Social welfare — Topics

14 Feb 2022

Additional Funding Received by Social Service Agencies to Cope with COVID-19 Pandemic in Past Two Years

Over the past two years, all Social Service Agencies (SSAs) received support through the Jobs Support Scheme, and MSF maintained funding at pre-COVID-19 levels even when caseloads decreased.
MSF provided additional funding to all programs during FY2020 and FY2021 to cover ancillary COVID-19 costs, such as a 5.6% increase in funding for Family Service Centres and a 2.9% rise for residential homes.
SSAs also benefited from other support measures, including the ComChest Emergency Fund, The Invictus Fund (which raised $10 million from the community and received an additional $18.9 million from the government) to help with business continuity and technology transformation.

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14 Feb 2022

Reasonable Staff-to-client Ratio for Social Service Agencies under Guidelines for MSF-funded Programmes

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) funds about 90 Social Service Agencies (SSAs) to run around 50 different programmes, with staff-to-client ratios varying based on factors like client risk level, case complexity, and intervention type.
As of end-2021, approximately 15% of the recommended staffing positions across MSF-funded programmes were unfilled, and the ministry engages SSAs facing hiring challenges to provide support, including supervision services and initiatives like the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package.
MSF periodically reviews staffing models to ensure service standards and reasonable workloads, with programmes like Family Service Centres having flexibility in hiring and case distribution based on risk and complexity.

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14 Feb 2022

Approval Process for Subsidised Home Broadband Internet Connectivity for Low-income Households from 2020 to 2021

Over 11,000 low-income households received subsidised broadband from April 2020 under Home Access 3.0, with application processes streamlined to remove the need to submit supporting documents like NRIC and income copies.
Applications can be made online or via hardcopy, and all applicants can check their status on an online platform using SingPass, with hardcopy approval letters provided as an additional confirmation.
As of December 2021, one ISP (MyRepublic) allowed remote activation via hotline, while the other (M1) initially required in-person submission of hardcopy approval letters but will introduce call-in activation from March 2022.

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14 Feb 2022

Local Efforts to Coordinate and Oversee Relief and Fundraising Initiatives to Help Malaysians Affected by Recent Floods

The Minister highlighted that fundraising for foreign charitable causes requires a permit from the Commissioner of Charities to ensure funds are used for legitimate purposes.
The public is encouraged to support appeals from registered charities like the Singapore Red Cross or use trusted crowdfunding platforms that adhere to the Code of Practice for Online Charitable Fund-raising Appeals.
While informal ground-up efforts are welcomed, donors are advised to be discerning and verify the legitimacy of appeals before contributing.
The Commissioner of Charities can investigate and act against fraudulent fundraising appeals to protect donors.
Individuals and groups are encouraged to partner with experienced charities to ensure efficient and effective relief efforts.

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14 Feb 2022

Breakdown on Financial Aid Per Capita Provided to Students in Tertiary Institutions

Seah Kian Peng asked for a per capita breakdown of financial aid for students in NUS, Yale-NUS, Polytechnics, ITE, and private universities like SIM.
The Minister of State for Education outlined tiered bursaries, with the highest support for lower-income households, including $6,200 annually for autonomous university students and $2,750 for polytechnic students.
ITE students receive $1,500 in cash bursary plus fully covered tuition fees, while private university students get no government aid and must seek PEI or commercial loans.

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14 Feb 2022

Support for Children with Special Needs and Their Caregivers

The ministers outlined a comprehensive support framework for children with special needs, including early detection through developmental screenings, tailored educational pathways in mainstream or special education schools, and transition planning to post-school life and employment, while emphasizing the critical role of parents as partners.
Caregivers can access resources through SG Enable's Enabling Guide, training workshops, respite services, and mental health hotlines, with community initiatives like Project 3i fostering peer support and professional guidance.
Multiple MPs highlighted the need for better coordination, more strategic information sharing, proactive registries for caregivers, and stronger community involvement to prevent tragedies and ensure holistic support across national, community, and family levels.

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12 Jan 2022

Closure of CPF Account and Discontinuation of CPF Life Policy for Singaporeans Who Renounced Citizenship and Permanent Residents Who Returned to Their Home Countries

Singaporeans who renounce citizenship and PRs who leave Singapore are encouraged to close their CPF accounts and discontinue CPF LIFE, as they no longer intend to retire in Singapore.
The CPF Board reminds these individuals to close accounts via notifications and website; failure to close promptly does not immediately terminate CPF LIFE.
While accounts remain open, the monies continue to earn the same prevailing CPF interest rates until closure is processed.

