Social welfare — Topics

1 Nov 2021

Taxation for a Dynamic and Fair 21st Century Economy

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim proposed introducing progressive wealth taxes, citing rising inequality and the need for a more diversified and fair revenue mix, while suggesting specific tiers on net worth above $10 million.
He argued that wealth taxes could enhance progressivity, reduce regressivity from other taxes like GST, and that global trends make Singapore’s low-tax advantage less critical for competitiveness.
Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah countered that Singapore’s current tax and transfer system is already highly progressive, with low overall tax burdens and strong redistribution through schemes like the GST Voucher.
She emphasized that wealth taxes are already in place via property and stamp duties, and that any new measures must balance revenue needs with competitiveness, as wealth and talent can move.
The government is reviewing its tax system to address structural challenges like aging, climate change, and social investments, while maintaining a dynamic, fair, and sustainable fiscal approach.

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1 Nov 2021

Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill

The bill raises the statutory retirement age to 65 and re-employment age to 70, with speakers supporting these changes but seeking safeguards on wage adjustments during re-employment to prevent unfair reductions for older workers.
Concerns are raised about conciliation timelines for re-employment disputes and medical fitness assessments, emphasizing the need for timely resolutions and protection against misuse of chronic illnesses to deny re-employment.
For the CPF amendments, speakers seek clarity on criteria for "specified significant conditions" allowing automatic disbursements, options to reallocate Medisave funds to retirement accounts, and safeguards in the new process for distributing un-nominated CPF monies to beneficiaries.

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1 Nov 2021

Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill

The Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill aims to progressively raise the statutory retirement age from 62 to 65 and the re-employment age from 67 to 70 by 2030, starting with increases to 63 and 68 respectively in July 2022, to support seniors who wish to work longer and address Singapore's ageing population.
The CPF (Amendment) Bill simplifies the CPF Act, introduces auto top-ups to retirement accounts, removes the annual cap for MediSave voluntary contributions, and streamlines the distribution of unnominated CPF monies upon death, without changing the CPF payout eligibility age.
Debates highlighted the need to combat age discrimination, enhance support for mature workers through job redesign and retraining, and ensure employers use re-employment frameworks fairly, with calls for stronger anti-discrimination laws and flexible work arrangements to extend meaningful employment for seniors.

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1 Nov 2021

Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill

The Retirement and Re-employment (Amendment) Bill will raise the statutory retirement age to 63 and the re-employment age to 68 from July 2022, with plans to increase both ages to 65 and 70 respectively by the end of the decade to support an ageing workforce.
The Government will gradually increase CPF contribution rates for workers aged 55 to 70 starting January 2022, with a $1.5 billion support package to help employers adjust, while retaining the flexibility for senior workers to work longer or retire as they wish.
The CPF (Amendment) Bill simplifies payout processes by automating withdrawals from Ordinary and Special Accounts for Retirement Sum Scheme recipients, enhancing flexibility for payout timing, and introducing aligned tax relief rules for top-ups to build retirement savings.
Administrative improvements include faster disbursement of nominated CPF monies and discounted Singtel shares after a member's death, with unclaimed monies retained for six months instead of seven years, while maintaining beneficiaries' right to claim at any time.
These amendments reflect tripartite consensus and aim to bolster retirement adequacy, support senior workers, and streamline CPF administration, with no changes to existing withdrawal rules or ages.

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1 Nov 2021

Support for Industry and Consumers Given Higher Electricity Prices and Recent Exit of Electricity Retailers

Several electricity retailers have exited the market due to global energy supply shocks and high wholesale prices, impacting about 9% of consumers, who will be transferred to SP Group or other retailers without disruption, and government measures are in place to secure energy supply and assist affected households.
The government is implementing pre-emptive measures to ensure energy resilience, including standby fuel facilities, enhanced fuel stockpiling, and diversification of energy sources like solar and low-carbon electricity imports, while maintaining sufficient generation capacity.
Regulatory safeguards for the Open Electricity Market are being strengthened, including reviewing licensing requirements and hedging strategies, to better protect consumers and ensure market viability amid volatility.
Targeted financial assistance, such as U-Save rebates and potential further support, will be provided to vulnerable households, while energy conservation and efficiency programs are promoted to help manage costs.
The government is exploring longer-term strategies to reduce reliance on imported natural gas, including increasing solar deployment, importing low-carbon electricity, and advancing technologies like hydrogen and energy storage.

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5 Oct 2021

Programmes to Increase Awareness of CPF, Retirement Security, Financial Management and Savings for Older Former Prison Inmates

The Singapore Prison Service (SPS) and Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) run programmes to help older ex-inmates aged 55 and above understand CPF, retirement security, financial management, and savings both before and after release.
During incarceration, SPS disseminates information on relevant schemes like Silver Support and CareShield Life, and most inmates attend a Release Preparation Programme with financial literacy components covering CPF, budgeting, and financial planning.
About six months before release, SPS Personal Supervisors discuss post-release plans, including financial and retirement security, with referrals to Family Resource Centres for support if needed.
After release, SPS partners with Barclays for a Financial Literacy Programme, and YRSG collaborates with IMDA to provide digital training for older ex-inmates to access government and financial services online.

