Social welfare — Topics

11 Jan 2022

Outcome of Cases Lodged with Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents over Past Three Years

From January 2019 to September 2021, 317 cases were lodged with the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents, with 289 (91%) resolved at the office and 28 (9%) referred to the tribunal.
Out of the 317 cases, 48 (15%) were referred for financial assistance, and from September to December 2021, five cases were referred for counselling services.
The office also referred elderly parents and children for social and emotional support at Family Service Centres and other agencies, but data on such referrals before September 2021 was not tracked.

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11 Jan 2022

Proposal for Foldable Wheelchair Lifts to be Installed at HDB Blocks without Lift Access on Every Floor

Gerald Giam asked if HDB plans to install foldable wheelchair lifts in blocks where lifts don't stop on every floor, to assist residents with mobility issues.
The Minister explained that foldable wheelchair lifts are not feasible due to fire safety regulations, as they would obstruct escape paths and introduce electrical fire risks.
HDB is instead piloting powered stair climbers as an alternative, which can help wheelchairs traverse stairs with assistance.
Most blocks without full lift access have been upgraded, and for the remaining blocks, HDB is exploring cost-reduction and accessibility alternatives.
Residents needing urgent lift access can apply for a Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 when purchasing a flat with direct lift access.

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11 Jan 2022

Availability of Respite Care Places for Seniors with Short-term Care Needs

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Ministry of Health about the current number of respite care places, how many are available, and whether demand has increased due to the pandemic.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated there are over 450 respite care places as of end-December 2021, with availability being fluid as providers activate places based on service requests.
He noted that the take-up rate for respite care decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic as caregivers preferred to minimize community exposure for seniors.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the evolving needs of Singapore's ageing population regarding respite care.

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11 Jan 2022

Amounts Allocated to Enhance Employment and Employability for Youths with Special Needs

The government allocated approximately $4.2 million in FY2020 and FY2021 to support youth transition and internship programmes, benefiting about 160 youths with disabilities in FY2020.
Multiple schemes like the Open Door Programme, Enabling Employment Credit, and Jobs Growth Incentive have placed thousands of persons with disabilities into jobs and provided wage support to employers.
Initiatives are being expanded, including extending the School-to-Work programme and launching new training and employment schemes under the National Jobs Council.
The government is implementing recommendations from the Third Enabling Masterplan and plans to further strengthen disability-inclusive employment efforts in the upcoming Enabling Masterplan 2030.

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11 Jan 2022

Review of Income Ceiling for Public Rental Scheme

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked whether the government would raise the income ceiling for the Public Rental Scheme due to rising HDB resale and rental prices.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB prioritizes low-income families without support or other housing options using a holistic, needs-based approach.
The $1,500 income guideline is not a strict ceiling, and applicants are assessed on their household circumstances, housing budget, and alternatives.
Those without other housing options will be assisted with a public rental flat regardless of income.

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11 Jan 2022

Review of Household Income and Per Capita Income Criteria for ComCare Assistance Given Rising Inflation

Edward Chia asked the Minister for Social and Family Development if the Ministry would review household and per capita income criteria for ComCare assistance given rising inflation and slower economic growth.
The Minister stated that ComCare assistance is assessed holistically with flexible criteria, not strict thresholds, and that eligibility is reviewed every two to three years, with the last review in 2019 and a new review planned for this year.
Edward Chia followed up by asking about reducing the time lag between reviews and cost-of-living increases, and whether the short-to-medium-term assistance periods could be extended to lessen anxiety for families.
The Minister explained that review periods are guidelines to help assess needs, and that assistance periods have been automatically extended during crises like COVID-19 to ensure continued support.
The Minister emphasized the importance of community involvement and encouraged referring those in need to ComCare hotlines or local service centers for assistance.

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11 Jan 2022

Measures to Help Singaporeans Cope with Rising Inflation and Impact of Government's Fiscal Support for Businesses and Households on Inflation

The government has provided substantial fiscal support, including rebates for utilities, vouchers for groceries and transport, and income support schemes, to help Singaporeans cope with rising inflation, with emphasis on shielding lower-income households and seniors from cost pressures.
The planned GST increase from 7% to 9% remains part of long-term fiscal sustainability strategy, but the government will mitigate its impact through the $6 billion Assurance Package, delaying the effect by at least five years for most households and up to ten years for lower-income groups.
Officials attributed recent inflation primarily to global factors like energy and food prices, which are expected to be temporary, and emphasized structural measures such as wage growth, productivity support for businesses, and targeted assistance in Budget 2022 to address cost-of-living concerns.

