Social welfare — Topics

13 Sep 2022

Study into Demand and Models for Adult Disability Care Services

Gerald Giam asked about the terms of reference and completion timeline for a study on long-term demand and service models for adult disability care, specifically noting the shortage of Day Activity Centre places.
Masagos Zulkifli stated that as of July 2022, 80% of DAC places were occupied and that funding had been increased to improve staffing and care quality.
The Minister highlighted new models being trialed, such as the Enabling Services Hub offering adult activities and respite care, to address current and future needs.
He explained the longer-term study under the Enabling Masterplan 2030 aims to anticipate changes from population aging and smaller families to better plan future care services.

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13 Sep 2022

Coverage of New Subsidy Framework for Standard Drugs List and Drug Affordability

The new subsidy framework for the Standard Drugs List (SDL) will raise subsidies to 75% for Singaporeans with a Per Capita Household Income (PCHI) up to $2,000, effective from 1 November 2022, while those with higher incomes continue to receive 50% subsidies.
Government expenditure on SDL subsidies is expected to increase by about 7% to over $120 million per year as a result of these changes.
The Ministry is enhancing affordability through increased subsidies under the Medication Assistance Fund for eligible residents and by managing drug procurement costs via centralised purchasing and negotiations to secure better prices.

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13 Sep 2022

More Transitional Shelters for Homeless Persons and Rough Sleepers

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about plans to build more transitional shelters for homeless persons and rough sleepers, including displaced families without other accommodation.
The minister stated there are six transitional shelters with capacity for about 500 individuals and 180 families, with current occupancy at 50–60%, so no immediate plans to build more shelters exist.
Some individuals decline shelter for reasons like reluctance to accept help or preference for familiar locations, prompting outreach through the PEERS Network to address underlying issues and connect them with support.
The PEERS Network involves community partners, social service agencies, and public agencies, with befrienders conducting night walks and setting up Safe Sound Sleeping Places (S3Ps) to provide temporary safe rest spaces and link rough sleepers to assistance.

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13 Sep 2022

Set-up and Sustainability Plans for Enabling Business Hubs

The first Enabling Business Hub (EBH) pilot is expected to be operational next year in the West region, with plans to set up a few more EBHs across Singapore after gaining experience from the pilot.
Each EBH will hire persons with disabilities directly and train others for employment, contributing to the target of a 40% employment rate for persons with disabilities by 2030.
Staff at EBHs will be trained in areas such as understanding disability types, disability etiquette, communication, and job interviews through providers like the Enabling Academy and NCSS’ Social Service Institute.
The total capacity and exact number of EBHs in the scaled-up phase will depend on the pilot outcomes, but the focus is on expanding support for persons with disabilities needing customized work support.
MSF and SG Enable will collaborate with service providers having the necessary expertise to train and place persons with disabilities in employment.

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13 Sep 2022

Lower-income's Access to Schools in Higher-income Estates After Change in Primary 1 Distance-based Allotment

Dr Shahira Abdullah raised concerns about ensuring lower-income families can still access popular schools in higher-income estates under the new distance-based Primary 1 allotment, noting social capital studies on upward mobility.
The Minister for Education explained the new framework prioritizes home-school distance and citizenship to give more children, including those from lower-income families, a fair chance to enroll in nearby schools.
Dr Abdullah highlighted the need for social interactions between students of different socioeconomic backgrounds to value all ties, not just those with higher SES, for better mobility.
The Minister agreed, emphasizing MOE's efforts to foster cross-background interactions, citing examples like combined sports teams to build mutual understanding and strengthen social cohesion.
Both sides acknowledged the ongoing challenge of societal stratification and committed to monitoring and reviewing policies to promote inclusive access and meaningful social mixing.

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13 Sep 2022

Annual Public Transport Subsidy Amount and How This Compares with Other Government Subsidies and Support

The Government subsidizes public transport by over $2 billion annually, with costs rising due to network expansion and inflation, and aims to balance affordability for commuters with fiscal sustainability across generations.
The Public Transport Council will review the fare adjustment formula to account for changing commuting patterns, energy costs, and inflation, ensuring the formula remains relevant for the next three to five years.
Public Transport Vouchers are provided to support low-income households, with eligibility covering up to 40% of Singapore households, and these are considered part of broader household support measures like the GST Offset Package.

