Social welfare — Topics

2 Mar 2022

Silver Generation Officers Involved in Outreach and Home Visit Activities

The Silver Generation Office has about 3,000 staff and volunteers engaged in outreach, with over one million engagements since 2014, including 339,000 home visits in 2019 and adapted figures during COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021.
The Ministry plans to enhance outreach by collaborating with health clusters and community partners to target at-risk seniors, increase visit frequency for the frail or socially isolated, and improve ambassador competencies.
While the exact timeline for returning to pre-pandemic home visit levels was not specified, the focus remains on proactive engagement and tailored support for seniors’ well-being.

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1 Mar 2022

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Dr Shahira Abdullah highlighted rising inflation and cost-of-living concerns, supporting the Budget's progressive tax measures but questioning the eligibility criteria for GSTVouchers and calling for greater social support for vulnerable groups like migrant workers and persons with disabilities.
Xie Yao Quan argued that the unique design of Singapore's GST system makes it the fairest way to raise revenue for healthcare, as most GST is paid by foreigners and high spenders, and emphasized that a renewed social compact requires both higher contributions from the wealthy and stronger support for those in need.
Raj Joshua Thomas called for better work-life harmony for all workers, including lower-wage and outsourced workers, and urged a cap on social workers' caseloads, increased resources for research and community work, and fairer pricing in outsourced service sectors.
Louis Ng Kok Kwang advocated for systemic support for social workers, including caseload caps, dedicated funding for research and community work, and stronger resources to address the root causes of social issues rather than just symptoms.
Tin Pei Ling and Ang Wei Neng emphasized the need to manage the psychological impact of inflation, protect national reserves for future crises, and transform Institutes of Higher Learning to better equip students for a rapidly changing economy.

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1 Mar 2022

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The debate highlights Singapore’s response to the pandemic and future challenges, emphasizing unity and the need to position the economy for growth amid global competition, digitalization, climate change, and an ageing population.
Key concerns raised include the impact of GST increases on households, the effectiveness of the Committee Against Profiteering, and the need for sector-specific industry transformation through refreshed Industry Transformation Maps (ITMs) to ensure inclusive growth and support for low-wage workers and SMEs.
Speakers stress the importance of building national resilience, innovation, and a sustainable future, with calls for more progressive taxation, support for platform workers, and ensuring that policies reflect diverse household structures and gender equity.

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28 Feb 2022

Findings on Need and Demand for Night-time Childcare in Low-income Families Area

The Ministry has identified that some low-income families in rental housing need caregiving support to enable employment, with varying demand across ComLink towns.
It is unclear if night-time childcare is the preferred solution, and the Ministry is exploring approaches to meet needs beyond regular hours.
Centre-based childcare services are available during regular working hours in all towns.
The assessment is ongoing, and findings on night-time childcare will be shared once completed.

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28 Feb 2022

Data on Take-up Rates on Reverse Mortgage Tie-Up between CPF and DBS

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Government about take-up rates for the reverse mortgage tie-up between CPF and DBS and measures to promote it for asset-rich, cash-strapped seniors.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, speaking for the Prime Minister, noted that DBS has approved most applications since August 2021 but cannot share specific data due to commercial sensitivity.
The Government highlighted alternative housing monetisation options like renting, right-sizing, the Silver Housing Bonus, and the Lease Buyback Scheme, with information available on HDB’s website.
The Government will continue reviewing policies to ensure suitable housing monetisation options for retirement needs.

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28 Feb 2022

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Edward Chia welcomed the Budget’s focus on uplifting lower-wage workers and the staggered GST hike, while highlighting labour shortages in essential sectors like childcare and healthcare, and urged a review of foreign talent policies to supplement an ageing local workforce.
Cheng Hsing Yao stressed the need to maintain Singapore’s openness to global talent amid xenophobia, urged careful policy design to balance growth and support for displaced workers, and called for a refreshed national vision to inspire all generations.
Rachel Ong praised the Budget’s social and green measures, proposed using renewable diesel as a transitional fuel for transport, and suggested regulating International Renewable Energy Certificates to boost market liquidity for sustainability goals.
Shawn Huang advocated for bold investments in R&D and innovation, proposing a dedicated Ministry of Science and Technology and stronger support for local enterprises to build globally competitive capabilities, while highlighting successful inclusion of neurodiverse workers.
Yip Hon Weng and other speakers emphasised prudent spending, better coordination of government services, and enhanced support for seniors, including micro jobs, integrated care navigation, and improved palliative care to address ageing population needs.

