Social welfare — Topics

9 Jan 2023

Number of 4-room or Larger HDB Flats Occupied by Single Persons or Couples over 55 Years Old

Member of Parliament Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked about the number of 4-room or larger HDB flats occupied solely by single persons or couples over 55 years old.
Minister Desmond Lee responded that as of November 2022, approximately 60,000 such flats were occupied by single persons and 75,900 by couples over 55.
The Minister highlighted that seniors looking to right-size may be eligible for the Silver Housing Bonus of up to $30,000 in cash.

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9 Jan 2023

Applications for Purchase of Vehicles Received and Approved under Disabled Persons Scheme

From 2019 to 2022, an average of 17 applications were received annually under the Disabled Persons Scheme, with an average of five approvals each year.
Rejected applications were primarily due to applicants exceeding household income eligibility or being assessed as able to use public transport.
The median processing time from application to approval was 47 working days, or about 10 calendar weeks, due to verification and clarification requirements.

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9 Jan 2023

Disbursement of Housing Grants through Home Buyers' CPF Accounts

The government provides housing subsidies for BTO flat buyers through below-market pricing and grants like the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant up to $80,000, while resale flat buyers can receive up to $160,000 in combined grants for first-timer purchases.
Housing grants are credited to the CPF Ordinary Account to ensure funds are reserved for housing, allowing use for downpayment and reducing loan amounts, with the grants returned to CPF upon flat disposal to support long-term retirement and healthcare needs.
The rationale for disbursing grants via CPF accounts is to align housing assistance with Singaporeans' retirement planning and financial security, ensuring the grants are used for housing purposes and recycled to bolster future needs.

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9 Jan 2023

Review of Eligibility Income Threshold for Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy Scheme Given Cost-of-living Inflation

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked whether the government will review the income threshold for the Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS) scheme due to cost-of-living inflation.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that TTFS provides up to 100% tuition fee subsidies for eligible Malay students from households with per capita income of $2,000 and below.
The government is committed to ensuring access to higher education for financially challenged Malay students and regularly reviews TTFS eligibility criteria, considering the prevailing economic situation.

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9 Jan 2023

Keeping Food Prices Affordable

The government is using a strong Singapore dollar through exchange rate policy to moderate inflation and is diversifying food sources to reduce exposure to price shocks.
Households receive direct support via CDC vouchers and past packages that offset cost-of-living inflation, with retailers also absorbing GST increases on essentials temporarily.
Consumers are encouraged to use tools like the Price Kaki app and adjust food choices to manage budgets, while the government monitors the situation for further measures if needed.

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9 Jan 2023

Review of Eligibility Income Threshold for MUIS' Financial Assistance Scheme

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked when the income eligibility threshold for MUIS' financial assistance scheme was last reviewed and whether there are plans to review it again due to inflation.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that MUIS regularly reviews its zakat financial assistance scheme to support the poor and needy in the community.
The income eligibility threshold was last increased in 2018 from a gross household per-capita-income of $350 to $400.
MUIS will continue collaborating with national and social service agencies to ensure zakat beneficiaries can access available support networks.
No specific plans for another review were announced, but ongoing reviews are part of MUIS' commitment to address community needs.

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9 Jan 2023

Automatic Extension of Start-Up Grant for Preschoolers to Families on ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance or Long-Term-Assistance

Mr Don Wee asked if families receiving ComCare assistance should automatically get the Start-up Grant for pre-school children.
The Minister confirmed that such families already automatically qualify for the Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) start-up grant at Anchor Operator and MOE Kindergartens.
He added that ComCare families who are first-time Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) applicants also automatically qualify for the CCFA start-up grant at eligible childcare centres.

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9 Jan 2023

HDB Blocks Found Unsuitable for Lift Upgrading Programme or Where Residents will Incur More Than $100,000 Each for Installation of Direct Lift Access

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for National Development about the 150 HDB blocks without direct lift access, seeking details on blocks unfeasible for the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) due to technical constraints, blocks technically feasible but with costs exceeding $100,000 per unit, and potential enhancements to the Lift Access Housing Grant scheme.
The Minister explained that over 1,000 of the initial 5,300 blocks without full lift access were found unfeasible for LUP due to cost or technical constraints, but innovative solutions have since been adopted, reducing the number of such blocks to about 140 with approximately 2,000 units remaining.
For these remaining blocks, costs per household can exceed $200,000, and residents with urgent medical or mobility needs can receive up to $30,000 under the Lift Access Housing Grant when purchasing another flat with direct lift access, with HDB monitoring and considering further enhancements as needed.