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12 Sep 2022

Tenants of HDB Rental Flats in Arrears in First Six Months of 2022

In the first six months of 2022, about 6,800 public rental households were in rental arrears of three months or more, while around 1,200 households had late payment charges waived on compassionate grounds.
HDB assists tenants in arrears through a holistic approach, including advising households, reducing rent, referring them to MSF social service offices, and waiving late charges for those who take steps to address their debt, such as working out a repayment plan or seeking financial aid.
For tenants who have passed on, HDB terminates the tenancy and writes off any remaining debts if there are no other occupiers, or works with other occupiers to address the arrears if the flat has other residents.

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12 Sep 2022

Update on Review of ComCare Eligibility Criteria

The Ministry of Social and Family Development is reviewing ComCare income eligibility criteria this year as part of a regular review every two to three years.
Social Service Offices exercise flexibility and assess applicants’ needs, providing ComCare assistance even if income criteria are not strictly met.
From 2019 to 2021, over 700 households (2,400 individuals) who did not meet eligibility criteria received about $1 million in ComCare cash assistance for daily living, rental, utilities, and service and conservancy charges.

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12 Sep 2022

Steps Taken to Ensure Affordability of Food Sold in School Canteens

Schools monitor canteen food quality, portions, and prices based on MOE guidelines to ensure affordability and meet nutritional needs, with vendors checked for practices like shrinking portions.
School meal subsidies for low-income students are regularly reviewed and enhanced, with MOE Financial Assistance Scheme boosted by 20% to 30% from January 2023.
Additional funds are provided to schools for extra assistance to lower-income households beyond the MOE FAS, including for those who may not qualify for the scheme.

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12 Sep 2022

Lowering Qualifying Age for Lease Buyback Scheme in Special Cases

Murali Pillai proposed lowering the Lease Buyback Scheme's age criterion from 65 for disabled owners facing job insecurity who would benefit from earlier flat monetisation.
The Minister explained the 65-year age aligns with CPF payouts to ensure seniors receive monthly CPF payments post-LBS.
HDB has shown flexibility by allowing exceptions for those with long-term medical costs and financial struggles, including the disabled facing employment challenges.

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12 Sep 2022

Review of Income Eligibility Criteria for Monthly School Bus Subsidies for Primary School Students

Murali Pillai asked whether the income eligibility criteria for school bus subsidies could be expanded to assist more low-income families, especially those whose children were balloted out during Primary 1 registration for nearby schools.
Chan Chun Sing stated that the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme already provides school bus subsidies to all eligible primary school students from lower-income families.
He announced that MOE will increase school bus subsidies for these students from 60% to 65% of fees starting January 2023.
Households needing further support beyond the MOE criteria are advised to seek school-based assistance.

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12 Sep 2022

Care Options for Adults with Developmental Disabilities Accompanied by Serious Psychotic or Behavioural Problems

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked about care options for adults with developmental disabilities who have serious psychotic or behavioural problems, making them ineligible for Adult Disability Homes, and whether respite care can be considered for senior caregivers.
Masagos Zulkifli acknowledged caregivers' challenges and highlighted that SG Enable can refer them to Home-Based Behavioural Intervention Services (HBIS) to support positive behavior and provide respite.
Caregivers are also encouraged to use community support networks like CaringSG and caregiver-led initiatives, with resources available in SG Enable's Enabling Guide.
The Ministry will continue reviewing services and building providers' capabilities to support caregivers, while emphasizing the importance of emotional support from family and community.
The government calls for collective action in extending help and listening to caregivers to support those caring for loved ones with disabilities.

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12 Sep 2022

Care Options Within Community to Give Respite to Caregivers

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about additional respite options and support for caregivers of persons with disabilities in the community.
The Minister outlined existing respite care options, including Special Student Care Centres, Day Activity Centres, and short-term residential care at disability homes, as well as financial support like the MDW levy concession and the Home Caregiving Grant, which will increase to up to $400 monthly in 2023.
Under the Enabling Masterplan 2030, the government will pilot Enabling Services Hubs to provide drop-in respite care and social activities for persons with disabilities, freeing up caregivers during the day.
The government will continue working with social service agencies and stakeholders to enhance respite options and support for caregivers as part of building an inclusive society.