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5 Oct 2021

Preparations to Train and Build Up Pool of Informal Caregivers Given Anticipated Demand as Population Ages

Carrie Tan asked for projections on the growing need for informal caregivers over the next 10 to 20 years and how the government plans to support and build up care worker capacity to ease the caregiving burden on families.
Ong Ye Kung noted that 119,000 residents are currently out of the workforce due to family care duties, and by 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above, increasing caregiving demands.
The government is expanding care services by adding thousands of day and home care places since 2015, piloting new respite care options, and reviewing grants like the Home Caregiving Grant to provide targeted support.
To ensure sufficient and qualified manpower, the Ministry of Health and the Agency for Integrated Care are assisting providers with recruitment, branding, salary enhancements, and training grants to build capabilities in the care sector.

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5 Oct 2021

Mitigating Steep Rise in Electricity Prices for Households Despite Natural Gas Price Increases

The government acknowledged that rising global fuel prices will affect Singapore’s electricity costs but has mechanisms like multi-year gas contracts and fixed-price plans to cushion short-term spikes.
Support measures include providing GST Voucher–U-Save rebates and additional special payments to help eligible households manage utility expenses during the pandemic.
To promote energy efficiency, households are being equipped with smart meters, online resources, and e-vouchers to switch to energy-saving appliances, encouraging long-term conservation habits.

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5 Oct 2021

Tracking Food Insecurity Experienced by some Singaporean Households

The Ministry for Social and Family Development does not specifically track the number of households experiencing food insecurity, but international comparisons show Singapore has a relatively low rate of moderate food insecurity at 4.5% of the population.
The government provides comprehensive support through Social Service Offices, ComCare, and various programmes like Meals-on-Wheels and school meal schemes, along with interim cash and voucher assistance for immediate needs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, grocery and food vouchers were distributed under relief packages to help lower-income families cope with food expenses.
A cross-sector Charity Food Workgroup was established in 2019 to develop a food directory and pilot local food coordinators, aiming to better match households with food support organisations.
The government is scaling up Community Link to support families with young children in rental housing, addressing both food needs and underlying causes like unemployment or health issues.

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4 Oct 2021

Eligibility Criteria of Families Applying for Social Support Grants Affected by Local Qualifying Salary

Dr. Shahira Abdullah inquired about the impact of the Local Qualifying Salary on social support grant eligibility.
The Minister stated that the Local Qualifying Salary does not affect eligibility for social support schemes.
Social support grants like ComCare are designed for temporary assistance, while new wage policies aim to improve long-term financial self-reliance.
Eligibility criteria for different schemes are reviewed periodically to ensure they meet their intended objectives.

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4 Oct 2021

Support for Grandparents Forced Out of Circumstances to Look after Grandchildren Left in Their Care by Their Children

The Ministry provides MSF-appointed kin carers with case worker support, childcare leave, and access to financial assistance for living and child-related expenses through ComCare.
Grandparents facing caregiving challenges can seek socio-emotional and family support from Family Service Centres, which offer case management and coordination with other agencies.
Parenting Support Providers and counselling services at Strengthening Families Programme @ FSCs are available to help grandparents develop caregiving skills and address relationship issues.

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4 Oct 2021

Measures to Assist Ex-convicts and Prisoners Due to Be Released to Open Bank Accounts to Receive Wages or Financial Assistance

Since 2015, the Singapore Prison Service has partnered with POSB to help ex-offenders open bank accounts using a discharge letter listing selected branches, with service charges waived for a year if they present the letter plus an employment referral from Yellow Ribbon Singapore or a job offer.
Yellow Ribbon Singapore works with employers to provide alternative wage arrangements, such as cash cheques in the first month, to ensure ex-offenders without bank accounts can still receive their wages while they set up an account.
Ex-offenders released from prison can seek interim financial assistance at Family Resource Centres, which disburse cash, vouchers, or EZ Link cards and refer them to Social Service Offices for further help, including guidance on opening a bank account.

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4 Oct 2021

Support Measures to Assist Vulnerable Dependants of Sole Breadwinners under Remand or Jailed and Processes to Identify Them

The Singapore Prison Service collaborates with community partners like the Yellow Ribbon Community Project to identify and assist families of inmates, providing referrals to social service offices and family service centres for housing, education, and daily needs.
Initiatives such as annual booster packs with grocery vouchers, bookstore vouchers for children, and targeted support for Malay/Muslim families through M3 agencies are part of the outreach efforts.
Inmates' family needs are identified through interviews with prison officers, visits by Visiting Justices, or volunteers, leading to referrals to Family Resource Centres or social service agencies for further assistance.
Funds like the Inmates’ Families Support Fund and Yellow Ribbon Emergency Fund offer temporary financial matching and support to ex-offenders and their families upon release.
The government's primary support comes through multiple agencies, with community programmes supplementing these efforts to address vulnerable families' needs.

