Social welfare — Topics

4 Oct 2022

Impact of India's Rice Export Ban and Thailand and Vietnam's Plans to Raise Rice Export Prices

The Minister assessed that India's rice export ban mainly affects broken rice, which Singapore consumes little of, and noted that Thailand and Vietnam have no confirmed plans yet to raise rice export prices.
Singapore employs a multi-pronged strategy including import diversification and a Rice Stockpile Scheme requiring importers to hold buffer inventory twice their monthly imports to ensure supply stability.
The government reviews inventory buffers regularly and is prepared to adjust measures if needed, while a strong Singapore dollar via MAS monetary policy tightening helps mitigate higher food import prices.
Additional support is provided through packages like the $1.5 billion MOF initiative to assist lower-income and vulnerable Singaporeans in facing food price impacts.

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4 Oct 2022

Monitoring Fraudulent Claims in Workfare Income Supplement Scheme

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Ministry of Manpower whether it monitors for fraud in Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) claims, the rate of fraudulent claims by firms, and if there are plans to audit firms for "ghost" employees.
Minister Tan See Leng explained that WIS eligibility is automatically assessed based on CPF contributions for employees and declared income for self-employed persons, with data analytics used to detect unusual hiring patterns and audits conducted on income declarations.
Suspicious companies are flagged for on-site inspections, and suspected fraud cases are referred to the Singapore Police Force, which found two fraudulent WIS cases over the last three years, leading to recovery of disbursed funds.
MOM and CPF Board plan to continue reviewing processes and enhancing fraud detection capabilities to better identify and deter fraudulent WIS claims.

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4 Oct 2022

Key Causes of Recent Increase in Number of Patients Requiring Kidney Dialysis

The rise in kidney dialysis patients is mainly due to Singapore’s ageing population and the high prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, while the Ministry of Health has not quantified the socioeconomic costs of dialysis.
The government is promoting the more cost-effective peritoneal dialysis (PD) through a PD-preferred strategy, aiming to increase PD uptake among new patients from 19% to 30% by 2025 and supporting this with training, home support programs, and higher subsidies.
To maintain accessibility and affordability, means-tested subsidies, MediShield Life, MediSave, and charity assistance are available for patients undergoing both haemodialysis and PD, with additional efforts to encourage home-based PD.

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3 Oct 2022

Increasing Cap on MediSave Withdrawals for Mental Health Patients and Waiver of 15% Co-payment for MediSave Claims

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin proposed increasing the MediSave withdrawal cap for mental health patients under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) and lowering or waiving the 15% co-payment for MediSave claims.
The Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, stated that the current annual MediSave limits of $500 or $700 for CDMP mental health treatment are adequate as most patients do not reach these caps.
Under the Healthier SG initiative, the 15% co-payment requirement will be waived for patients using MediSave for CDMP treatment at their enrolled clinic.
Patients facing financial difficulties can apply for assistance like MediFund at public healthcare institutions for medical bills.

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3 Oct 2022

Setting Up Framework to Administer Simple and Accessible Trusts for Seniors

Joan Pereira proposed creating a framework for simple and accessible trusts for seniors, possibly by expanding the Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) to serve vulnerable elderly citizens.
Masagos Zulkifli clarified that SNTC is specifically for beneficiaries with special needs, while seniors are instead encouraged to use Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) arrangements or professional deputies for financial management.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development outlined existing resources for seniors, including the Office of the Public Guardian, Social Service Agencies, and private organizations, and committed to continuing reviews of support for vulnerable seniors.

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3 Oct 2022

Support for Students on Financial Assistance Scheme to Develop Good Reading Habits and Access Digital Devices

The Ministry of Education provides schools with print and digital reading resources, including library collections, Singapore Student Learning Space materials, and National Library Board access, to support reading habits.
Schools implement reading programmes, curriculum time for extensive reading, and partner with external organizations like the National Library Board to promote reading, especially for students from lower-income families.
All secondary students receive Personal Learning Devices under the National Digital Literacy Programme, and those on the Financial Assistance Scheme can obtain these devices with zero cash payment.
Students on the Financial Assistance Scheme can access affordable internet through IMDA’s Home Access or NEU PC Plus programmes to support digital reading.
The Ministry facilitates access to news and digital resources for older students to cultivate interest in current affairs.