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12 Jan 2022

Households with One Person Requiring Adult Diapers on Regular Basis and Median Expenditure and Financial Support Available for Such Purchases

MOH does not track the number of households with at least one person requiring adult diapers on a regular basis, though seniors can apply for subsidies via the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF).
In 2021, over 6,100 seniors applied for SMF for home healthcare items, with about 5,700 specifically for adult diapers, and the median expenditure per person was around $400 for the nine-month period from April to December 2021 before subsidies.
Eligible seniors can receive up to 80% subsidy for adult diapers through SMF, subject to an annual subsidy cap.

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12 Jan 2022

Transport Assistance Measures Available for Patients with Mobility Needs Requiring Multiple Medical Appointments

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Ministry of Health about transport costs for patients with mobility needs who have multiple medical appointments and available assistance measures.
The Ministry of Health does not track such costs as they vary based on transport type, appointment frequency, and proximity to home.
Seniors unable to travel independently can use the Medical Escort and Transport service for appointments at hospitals, specialist outpatient clinics, and polyclinics.
Eligible seniors can receive up to 80% subsidy through the MET service by contacting the Agency for Integrated Care hotline or visiting an AIC Link.

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12 Jan 2022

Extension of Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme for COVID-19 Vaccination under National Vaccination Programme to Delayed Serious Side Effect Cases

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim proposed extending the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme for COVID-19 vaccination to cover serious side effects that appear long after vaccination, with clear expert confirmation of a link to the vaccine.
Minister Ong Ye Kung noted that serious side effects from vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, are rare and typically mild, though they can occasionally develop up to six weeks after vaccination.
The Ministry of Health will thoroughly review applications to the programme, considering medical details and scientific evidence to determine eligibility.

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12 Jan 2022

Beneficiaries of COVID-19 Recovery Grant

Melvin Yong asked how many individuals have been supported by the COVID-19 Recovery Grant and how many were assisted per tranche
As of 31 December 2021, about 27,500 individuals had been supported, with 22,000 receiving one tranche and 5,500 receiving two tranches
Each tranche provides three months of support, and the grant’s application period has been extended to 31 December 2022
From 1 January 2022, eligible individuals can receive up to three tranches of support over 2021 and 2022
The government continues to provide financial assistance to those significantly affected by the pandemic through the extended CRG

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12 Jan 2022

Update on Legal Aid Provided under Amended Legal Aid and Advice Act

Murali Pillai inquired about the number of applications received and approved under the amended Legal Aid and Advice Act, which allows discretionary legal aid even if applicants fail the means test, and the grounds for granting such discretion.
K Shanmugam explained that discretion is exercised by considering whether legal fees would cause significant hardship, including unmet basic needs, long-term financial challenges like health or caregiving, and availability of support from family or other schemes.
Since 2019, the Means Test Panel has waived requirements for five out of seven appeals, with two cases not proceeding, while the Minister has not yet exercised discretionary powers due to no appeals to them.

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12 Jan 2022

Criteria for Institutions of a Public Character to be Allowed to Cater to Sectional Interests

Leon Perera inquired about the criteria for Institutions of a Public Character (IPCs) to cater to sectional interests, the number and names of organizations granted such allowances, and whether the criteria could be expanded to help groups facing fundraising difficulties during COVID-19.
Edwin Tong explained that the government supports charities through initiatives like the Community Chest’s Change for Charity, donation-matching schemes, and digital transformation programs such as the Charities Lean Forward series and Tech-and-Go! hub.
IPCs are required to serve the community broadly, but the Minister can grant waivers on a case-by-case basis for exceptional cases, such as the four self-help groups (CDAC, Yayasan Mendaki, SINDA, Eurasian Association), which complement government efforts while also serving all ethnic groups.
Charities seeking waivers must justify their request in their IPC application to the Commissioner of Charities, reflecting the government’s balanced approach to regulatory standards and community needs.

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12 Jan 2022

Leveraging Latest Technology to Build Lift Access for HDB Blocks that Do Not have Full Direct Lift Access

HDB has adopted innovative solutions like machine room-less elevators and bubble lifts to provide direct lift access to over 5,300 blocks, with about 150 blocks still facing technical or cost constraints.
The Lift Upgrading Programme was launched in 2001 to improve accessibility, especially for the elderly and less mobile residents, and pilot trials continue to explore alternatives like powered stair climbers.
As of December 2021, 28 out of 35 applications for the Lift Access Housing Grant were approved, providing up to $30,000 for residents needing urgent lift access due to medical or mobility reasons.
HDB continues to explore new methods to reduce costs and improve accessibility for the remaining blocks without direct lift access.
The government remains committed to leveraging technology and grants to enhance living conditions for residents in HDB blocks without full lift access.