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10 Jan 2022

Data on Workers Dropping Out of Re-employment or Retired Before Reaching Maximum Statutory Re-employment Age

Over 90% of eligible workers who wished to continue working were offered and accepted re-employment at age 62, with similar rates at subsequent re-employment ages.
The Minister did not provide specific data on how many workers dropped out of re-employment and retired early before reaching the maximum statutory re-employment age.
All CPF members can benefit from CPF LIFE, which provides monthly payouts for life, and those with low incomes may receive cash supplements under the Silver Support Scheme.

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10 Jan 2022

Update on Redemption of Community Development Council Vouchers

Edwin Tong reported that over three-quarters of the 1.3 million eligible households claimed their $100 CDC vouchers within the first month, with over $28 million redeemed, and that the scheme supports hawkers and heartland merchants affected by the pandemic.
Assistance for households that are not technologically savvy is available at Community Centres/Clubs, Residents’ Committee Centres, and through Digital Ambassadors and Silver Generation Ambassadors, with printed vouchers also provided upon request.
The government has promoted the scheme through digital display panels, newspaper ads, and social media, and launched an online search function to help residents find participating merchants.
Feedback from residents and merchants on the CDC Vouchers Scheme has been positive, citing ease of use and business support.

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10 Jan 2022

Regulation of Unregistered Non-profit or Charitable Ground-up Community Groups to Protect Donors and Beneficiaries

Sitoh Yih Pin asked how the Ministry monitors unregistered ground-up community groups with charitable objectives and protects donors and beneficiaries.
Edwin Tong Chun Fai acknowledged the value of informal community groups and encouraged them to register as charities to ensure accountability and good governance.
The Commissioner of Charities registers and regulates organizations with charitable purposes, and fundraising for such causes is also overseen under specific regulations.
The public is advised to verify an organization’s registration status and practice caution when donating to unregistered groups.
The COC takes a risk-based regulatory approach to protect donors and beneficiaries while supporting philanthropic efforts.

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10 Jan 2022

Annual Number of Seniors Aged 60 and Above who Passed Away Alone at Home in Past Five Years and Expected Trend

Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that in 2020, about 10% (88,000) of Singapore residents aged 60 and above lived alone, but the government does not track the number who passed away alone at home.
The Ministry of Health is implementing initiatives like Eldercare Centres and the Silver Generation Office to provide support, befriending, and outreach to seniors, especially those living alone or at risk of isolation.
The government aims to build a community of care through whole-of-society efforts, involving community partners and agencies to help seniors age well and receive necessary support.

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10 Jan 2022

Financial Aid for Beneficiaries who are Foreign Nationals or Foreign-based Institutions and Organisations in FY2020

Leong Mun Wai asked whether any government funds in FY2020 were given to foreign nationals or foreign-based institutions and organizations, and sought a detailed breakdown of the amounts.
Lawrence Wong stated that the government's priority is to benefit Singapore and Singaporeans, with examples including transfers like S&CC rebates and Workfare Income Supplement.
He explained that in some cases, funds are disbursed to Singapore-registered foreign companies, such as in the Jobs Support Scheme, to support local workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government does not track all beneficiaries of its schemes and therefore cannot provide the detailed breakdown requested.
Overall, the response emphasized that spending is designed to benefit Singaporeans, even if some disbursements go to foreign-owned companies operating in Singapore.

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10 Jan 2022

Proposal to Provide Financial Support for Bereaved Families to Offset Elevated COVID-19-Related Funeral Expenses

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked whether the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment would explore providing additional financial support for bereaved families to offset elevated COVID-19-related funeral expenses.
Grace Fu Hai Yien noted that funeral costs vary based on family preferences and that additional expenses may arise from COVID-19 safety requirements such as PPE for staff handling infectious bodies.
She highlighted that bereaved families can seek financial support from public and social service avenues, including Social Service Offices, for funeral expenses.