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30 Nov 2022

Eligibility of Buyers Below Age 35 for Subsidy and HDB Loan for BTO and Resale Flats

Leong Mun Wai asked for specific subsidy and loan details for buyers under 35 earning at the bottom quintile and median, including average subsidies, loan quantum, cash payment required, and monthly repayments.
Desmond Lee responded that the requested data for BTO and resale flat buyers under 35, broken down by income level, is provided in Table 1, listing average grants, maximum loan eligibility, median cash payment, and median monthly repayments in cash and CPF.
The debate centered on clarifying the financial support and costs for younger buyers at different income tiers for both BTO and resale flats.

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30 Nov 2022

Waiting Time for Admission to Shelter when Case is Reported at Family Service Centre

The Minister explained that the Ministry of Social and Family Development does not track the waiting time from when a case is opened at a Family Service Centre to shelter admission, as this period depends on assessments of client needs and circumstances.
Clients with urgent needs, such as those experiencing family violence, are prioritized for shelter admission, and they are typically admitted on the same or next working day.
The Ministry stated that there is sufficient shelter availability, and decisions on admission are influenced by factors like alternative accommodations and client availability for assessment.

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30 Nov 2022

Personal Alarms linked to Larger Healthcare Network for HDB's Enhancement for Active Seniors Programme

Yip Hon Weng asked whether personal alarm systems linked to senior care and the healthcare network can be included in HDB's Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme to help seniors live independently and safely.
Desmond Lee confirmed that HDB, with MOH and GovTech, has already implemented personal alarm systems linked to Active Ageing Centres and a 24/7 helpline in 53 rental blocks with high senior concentrations.
The ministry is reviewing feedback from users and service providers on these systems before considering further expansion to more rental flats and sold flats under EASE.
The suggestion will be taken into account during the review process.

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29 Nov 2022

Using MediSave to Pay for Monthly Renal Dialysis Treatment

Murali Pillai asked if the CPF Board can allow flexible use of MediSave for a spouse’s renal dialysis, even if the account balance is below the required threshold for the member’s age, as long as active monthly contributions are made.
Ong Ye Kung stated that individuals can appeal to use their MediSave to pay for a family member’s dialysis if the family member has insufficient balances, subject to prevailing withdrawal limits.
The Ministry of Health assesses these appeals case-by-case, considering the affordability of the bill and the impact on the CPF member’s MediSave balances.
This approach ensures support for families while maintaining the sustainability of the MediSave system.
The policy balances individual needs with the need to protect long-term healthcare savings.

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29 Nov 2022

Retention of Manual Payment Methods for Seniors

The Government ensures manual payment methods remain available for seniors through in-person support at agencies, ServiceSG centres, and non-digital options like physical CDC vouchers and cash or NETS payments at hospitals.
To address scam risks, the Government focuses on enhancing security measures, such as backend prevention and detection, rather than avoiding digitalization, and highlights that scams affect all age groups through various means.
Public education is a key anti-scam strategy, with targeted programs for seniors by agencies like the Singapore Police Force and Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to raise awareness and promote cyber hygiene.

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29 Nov 2022

Length of Review Period for Households on ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance Programmes

Murali Pillai asked whether there is a difference in review periods for short-term versus medium-term assistance under ComCare SMTA and the average review period for renewal applications.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary clarified that SMTA is a single category with no distinction in processing times, with over 90% of applications processed within four weeks and approved support typically lasting three to six months.
Murali Pillai suggested implementing distinct timelines for short-term, medium-term, and long-term assistance to improve efficiency and manage expectations for families and MSF officers.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary explained that long-term assistance is for those unable to work, while SMTA addresses variable family situations, with renewal focused on regular check-ins rather than imposing burdens.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary added that renewal is streamlined, requiring only updated documents for changes and allowing online applications to reduce friction for families.

