assessing AI-enabled Mobility Aids for Persons with Visual Impairment

SG Enable will assess AI-enabled mobility aids like robotic guide dogs and wearable navigation devices.
Trials with community and industry partners will explore local suitability, with means-tested ATF subsidies for approved devices.

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4 Aug 2026

Revision of CHAS Blue Card Subsidy of $18.50 for GP Visits for Common Illnesses

No direct commitment to raise CHAS Blue $18.50 subsidy; scheme is reviewed periodically.
Recent enhancements covered shingles vaccines, chronic medications, and dental care.
Government will monitor primary care affordability and review scheme when necessary.

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7 Jul 2026

Reliance on Malay/Muslim Community Institutions for Social Mobility of Younger Malays from Lower Socio-economic Backgrounds

Government relies on national programmes, not solely Malay/Muslim institutions, for social mobility.
Community and corporate partners complement these efforts, building social capital via mentoring and coaching.
Financial aid and career services support lower-income Malay youths in education and employment.

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7 Jul 2026

Breakdown of Student Care Centres Operating in Singapore by Operator Type and Registered as Student Care Fee Assistance Administrators

330 student care centres administer fee assistance; 55% school-based, 45% community-based.
Median monthly fee stable at $290; assistance threshold rises to $6,500 in 2027.
Government reviewing sector; audits ensure safety, not service quality.

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7 Jul 2026

Expanding Scope of PWD Taxi Subsidy Scheme to Include Transportation for All SkillsFuture-Funded Training

MP sought taxi subsidy for all SkillsFuture-funded training, not just SG Enable-endorsed.
Scheme covers endorsed courses relevant to employability and designed for PwDs.
SG Enable will review and expand list; providers can apply.

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7 Jul 2026

Applications Received for and Outcomes of Persons with Disabilities’ (PWDs) Taxi Subsidy Scheme from 2022 to 2025

Patrick Tay asked for annual PWD Taxi Subsidy Scheme applications and success rates from 2022–2025.
Masagos stated the scheme aids disabled citizens/PRs unable to use public transport, with means-tested taxi subsidies for work or training.
He provided application and outcome numbers in a table.

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7 Jul 2026

Affordability and Public Service Capacity for Dental Care Across Income Groups, and Enhancing MediSave Coverage for Preventive and Routine Treatments

Dental affordability improved via income-tiered CHAS subsidies and Flexi-MediSave for costly procedures.
MediSave expansion balanced against preserving savings for future healthcare needs.
Public dental capacity monitored via workload and wait times, with demand projections for planning.

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7 Jul 2026

Lifetime Out-of-Pocket Expenditure Study for Persons with Severe Permanent Disabilities and Caregivers, and Measures to Address Significant Recurring Expenses

MOH enhanced subsidies, cash payouts, and assistive technology coverage for long-term care.
Estimated out-of-pocket for low-income severe disability is $110 monthly; MediSave adds $200.
MediFund and ElderFund ensure no patient denied care due to inability to pay.

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