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10 Jan 2022

Additional Support for Persons Caring for Family Members with Dementia

MOH is implementing a multi-pronged approach that includes raising dementia awareness, expanding community and hospital care capacity, and providing targeted support for caregivers.
Community outreach and intervention teams, along with 14 Dementia-Friendly Communities, are being used to educate the public and create supportive environments for persons with dementia and their families.
Care accessibility is enhanced through dementia clinics in polyclinics and increased dementia day care places, while caregivers receive respite care options and financial support such as subsidies, disability grants, and insurance schemes.
MOH plans to continue reviewing dementia support needs in response to Singapore’s ageing population over the next 10 to 20 years.

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10 Jan 2022

Help to Alleviate Impact on Elderly and Disabled Commuters when Public Bus Services are Re-routed or Discontinued

The Minister for Transport stated that LTA balances operational and financial considerations when amending bus routes, aiming to minimize commuter inconvenience through adjustments like retaining and adjusting Service 65 and increasing Service 228 frequency on Bedok Reservoir Road.
LTA deploys service ambassadors at key bus stops during the initial days of route changes to guide commuters, including the elderly and disabled, and advise them on efficient travel routes.
LTA and the Public Transport Council collaborate with operators to promote an inclusive commuter culture, including growing the Caring Commuter Champion volunteer corps to assist vulnerable commuters.

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10 Jan 2022

Courage Fund Eligibility for COVID-19-positive Lower-income Persons Recovering at Home

The member asked whether individuals recovering at home with a positive COVID-19 test but without a formal isolation order are eligible for the Courage Fund.
The Minister clarified that such individuals are not eligible because their required self-isolation is short, and the fund targets households with protracted income loss.
Only those on a mandatory Home Recovery Programme or in a care facility with a longer isolation order qualify for the Courage Fund.
Households in need of support but not eligible for the Courage Fund can seek alternative assistance through the ComCare hotline or Social Service Offices.

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3 Nov 2021

Proposal to Work with Primary Care Network to Establish Appropriate Programmes for Frail and Pre-frail Seniors and Scaling up Healthy Ageing Promotion Programme for You

Member Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health whether the Government will work with primary care networks to create clinical pathways for frail and pre-frail seniors’ physical activity programmes, scale up the Healthy Ageing Promotion Programme for You (HAPPY), and foster collaboration among primary care physicians, community nurses, and social networks to support frail seniors.
Minister Ong Ye Kung responded that the Ministry of Health, Health Promotion Board, and healthcare clusters have implemented various senior support programmes, with HAPPY rolled out at over 110 locations since April 2019, though COVID-19 disrupted expansion; plans continue to scale up HAPPY as senior activities resume.
The minister highlighted existing collaboration where primary care providers, healthcare clusters, and community care providers work together, with Eldercare Centres linking seniors to services and community nursing teams providing assessments, referrals, and support, while the Silver Generation Office identifies vulnerable seniors and connects them to care and social agencies.

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3 Nov 2021

Update and Data on Subsidised Hawker Meals Provided to Recipients of Public Assistance Scheme through Meal Coupons or Special Grant Card

Leon Perera asked about the status, usage, and potential expansion of community-led schemes providing subsidised hawker meals to Public Assistance recipients via meal coupons or Special Grant Cards.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli stated that these are community initiatives and the Ministry does not have data on them, noting that government support for food needs is provided through ComCare cash assistance and grocery vouchers.
The Minister highlighted that the government collaborates with community partners and corporates through the Charity Food Workgroup to enhance food support for the needy.

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3 Nov 2021

Support for Primary and Secondary School Students who Suffer Bereavement from Death of Parent

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Ministry of Education for the annual number of primary and secondary school students who lost a parent over three years and the support provided for such bereavement.
The Ministry does not track the specific number of students who have lost a parent, but schools monitor affected students closely and teachers check in to provide support when informed of the bereavement.
Counselling is available for students struggling with grief, with referrals to community agencies for wraparound support, and financial assistance through schemes like the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme to cover fees, materials, transport, and meals.

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3 Nov 2021

Proportion of Students in Government-aided Schools who are Permanent Residents or International Students and with One Singaporean Parent

The Minister for Education stated that about 9% of students in government and government-aided schools are Permanent Residents and 4% are International Students.
A very small minority of these non-citizen students have at least one Singaporean parent and they do not qualify for the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme but can receive case-by-case support from their schools.
About 400 such students with at least one Singaporean parent are currently receiving support from the MOE.

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