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4 Oct 2021

Update on Use and Beneficiaries of Climate-Friendly Households Programme

Murali Pillai questioned how many of the 30,000 eligible HDB households have used the CFH Programme e-vouchers and sought a breakdown by appliance type, while also asking if the programme could be extended to cover items like air-conditioners, water heaters, or washing machines.
Grace Fu Hai Yien reported that over 65,700 households registered for e-vouchers, with about 14,000 vouchers utilised as of August 2021, including 6,600 for energy-efficient refrigerators, 5,200 for LED lights, and 2,200 for water-efficient shower fittings.
The Minister explained there are no plans to extend the programme to additional appliances, as it is targeted at essential items for lower-income households to take climate action and save money, with ongoing outreach efforts and future reviews based on take-up rates.

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4 Oct 2021

Current Wage for Singaporeans to Acquire a Decent Living for Themselves

The government is committed to supporting Singaporeans' ability to achieve a decent living through a targeted and holistic approach, including enhanced social safety nets and subsidies in housing, healthcare, and education.
Key strategies to uplift lower-wage workers include extending the Progressive Wage Model to more sectors, enhancing the Workfare Income Supplement, and enforcing the Local Qualifying Salary to ensure a minimum monthly income.
Comprehensive family support is provided through enhanced Marriage and Parenthood packages, including increased Baby Bonus and Child Development Account benefits, as well as affordable preschool access for low-income families.
The government regularly reviews assistance criteria, such as ComCare, based on statistical data and stakeholder input, and encourages community outreach to connect those in need with available support.

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4 Oct 2021

Assistance for Resource-constrained Families with Anticipated Rise in Cost for Essential Services and Food

The Minister outlined multiple layers of government support, including financial assistance for basic living expenses and subsidies for housing, healthcare, and education, alongside specific grants like the COVID-19 Recovery Grant for those affected by the pandemic.
The government is implementing initiatives such as expanded Progressive Wages, enhanced Local Qualifying Salary, and the Progressive Wage Mark to uplift lower-wage workers’ incomes, which are expected to improve their financial circumstances despite potential cost pass-through to consumers.
ComCare provides flexible assistance through Long-Term and Short-to-Medium-Term schemes, with eligibility criteria reviewed regularly to reflect changes in living costs and input from community stakeholders, with the next review scheduled for 2022.
The public is encouraged to help identify those in need by contacting the ComCare hotline or nearest Social Service Office for appropriate support.

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4 Oct 2021

Measures to Help Older Workers Stay Employed and Find New Jobs Despite COVID-19 Impact

The Minister reported that the six-month re-entry rate for senior retrenched residents improved from 39.3% in Q3 2020 to 43.8% in Q2 2021, and employment for those aged 60 and above slightly increased from 38.5% in 2019 to 39.0% in 2020.
Senior workers are being placed in a wide range of sectors, with seven in ten finding jobs in Administrative & Support Services, Wholesale & Retail Trade, Accommodation & F&B Services, and Community, Social & Personal Services.
The government introduced the $1.5 billion Senior Worker Support Package in 2020, which includes wage offsets, grants for higher retirement and re-employment ages, part-time re-employment support, and CPF transition offsets to help employers retain and hire older workers.
The measures are designed to support both job retention and new job placement for older workers aged 60 and above during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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4 Oct 2021

Financial Assistance for School Canteen Operators Given Home-based Learning

The Ministry of Education granted rental waivers to school canteen operators during school closures, with four months in 2020 and two months plus a half-month in 2021 to support them during the pandemic.
There are currently about 2,380 school canteen stallholders across government and government-aided schools, a slight decrease from 2,410 in 2020.
Both canteen operators and their assistants can access the COVID-19 Recovery Grant if they meet the qualifying criteria, addressing concerns about financial assistance for affected staff.

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14 Sep 2021

Data and Percentage of Seniors Aged 65 and above Staying Alone and Connected to Befriender or Social Services with Regular Check-ins

In 2020, 63,800 seniors aged 65 and above lived alone, with over 10,500 befriendees supported by MOH-funded programmes.
The new Eldercare Centre service model, rolled out in May 2021, involves Active Ageing Centres and Hubs working with the Silver Generation Office to proactively reach out, match seniors at risk of isolation to befriending services, and update databases.
As of FY2021, 60 centres are onboarded, overseeing about 145,900 seniors and 3,500 befriendees, with a target of at least 200 centres by FY2024.

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13 Sep 2021

Update on Number of Low-income Households That Have Benefitted from Home Access 3.0 Programme and Plans to Increase Minimum Broadband Speed

Over 9,100 low-income households have benefited from the Home Access 3.0 programme since its launch in April 2020.
Eligible households can choose between a 500Mbps or 1Gbps subsidised broadband subscription, with over 90% opting for the 500Mbps plan.
The government will continue to review the scheme to ensure offerings keep pace with market availability and citizen needs.

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