Social welfare — Topics

3 Nov 2021

Proposal to Review Social Assistance Payouts to Take into Account Debts of Those Retrenched Such As Renovation Loans and Insurance Payments

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked if social assistance schemes could review the treatment of debts like renovation loans and insurance payments for middle-income professionals losing jobs.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli explained that while programs like the COVID-19 Recovery Grant and ComCare provide temporary financial support, cash assistance prioritizes basic daily living expenses and does not cover loans or instalment payments.
The Minister noted that social service offices assist households with debt management by referring them to financial counsellors and restructuring services, and the government regularly reviews support measures to meet Singaporeans' needs.

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3 Nov 2021

Take-up for Enhancement for Active Seniors Programme and Plans to Build Elderly-, Child- and Disabled-friendly Features in HDB Flats and Estates

The Ministry of National Development has incorporated universal design principles in all new HDB developments since 2006, including barrier-free access, wider corridors, and features like three-generation playgrounds to serve residents across all life stages.
The Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme, which provides safety and mobility enhancements for seniors, has benefited over 242,000 households as of September 2021, alongside other initiatives like short-lease Flexi flats and Community Care Apartments.
HDB is reviewing the pilot Wheelchair Lifter Programme, launched in 2018, which has seen positive feedback from users, and will consider expanding it to more estates based on the outcome of the review.

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3 Nov 2021

Students' Low-cost Access to High-speed Internet Outside of School

The Ministry is committed to providing affordable digital access to students, with programs like NEU PC Plus and Home Access subsidizing devices and broadband for low-income households, benefiting over 20,000 such households from 2020 to 2021.
During home-based learning, schools loaned devices to students without Internet access, and free Wireless@SG is available at public spaces, while broadband speeds under subsidized programs were increased to 500Mbps in 2020 to support typical family activities.
The Ministry will continue reviewing initiatives to ensure affordable high-speed Internet access for students outside school, with eligibility criteria allowing reapplication for Home Access and NEU PC Plus programs without a limit on the number of times.

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3 Nov 2021

Continuity of School Financial Assistance when Students are Posted from One School to Another

The Ministry of Education’s Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) is provided yearly and continues seamlessly if a student transfers schools during the school year without needing to re-apply, with applications for progressing students handled at their current school.
For students entering Institutes of Higher Learning, MOE shares a list of former FAS recipients to enable institutions to proactively offer financial support.
A resident’s concern about a retrenched parent waiting until late December to apply for school-based FAS was addressed by noting that ComCare can facilitate simultaneous assessments for financial aid, including school-based FAS, and once a student’s posting is confirmed, schools will expedite the disbursement of school-based FAS funds.

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3 Nov 2021

Expected ComCare Assistance Payouts in FY2021

In FY2020, ComCare cash assistance rose to $236 million, a 56% increase from FY2019, with around 96,000 beneficiaries, largely due to the economic impact of COVID-19 and increased flexibility from Social Service Offices.
The government extended support for existing beneficiaries and provided at least six months of assistance to most new beneficiaries between April and December 2020 to help them stabilize their circumstances.
ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) offers cash aid, bill support, and employment assistance to low-income individuals and families temporarily unable to work or earning a low income.
For FY2021, early data shows a steady decrease in beneficiaries compared to FY2020, with expectations that numbers and payouts will not remain at FY2020 levels but may still be higher than pre-COVID-19 levels in FY2019.
MSF continues to collaborate with other agencies and community partners to support those in need, encouraging volunteers and referrals through the ComCare hotline and local service offices.

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2 Nov 2021

Steps to Prevent Back Flow of Salary Payment from Employee to Employer under Jobs Support Scheme and Mechanism for Employees to Report Such Cases

The Jobs Support Scheme payouts are based on CPF contributions and wage data, with the CPF Board auditing employers to ensure accuracy.
The CPF Board is piloting a CPF Contribution Alert to send employees personalized notifications for verifying declared wages and contributions against their payslip.
Employees and whistleblowers can report non-compliance of CPF contributions directly to the CPF Board.