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3 Oct 2022

Review of Qualifying Income Criteria for MOE's Financial Assistance Scheme

Abdul Samad asked about the timeline and frequency of reviews for MOE’s Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) income criteria, the parameters used to set these criteria, and which income percentile qualifying households belong to.
Chan Chun Sing stated that FAS aims to support students from around the bottom 20% of households by income and that the criteria are reviewed periodically, with the last revision in 2018.
He added that MOE is currently conducting a review and will announce any changes in due course.

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3 Oct 2022

Public Education on Opting for Lease Buyback Scheme or Downgrading to Smaller Flats

Between 2017 and 2022, annual numbers of seniors aged 65 and above who downgraded to 2-room Flexi flats ranged from 90 to 440, with 331 such seniors in 2022 up to August, and they averaged about 1.6 attempts to secure a flat.
To support demand, at least 40% of 2-room Flexi flat supply is reserved for seniors, with BTO launches set to increase to up to 23,000 flats per year in 2022 and 2023, and upcoming flats available in towns like Bukit Batok, Tengah, Yishun, Queenstown, and Kallang/Whampoa.
The Ministry and CPF Board conduct public education through HDB InfoWEB, media, talks, seminars, exhibitions, community events, and personalized letters to inform seniors about housing monetisation options like the Lease Buyback Scheme and downgrading, with plans to further enhance outreach efforts.

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3 Oct 2022

Inclusion of Mental and Intellectual Disabilities in Employment-related Programmes for Persons with Disabilities

The Open Door Programme and Enabling Employment Credit are available to persons with intellectual disabilities and autism, but those with other mental health conditions are directed to other agencies for employment support.
The government acknowledges the wide spectrum of mental health conditions and customizes support based on individual needs, with some requiring special work arrangements.
An Interagency Taskforce on Mental Health and Well-being is examining ways to strengthen support, reduce stigma, and improve employment prospects for persons with mental health conditions.

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3 Oct 2022

Additional Workfare Income Supplement Cash Support to Cushion Inflation

Gan Thiam Poh asked if additional Workfare Income Supplement cash support can be provided to help beneficiaries cope with inflation.
Tan See Leng responded that Workfare is regularly reviewed and was enhanced from 2023, with maximum annual payouts raised and cash portions increased for lower-wage workers.
The government is also raising lower-income wages through Progressive Wages, Local Qualifying Salary, and annual wage recommendations, supported by a $1.5 billion relief package.
The government will continue monitoring the situation and provide targeted help if needed.

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3 Oct 2022

Classification of Families with Special Needs Children for ComCare Assistance

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim queried how the Ministry classifies families with special needs children for ComCare assistance, specifically whether they are evaluated for Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) or Long-Term Assistance (LTA), and if they can be considered for LTA if currently classified as SMTA.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that while families receive targeted disability subsidies, ComCare assesses households holistically, with SMTA provided for families who can work and need temporary support, and LTA considered for households with permanently limited income.
The Ministry's approach includes helping work-capable adults towards employment and securing care arrangements, ensuring assistance aligns with the household's specific circumstances and disability needs.

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3 Oct 2022

Assistance for Low-income Persons with Monthly CPF Drawdowns Lower Than ComCare Long-Term Assistance Payout Amounts

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked whether the Ministry tracks low-income individuals with CPF drawdowns below the ComCare Long-Term Assistance (LTA) payout of $640 per month and if top-ups to the LTA threshold are possible for them.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M referred to a prior written reply, stating that ComCare LTA beneficiaries with CPF payouts have their cash benefits adjusted, but the combined CPF and LTA amount remains higher than for those without CPF income.
The Minister confirmed that households receiving both CPF payouts and LTA are tracked, and these are the cases where CPF payouts are below the LTA threshold for their household.

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3 Oct 2022

Bringing Forward Distribution of CDC Vouchers

Ang Wei Neng proposed distributing CDC Vouchers earlier in Q3 2022 and issuing them per individual rather than per household to better address high inflation.
The government highlighted that most households have claimed and used existing CDC Vouchers, along with other support measures, and will consider more assistance if inflation worsens.
Ang Wei Neng emphasized rising inflation rates and asked if larger households could receive more vouchers and if support could be extended individually.
The government explained that while CDC Vouchers are broad-based, targeted measures like GST-Voucher cash payments are more effective for lower-income individuals.