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12 Sep 2022

Recognition of Caregivers' Contributions and Government's Care for Their Well-being

Seah Kian Peng sought updates on recognizing caregivers' contributions and government support, referencing the 2018 Quality of Life of Caregivers Study and enhancements to the Home Caregiving Grant.
Ong Ye Kung outlined initiatives including the White Paper for Singapore Women’s Development, expanded Home Caregiving Grant, more respite care options, and community-based peer support networks for caregivers.
The government is launching Enabling Services Hubs to connect caregivers to support services and emphasizing employer cooperation through flexible workplace standards and unpaid leave policies.
A whole-of-society approach is encouraged, with the President’s Challenge 2024 focusing on “Caring for Caregivers” to further highlight their well-being.

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2 Aug 2022

Following Up on Seniors Who Called Helplines During COVID-19 Pandemic and Restoration of Social Activities for Seniors

Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Health about Government programmes that follow up on seniors who called helplines during the pandemic and how the Government will restore social activities for seniors while balancing health risks and mental wellness.
Ong Ye Kung responded that over 35,000 seniors have received help through helplines like The Seniors Helpline and CareLine, and those needing further support are referred to agencies such as Family Service Centres and Active Ageing Centres.
The Government has been working with community partners since November to resume active-ageing programmes safely, with the Health Promotion Board, People's Association, and Council for Third Age restarting face-to-face classes and digital offerings in line with safe management measures.

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2 Aug 2022

Special Bank Accounts to Allow Low-income Grant Recipients to Receive Digital Disbursements

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked whether the transition to digital disbursements is hindered by low-income grantees lacking bank accounts and if special accounts could be created for them.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M confirmed that Social Service Offices currently use cash and vouchers but plan to move to digital disbursements via bank transfers.
He noted that banks already assist clients in opening accounts without fees and the government will continue encouraging account opening to ensure access to financial services.

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2 Aug 2022

Visitors to FoodConnect Directory Website and Plans to Spread Awareness to Those Needing Food Provisions

The FoodConnect Directory, launched in April 2022, has averaged 3,400 visits and 860 unique visitors per month, with 27 organisations listed by service region, dietary preference, and other filters.
The Ministry has publicised the Directory to frontline social service agencies, community organisations, and grassroots networks while working to onboard more providers to expand its coverage.
The Directory complements government support like ComCare cash assistance and grocery vouchers from CDCs and the Household Support Package, with ongoing efforts to partner community and corporate groups for food aid.

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2 Aug 2022

SG Enable Partnering Organisations to Modify Work Environments to Support Employees with Special Needs

SG Enable runs the Open Door Programme, which provides job placement and support services, including job coaches who advise employers on creating accessible and calm work environments for employees with disabilities.
Employers can access the Job Redesign Grant to modify workplaces, such as adding calm rooms, to support employees with special needs.
SG Enable offers workshops to help employers create safe environments and manage challenging behaviours, promoting inclusive employment.
The government is collaborating with businesses and agencies to develop Enabling Business Hubs, which will provide shared facilities like calm rooms and on-site support, with the first pilot launching in 2023.

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2 Aug 2022

Assessment of Quantum and Proportion of Household Cost of Living Attributable to Energy Consumption

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Ministry for Trade and Industry about the projected short- and long-term changes in the quantum and proportion of household cost of living attributable to energy consumption, considering geopolitical and climate factors, and requested a breakdown by income decile.
Gan Kim Yong cited that in 2017/2018, households spent an average of $220 monthly on energy, representing about 4.5% of total expenditure, and noted that recent global energy price increases due to the Russia-Ukraine war and supply constraints may raise energy costs, with more data expected from the next survey.
The Ministry highlighted that Singapore’s reliance on imported energy makes domestic prices vulnerable to global volatility, and while current projections indicate potential impacts on household energy expenditure, detailed decile breakdowns are not yet available.
The Government is monitoring energy prices and has introduced support measures, such as enhanced GST Voucher U-Save vouchers and a $100 Household Utilities Credit, to help households cope with rising energy costs.
Additional support has been extended to self-employed persons affected by higher fuel costs, including a one-off relief of $150 for eligible taxi and private hire car drivers.

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2 Aug 2022

Extension of Concessionary Migrant Domestic Worker Levy to Singaporeans Living with Permanent Resident Parents

The concessionary levy for migrant domestic workers is currently $60 for households with a Singaporean child under 16, elderly person aged 67 or above, or a person with disabilities who needs daily assistance.
The concession is also extended to Singaporeans living with PR parents who are elderly or have disabilities, recognizing their long-term commitment to Singapore.
The levy concession does not apply if the person needing care is a foreigner, including Long-Term Visit Pass holders, to align with broader government policy that provides fewer benefits to non-residents.
Households facing financial difficulties can seek support from Social Service Offices.

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