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28 Feb 2022

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The debate centered on the government's plan to raise the Goods and Services Tax (GST), with the Workers' Party and Progress Singapore Party strongly opposing it, arguing it is regressive and ill-timed amid high inflation, and proposing alternative revenue sources like higher wealth and corporate taxes.
The government defended the GST hike as necessary for long-term fiscal sustainability, particularly for healthcare and an aging population, highlighting the extensive $6.6 billion Assurance Package and other permanent offsets to cushion the impact, especially for lower and middle-income households.
Other key budget measures discussed included significant increases in carbon tax, property tax, and luxury car taxes to enhance progressivity, as well as expanded support for low-wage workers through the Progressive Wage Model and Workfare schemes.
Members also raised concerns about the impact of the Ukraine conflict on Singapore's economy, the need for stronger support for SMEs amid rising costs, and calls for greater transparency in long-term fiscal projections.

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18 Feb 2022

Assistance Available to Charities Running Shelters or Homes in Their Implementation of COVID-19-related Safe Management Measures in Premises

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has provided additional funding to shelters and homes under its purview to cover costs from COVID-19 measures, including hiring extra staff and raising ongoing funding rates.
MSF, in collaboration with other agencies, has arranged for free on-site mobile vaccinations, supplied government-funded ART kits, and funded PCR testing and deep cleaning during outbreaks.
Community support initiatives like the ComChest Emergency Fund and the Invictus Fund offer grants to social service agencies for business continuity, safe management systems, and ART kits.
MSF has facilitated donations-in-kind such as PPE, masks, and gloves to help offset expenses for shelters and homes.

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18 Feb 2022

Annual Budget Statement

The Minister for Finance outlined a comprehensive budget to support Singapore's post-pandemic recovery, proposing targeted measures like a $500 million Jobs and Business Support Package and a $560 million Household Support Package to aid struggling sectors and households amid inflation and economic uncertainties.
To address long-term challenges, the budget emphasized investing in new capabilities, including digital infrastructure and R&D, advancing the green transition by raising the carbon tax and setting a net-zero emissions target by around 2050, and strengthening the social compact through enhancements to lower-wage worker support, retirement adequacy, and healthcare reforms.
Revenue enhancements were announced, including higher personal income tax rates for top earners, increased property tax rates for non-owner-occupied and high-value homes, and a staggered GST increase from 7% to 9% starting in 2023, accompanied by an enhanced Assurance Package to cushion the impact on Singaporeans.
The budget also detailed adjustments to foreign worker policies, such as raising qualifying salaries for Employment Pass and S Pass holders, and reflected a revised fiscal outlook with lower-than-expected draws on past reserves for COVID-19 relief, while maintaining deficits for FY2021 and FY2022.

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18 Feb 2022

Requests by Homeless and Rough Sleepers for Temporary Accommodation or Shelters in 2021 and Options Available

In 2021, 270 unique applicants sought shelter at Safe Sound Sleeping Places (S3Ps) with a 61% admission rate, and 860 applied to Transitional Shelters (TSes) with a 62% admission rate, with no waiting lists for these facilities.
The Ministry for Social and Family Development coordinates closely with HDB and community partners through multi-agency night walks to provide customized support for rough sleepers, though some individuals with housing options choose to remain on the streets due to personal preferences.
MSF is working with academia to assess the rough sleeping population and has seen increased engagement during the pandemic, leading to more rough sleepers accepting assistance for stable housing.

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18 Feb 2022

Take-up Rate of Trust Services for Persons with Disabilities from Low- and Middle-income Families

The Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) manages 889 trust accounts, with 65% set up by families living in HDB flats, and the Ministry fully funds its operating costs to keep services affordable with a low $5,000 initial capital requirement.
SNTC offers financial assistance and the GOAL scheme to help low-income families cover the initial $5,000 for trust setup, including matching grants and insurance provisions to ensure long-term care funds.
The Ministry is exploring ways to maintain affordability and accessibility for low- and middle-income families, with plans to assess gaps in demand after the GOAL scheme matures.

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18 Feb 2022

Impact of Rise in Hybrid Working Arrangements on CPF Contributions

The Minister for Manpower confirmed that CPF contributions have not been adversely affected by the rise in hybrid work arrangements, with obligations applying equally to all employees, including those working remotely for overseas employers.
Employers are legally required to pay mandatory CPF contributions based on wages earned in Singapore, and employees can voluntarily contribute up to $37,740 annually to boost their retirement savings.
The CPF Board uses detection systems, reporting mechanisms, and proactive audits to ensure compliance, and will enforce penalties against employers who fail to meet their CPF obligations.

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15 Feb 2022

Progress of Efforts to Encourage Eligible Singaporeans to Take Up CareShield Life

Murali Pillai inquired about the progress, promotional steps, and processing times for older Singaporeans enrolling in CareShield Life since November 2021.
Ong Ye Kung referred him to a prior written answer from February 2022 that detailed voluntary enrolment data, profiles, and premium details for those born before 1980.
The response indicates that specific statistics and processing timelines for auto-enrolled ElderShield 400 policyholders were addressed in the earlier official report.