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2 Nov 2021

Proposal to Extend Tuition Fee Loan Scheme to More Educational Institutions under CPF Education loan Scheme

The Ministry of Education confirmed that all Approved Educational Institutions under the CPF Education Loan Scheme are covered by the Tuition Fee Loan (TFL) scheme except for two publicly-funded arts institutions: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and LASALLE College of the Arts.
The Ministry is considering extending the TFL scheme to NAFA and LASALLE, while currently affected students can access Government bursaries and financial aid from the institutions.

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2 Nov 2021

Amount of Quarantine Order Allowance Distributed to Affected Persons and Average Waiting Time

S$16.2 million has been distributed to eligible applicants under the Quarantine Order Allowance scheme.
Payouts are typically processed within three months of application submission.
A recent surge in applications over the past two months has prompted MOH to expedite processing.

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2 Nov 2021

Proposal to Raise Singapore Allowance for Low-income Government Pensioners in View of Inflation

Mr Murali Pillai asked if the Singapore Allowance for low-income government pensioners will be raised to counter inflation.
The government noted the Singapore Allowance was last revised in 2019 and, after a recent review, was retained due to low inflation, with periodic reviews continuing.
Additional support for eligible pensioners includes GST vouchers, CDC vouchers, grocery vouchers, and service and conservancy charge rebates.
Pensioners meeting Pioneer or Merdeka Generation criteria also receive Medisave top-ups, outpatient subsidies, and MediShield Life premium support.

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2 Nov 2021

Central Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill

The Minister for Manpower introduced the CPF (Amendment) Bill 2021, linking it to the earlier Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill 2021.
The Minister noted that the amendments for both bills had already been explained in a prior debate, though members could raise additional questions.
The Bill was moved for a Second Reading, put to a question, and agreed to by the House.
The House resolved into a Committee of the whole House to consider the Bill, which was reported without amendment.
The Bill was then read a Third time and passed by the Singapore Parliament.

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2 Nov 2021

Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill

The Minister emphasized that the tripartite consensus retains the statutory retirement and re-employment ages as essential safeguards, with plans to raise them to 65 and 70 respectively by 2030, starting with the first increase in July 2022.
Discussions highlighted the importance of fair re-employment practices, including early communication, medical fitness considerations, and flexible job role adjustments, while noting that over 95% of re-employed workers retain their existing wages and benefits.
The CPF amendments aim to simplify processes without altering withdrawal rules, ensure early access for those with significant conditions, and maintain the Payout Eligibility Age at 65, while addressing member concerns on communication and education.

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2 Nov 2021

Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill

The Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill aims to raise the retirement and re-employment ages progressively to 65 and 70 respectively by 2030, allowing older workers to continue contributing to the economy and providing businesses access to experienced workers.
Speakers supported the Bills but emphasized the need for additional measures, such as expediting fair employment legislation to prevent age discrimination, promoting fundamental changes in HR policies like flexible work arrangements, and redesigning jobs to leverage seniors' strengths.
The CPF (Amendment) Bill includes provisions to simplify the distribution of un-nominated CPF monies through a beneficiary representative, with safeguards to protect beneficiaries' interests and expedite disbursements, though some members raised concerns about potential disputes and accessibility for overseas beneficiaries.

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1 Nov 2021

Assisting Lower-income Groups to Remain Connected through Reliable and Affordable Telecommunications Plans

The Ministry of Communications and Information, through IMDA’s schemes like Home Access, NEU PC Plus, and Mobile Access for Seniors, provides subsidised internet connectivity and digital devices to lower-income groups, keeping out-of-pocket costs affordable, such as fibre broadband from $6/month and mobile plans from $5/month.
Eligible ComCare beneficiaries receive comprehensive support including telecommunications items, with seamless access to IMDA’s Home Access scheme if they lack existing broadband plans; devices come with pre-installed security, warranty coverage, and are sufficient for daily productivity and leisure needs.
The Government regularly reviews these schemes to align with market offerings and digital needs, while emphasising user responsibility for cyber hygiene, such as updating software and avoiding suspicious content, complemented by public education efforts from the Cyber Security Agency to enhance digital safety skills.