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29 Nov 2022

Allocation of Percentage of HDB Community Care Apartments for Seniors to Suitable Younger Persons with Disabilities

Denise Phua asked whether a percentage of HDB Community Care Apartments for seniors could be allocated to younger persons with disabilities to support community living.
The Minister replied that Community Care Apartments are a new model designed for seniors, with two pilots still under construction and evaluation needed before expanding the target group.
The government is actively studying options to support persons with disabilities in independent community living through the Enabling Masterplan 2030 task force, which will provide recommendations next year.
Existing disability social service agencies have initiatives for independent living, and the government will support these efforts where possible.
The Minister emphasized ensuring the CCA model adequately serves seniors before considering any expansion to include younger persons with disabilities.

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28 Nov 2022

Low-income Families with Bedridden Members Residing in Flats Selected for Home Improvement Programme

Murali Pillai asked what assistance is available for low-income families with bedridden members in HDB flats selected for the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) who cannot find alternative accommodation during works.
Desmond Lee responded that HIP arrangements include upgrading toilets individually to keep one available and providing worker assistance to residents with mobility issues.
The HIP schedule can be adjusted to allow buffer time for residents to stay with relatives or friends, and HDB helps source temporary accommodation in public rental flats case-by-case.
Eligible elderly residents with high care needs can seek referrals for subsidised Nursing Home Respite Care through the Agency for Integrated Care.

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28 Nov 2022

Applicability of GST Offset Packages to Singaporeans Employed Overseas with No Reportable Tax Returns

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired whether Singaporeans working abroad without reportable tax returns are eligible for GST offset packages.
Finance Minister Lawrence Wong clarified that the Assurance Package and GST Voucher scheme are intended to offset GST expenses incurred within Singapore.
Eligibility for benefits, including cash and MediSave top-ups, requires the citizen to be residing in Singapore during the relevant year.
This means Singaporeans employed overseas without local tax returns are generally not eligible for these offset packages.

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28 Nov 2022

Contribution and Withdrawal Requirements of Supplementary Retirement Scheme for Locals and Foreigners

Yip Hon Weng asked the Ministry to review the Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) to raise the maximum annual contribution for Singaporeans to match that of foreigners, and to explain why foreigners receive tax reliefs on SRS contributions, while also inquiring about amendments to withdrawal requirements and penalties for greater equality between locals and foreigners.
Lawrence Wong clarified that the SRS is a supplementary savings scheme for all workers in Singapore, distinct from the CPF which is specific to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents, and that it offers tax deferral rather than full tax relief like the CPF.
The maximum SRS contribution for foreigners is currently set to equal the combined maximum for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents plus their CPF contributions, since foreigners do not participate in CPF.
Both Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and foreigners face the same withdrawal conditions, including penalties for early withdrawals, but foreigners may make a penalty-free one-time withdrawal after 10 years from their first contribution under specific conditions.
The concession for foreigners aims to acknowledge the non-permanent residency status of non-Permanent Resident foreigners while maintaining the scheme's goal of encouraging retirement savings.

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28 Nov 2022

Tracking of Seniors Who Discontinue Rehabilitative Physiotherapy Sessions

Miss Rachel Ong asked the Minister for Health about plans to track seniors who stop rehabilitative physiotherapy before meeting their goals, including those due to financial issues.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) does not have data on seniors who discontinue rehabilitation sessions before attaining their goals.
Seniors facing payment difficulties can seek financial assistance from their healthcare provider, including MediFund, to ensure they receive necessary care.
MOH emphasized the importance of completing rehabilitation and encouraged Parliament members to assist seniors or direct them to MOH for follow-up.

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9 Nov 2022

Relevance of Redundancy Insurance

Gerald Giam proposed a Redundancy Insurance Scheme to help workers facing redundancy with financial support during job searches, complementing existing retraining and re-employment programmes.
Tan See Leng responded that the current system includes a tripartite Retrenchment Taskforce offering employment assistance, Career Conversion Programmes, and the SGUnited Mid-Career Pathways programme to support displaced workers.
The government is studying how to enhance support for displaced workers, including potential measures like unemployment support, while ensuring they are motivated and effective in job searches.
The Ministry for Manpower plans to consult the Labour Movement and provide updates on improvements to the support system for redundant workers.

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