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13 Sep 2022

One-off Adjustment to CPF Ordinary Account Interest Rates to Better Reflect Inflation Premium

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim proposed a one-off adjustment to CPF Ordinary Account interest rates to better reflect the inflation premium seen in lending rates, and suggested incorporating lending rates into the CPF OA rate formula.
The Minister for Manpower responded that CPF OA rates are not comparable to bank lending rates because the principal and interest are government-guaranteed, unlike loans which carry default risk.
Instead of adjusting CPF OA rates, the government has implemented a $1.5 billion support package to provide targeted relief for inflation, especially for lower-income and vulnerable groups.
The minister noted that while the OA pegged rate is around 0.09%, the government pays up to 3.5% on OA balances through additional interest and the statutory minimum, with options to transfer funds to higher-yielding accounts.
The government continues to monitor the interest rate environment to ensure CPF OA rates remain relevant amid prevailing and long-term conditions.

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13 Sep 2022

Funds Raised by People’s Association and Mayors for Community and Charitable Causes in 2021

Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth about the total funds raised by the People’s Association and Mayors' Office in 2021.
Edwin Tong responded that the People’s Association, including Community Development Councils, collaborates with partners to support residents in need.
Over the past five years, an average of $29 million was raised annually for charitable and community programs.
These programs include welfare assistance, employment support, and home refurbishments.
The response did not specify the exact amount for 2021 but provided a five-year average.

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13 Sep 2022

Publication and Distribution of Future Care Planning Playbook

Ms He Ting Ru asked when the Future Care Planning Playbook will be finalized and published and how the Ministry plans to distribute it.
The playbook is being developed by SG Enable with Social Service Agency partners to help caregivers create future care plans for family members with disabilities.
It is expected to be ready by 2024 and will be made available online.
Disability Social Service Agencies will be trained progressively on how to use the playbook.
The playbook aims to facilitate earlier conversations on life choices and support long-term planning for caregivers and persons with disabilities.

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13 Sep 2022

Staff Vacancies in Adult Disability Homes and Day Activity Centres

The Ministry has identified approximately 200 vacancies in Adult Disability Homes and Day Activity Centres, supported by increased funding of 25% and 20% respectively to hire more care staff.
Challenges in filling vacancies include concerns over career prospects, salaries, and working environment, with measures like salary guidelines and Career Conversion Programmes to attract talent.
Feedback from caregivers shows high satisfaction with Adult Disability Homes, with 92.3% rating services 3.5 out of 5 or above, while surveys for Day Activity Centres are planned.

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13 Sep 2022

Criteria for Caregivers of Mentally Disabled Persons to Qualify for Concessionary Levy or Grant

Murali Pillai proposed adjusting the criteria for caregiver concessionary levies to include persons assessed as significantly mentally impaired, regardless of their ability to perform Activities of Daily Living.
The current system grants concessions based on the need for assistance with at least one Activity of Daily Living, which can include cognitive impairments requiring supervision or assistance.
A person with cognitive impairment may still perform ADLs but need help or supervision, and can be assessed by a registered therapist to qualify for the levy concession.
Assessment is conducted using MSF’s Client Assessment Form at specific service providers, and the result can be submitted for eligibility.
The response indicates the existing framework already considers cognitive impairments, so adjustments may not be necessary if assessments appropriately capture mental impairment impacts.

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13 Sep 2022

Additional Places Offered by New SPED Schools under Enabling Masterplan 2030 Recommendations

He Ting Ru asked the Ministry of Education about the number of additional student places from new Special Education schools under the Enabling Masterplan 2030.
Chan Chun Sing responded that five new SPED schools will be established by 2030, adding approximately 1,400 places for students.

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13 Sep 2022

Extension of Childcare Leave Provisions for Parents with Children with Special Needs

Mariam Jaafar asked the Prime Minister to extend childcare leave provisions for parents of children with special needs until the child is 18 years old, highlighting the additional care required beyond age 12.
The Prime Minister’s response, delivered by Indranee Rajah, explained that current policy provides six days of paid childcare leave for children under seven and two days for children aged seven to 12, with any enhancement needing to balance parental needs against employer manpower considerations.
The government encourages employers to adopt flexible work arrangements and unpaid leave for unexpected care needs, noting existing tripartite standards and initiatives to support working parents.
Additional support measures include enhanced subsidies for special student care centres, tax relief for grandparents providing care, and ongoing efforts under the Enabling Masterplan 2030 to improve respite care options.
The government committed to continuing studies with relevant agencies to better support working parents of children with special needs.

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