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15 Feb 2022

Data on Caregiving-related Expenditures Incurred by Families Caring for Elderly Persons

Carrie Tan asked if the Ministry of Health tracks annual caregiving expenditures for families caring for elderly persons based on the number of daily activities they assist with, where such data is published, and whether the Home Caregiving Grant will be enhanced for different care needs.
Ong Ye Kung stated that while MOH does not track expenses by specific daily activity needs, it monitors care service expenses and reviews financial support, noting the Home Caregiving Grant provides a $200 monthly cash grant for eligible individuals with permanent moderate disability and is being studied for enhancement.
The Minister highlighted other financial support measures including subsidies for long-term care, the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund, and cash payouts from CareShield Life, ElderShield, and MediSave Care, with additional help available through AIC Link or Social Service Offices.

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15 Feb 2022

Extending GST Voucher Scheme to Seniors Whose Homes Exceed $21,000 Annual Value but Who Have Little Cash Savings

Joan Pereira proposed extending the GST Voucher scheme to seniors living in homes with an annual value above $21,000 who have little cash savings and no family support.
Lawrence Wong explained that eligibility is based on Assessable Income and Annual Value as proxies for means, noting that properties above $21,000 are typically private and indicate greater resources.
The Ministry of Finance considers appeals from those in financial hardship who do not qualify, and seniors also benefit from other support schemes like the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation packages.
The GST Voucher scheme is regularly reviewed to ensure it targets those most in need.

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14 Feb 2022

Anticipated Respective Budgets Required for Each of Next Five Years for Expansion of Seniors' Mobility & Enabling Fund and Assistive Technology Fund

Mr Pritam Singh asked the Minister for Health about the anticipated budgets for each of the next five years to expand the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund and the Assistive Technology Fund as announced in January 2022.
The estimated average additional annual budget for the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund expansion is $49 million over the next five years, compared to an average annual utilisation of $27 million in the previous five years.
The estimated annual budget for the Assistive Technology Fund over the next five years is $7 million, compared to an average annual utilisation of $4 million in the previous five years.

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14 Feb 2022

Number of Persons with Caring Responsibilities Approaching Agency for Integrated Care for Assistance and Types of Help Provided in Last Five Years

Over the last five years, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) received an average of 100,000 enquiries per year, but this figure does not represent unique individuals and AIC does not track whether enquirers were caregivers or the duration of assistance.
AIC supports caregivers by referring seniors to eldercare services such as day care, home care, palliative care, nursing homes, and respite care, with about 34,000 seniors referred annually over the past five years.
AIC administers support schemes including the Caregivers' Training Grant, Home Caregiving Grant, and expanded Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund, with around 34,400 beneficiaries receiving the Home Caregiving Grant and 19,500 receiving the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund in 2021.

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14 Feb 2022

Voluntary Enrolment of Persons Born Before 1980 into CareShield Life Scheme to-Date and Their Profile and Premium Payable

As of end-January 2022, about 537,000 ElderShield 400 policyholders born from 1970 to 1979 were automatically enrolled into CareShield Life, and around 60,000 voluntary applications from persons born before 1980 were approved.
Premiums for upgrading from ElderShield 400 to CareShield Life in 2022 vary by age and gender, with annual premiums for 50-year-olds around $470 (male) and $600 (female), and for 65-year-olds around $630 (male) and $830 (female).
The government is conducting outreach to encourage voluntary enrolment and offers participation incentives of up to $4,000 for those born before 1980 who join by 31 December 2023, to be offset over 10 years.

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14 Feb 2022

Increasing Current Annual Withdrawal Limit for Outpatient Flexi-MediSave in View of Rising Outpatient Healthcare Costs

Patrick Tay Teck Guan proposed raising the current annual withdrawal limit for outpatient Flexi-MediSave to address rising healthcare costs.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the limit was recently increased to $300 in 2021 and most patients did not exhaust this amount, noting ongoing reviews to balance affordability and future savings.
The Ministry highlighted alternative support through MediFund and medical social workers for patients unable to afford treatments after subsidies and MediSave use.

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14 Feb 2022

Measures to Prevent Duplication of Food Given Out by Charities to Reduce Manpower Wastage and Ensure Consistency in Distribution Quantities

The Ministry for Social and Family Development has established the Charity Food Workgroup with various agencies and food support organisations to coordinate efforts, reduce duplication, and minimise food wastage.
Initiatives such as community shops, meal redemptions, and vending machines allow beneficiaries to choose their food needs, improving efficiency and preserving dignity.
Local food coordinators have been appointed in three areas to manage and deconflict food support efforts, and a food directory database is being developed to enable better matching and coordination.
The workgroup is also collaborating on a Private Member’s Bill to encourage food donations and reduce wastage while ensuring food safety.

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