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12 Jan 2022

Ensuring Workers Not Covered by Progressive Wage Models and Local Qualifying Salary Scheme Will Earn Monthly Salary of At Least $1,400

Gerald Giam asked how many workers earning under $1,400 are in firms with over 10 employees but no foreigners, and how they would be ensured a minimum wage of $1,400 after September 2022, since the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS) does not apply to such firms.
Tan See Leng explained that measures like the Progressive Wage Model and LQS would cover 234,000 lower-wage workers from September 2022, with only about 2,000 workers in firms with over 10 employees and no foreigners earning under $1,400, mostly in small family businesses.
The Minister stated that market forces and wage increases in sectors like cleaning and security would eventually lift wages for uncovered workers, with entry-level cleaners and security officers seeing significant cumulative wage growth by 2028.
The Government is enhancing the Workfare Income Supplement scheme to provide higher cash and CPF top-ups to lower-wage workers from 2023, and introducing the Progressive Wage Mark to incentivize employers to adopt progressive wages.
The Ministry will continue implementing more Progressive Wage Models in 2022 and 2023, and require government suppliers to obtain the PW Mark to support wage uplifts for lower-wage workers.

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12 Jan 2022

Measures to Promote Flexible Work Arrangements for Work-life Harmony and to Facilitate Caregivers and Women Returning to Workforce

The government has implemented a range of support measures for caregivers, including subsidized childcare and eldercare services, financial assistance for disability care, and the introduction of flexible work arrangements through tripartite standards and advisory resources to help manage work-life harmony.
Workforce Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore provide employment facilitation programs, such as the Career Trial and Career Conversion Programmes, along with training support and wage subsidies to help caregivers, including women returning to the workforce, reskill and secure jobs.
Initiatives like the Workfare Income Supplement, Silver Support Scheme, and CPF top-up incentives aim to bolster the financial resilience and retirement adequacy of caregivers, with particular attention to those who faced lower incomes during their caregiving years.
The Ministry of Manpower and tripartite partners are enhancing outreach to elderly caregivers through 24 SGUnited Jobs and Skills Centres, career coaching, and community mentorship programs, while encouraging employers to adopt progressive HR practices and flexible work arrangements to support diverse workforce needs.

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11 Jan 2022

Breakdown of Monthly CPF Payout of Singapore Citizens Currently and in 10 Years' Time

Hazel Poa requested data on the current number of Singapore Citizens receiving monthly CPF payouts in specific income brackets and projected figures for 10 years’ time.
Minister Tan See Leng noted that CPF payouts have increased across generations due to income growth, higher labour force participation, and system improvements, with older cohorts receiving lower payouts due to earlier withdrawals.
He stated that accurate long-term projections are challenging due to changing CPF balances, but data for the cohort turning 55 in 2020 shows about 66% can meet the Basic Retirement Sum for at least $800 monthly payouts, with many eligible for higher amounts.
The Silver Support Scheme and other government assistance are highlighted as additional support for seniors with lower CPF savings, covering up to one-third of those aged 65 and above.

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11 Jan 2022

Proposal to Provide Guidelines for Singapore Donors Who Wish to Donate to Charities Based Overseas

Member Zhulkarnain asked the Ministry to provide guidelines and a list of overseas charity regulators for Singapore donors wishing to donate to foreign-based charities.
The Ministry encouraged donors to be vigilant, noting that foreign charities are not regulated by Singapore’s Commissioner of Charities and that online anonymity complicates verification.
Donors are advised to give through Singapore-registered charities or entities with a fundraising permit for foreign causes, which ensures accountability and allows verification via the Charity Portal.
To verify foreign charities, donors should check registration with the relevant overseas authority, which can be done online, though Singapore does not maintain a list of such regulators.
The Commissioner will continue public education to promote safer giving practices and empower donors to make informed decisions.

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11 Jan 2022

Number of ComCare Applications where Applicant’s Declaration of Debt Expenses as Part of Basic Living Expenses are Not Approved

The Minister stated that Social Service Offices do not track the number of ComCare applications where debt expenses are declared as part of basic living expenses.
Debt expenses are not considered part of basic living expenses in ComCare assessments because they may relate to personal financial decisions and asset-building, making it inappropriate to fund their repayment with public resources.
Social Service Offices assist households in managing debts by connecting them with relevant agencies for installment plans, credit counseling, and financial literacy programs.

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11 Jan 2022

Update on Recipients of COVID-19 Recovery Grant

Dennis Tan asked whether the Ministry tracks how many COVID-19 Recovery Grant (CRG) recipients obtained new jobs after the grant ended, and to provide the number to date.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) does not track job outcomes after CRG disbursement but offers job search and training resources to recipients and works with partners to support prolonged cases.
As of 31 December 2021, about 5,500 CRG recipients received a second tranche of assistance, which can indicate ongoing need.

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