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1 Nov 2021

Social Services and Plans to Keep Seniors Meaningfully Engaged Despite COVID-19 Restrictions

The Ministry of Health is supporting partners to pivot senior engagement to virtual platforms, with agencies like the Council for Third Age and Eldercare Centres moving activities online while the SG Digital Office trains seniors in digital skills.
The Silver Generation Office introduced tele-engagements and helplines for tele-befriending and counselling, alongside AIC’s hotline for eldercare information, to support vulnerable seniors remotely.
For essential face-to-face interactions, safe management measures allow social, recreational, and befriending services to continue at Senior Care Centres and Active Ageing Care Hubs.
The government emphasizes that family support remains a key pillar in keeping seniors engaged and safe, complementing community and government efforts.

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1 Nov 2021

Making Available More Affordable or Subsidised Treatment for Mental Health Given Likely Increase in Cases during COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Darryl David raised concerns about the need for more affordable or subsidised mental health treatment given the likely increase in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the government has expanded mental health initiatives and that existing subsidies apply to mental health services, with eligible patients receiving up to 75% subsidies at public clinics.
Mental health treatment is covered under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) and Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP), with subsidies and MediSave usage available to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
For inpatient treatment, patients receive up to 80% subsidies at public hospitals and can use MediShield Life and MediSave, with MediFund available for those unable to afford treatment.
The Minister emphasised that no Singaporean is denied access to appropriate mental health treatment due to inability to pay.

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1 Nov 2021

Help for Less Digitally Savvy Singaporeans to Use Community Development Council E-vouchers

The Ministry, through CDCs and partners like GovTech, has rolled out a new digital CDC Vouchers Scheme with extensive onboarding support for merchants, including trained ambassadors, business advisers, and outreach to merchant associations.
For less digitally savvy residents, assistance is available at Community Clubs, RC/RN centres, and through SG Digital Ambassadors, with printed vouchers as an option and step-by-step guides in multiple languages.
The scheme aims to reduce paper use and improve convenience by moving to e-vouchers, supported by trials and feedback from users, hawkers, and merchants.

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1 Nov 2021

Plans and Targets to Expand Day and Home Care Capacity to Promote Ageing-in-place

Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that since 2015, 4,600 day care and 3,100 home care places were added to support ageing-in-place.
Plans include rolling out the Eldercare Centre service model to over 200 centres by 2024 to provide active ageing programmes and community support.
New care pilots, such as night respite for dementia patients, are reviewed for cost-effectiveness and scalability before potential mainstreaming, with some pilots extended post-COVID.

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1 Nov 2021

Extending Workfare Income Supplement to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents Who Work as Food Delivery Riders

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Ministry for Manpower would extend the Workfare Income Supplement to Singaporean and Permanent Resident food delivery riders.
The Minister for Manpower clarified that the scheme already tops up incomes of lower-earning Singaporeans, including both employees and self-employed persons across all occupations.
The Minister noted that the scheme aims to encourage regular work and build up CPF savings for eligible Singaporeans.

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1 Nov 2021

Support for Children whose Parents or Caregivers are Embroiled in Drug-related Offences

A whole-of-society approach provides social, financial, and educational support for children affected by parental drug-related offences, with agencies like MSF, Family Service Centres, and community partners coordinating care.
At arrest, law enforcement checks for children’s immediate needs, ensures caregiver arrangements, and refers cases with protection concerns to Child Protective Services or Family Service Centres for follow-up.
Schools offer a supportive environment with counselling, after-school care, and engagement programmes to help students facing family stressors, while prisons collaborate with community groups on mentoring, tuition, and family bonding initiatives.
Support programmes track children’s mental health, physical needs, and academic outcomes through referrals, counselling, and coordinated interventions across agencies.

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1 Nov 2021

Review of Government Social Assistance Payouts Given Recent Study on Minimum Income Standards for Households in Singapore

Seah Kian Peng asked whether the Ministry will review social assistance payouts, including the Public Assistance Scheme, following a study on minimum income standards for Singapore households.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that the government provides a holistic, progressive system of support through broad-based subsidies and targeted schemes like ComCare, which is regularly reviewed to keep pace with living costs, with the last increase in July 2019.
He noted limitations of the study, such as its non-representative sample and inclusion of discretionary expenses, while acknowledging it offers useful insights for policy and encourages broader societal conversations on support.
The government emphasized its commitment to strengthening social support and services while encouraging individuals, groups, and corporations to contribute to building a more caring society.

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