Social welfare — Topics

5 Mar 2021

Telemedicine and Mobile Medical Services for Mental Health

The Ministry of Health confirmed that public healthcare institutions provide video consultations for mental health management, including for seniors, with subsidies extended under CHAS and Medisave for chronic conditions like anxiety and depression.
Community intervention teams offer mobile and online allied-health services such as psychotherapy and counselling, while helplines like The Seniors Helpline and CareLine provide tele-befriending, tele-counselling, and 24/7 support for isolated seniors.
Usage has grown, with over 24,000 patients (including seniors) using video consultations by end-October 2020, and helpline calls rising from 5,600 in FY2018 to 8,700 in FY2019, indicating increased adoption of digital mental health services.

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5 Mar 2021

School Fees at Government-funded Special Education Schools

The range of monthly school fees for Singapore Citizens in government-funded Special Education (SPED) schools is between $14 and $250, with the mean and median fees around $120 and $70 respectively.
Following the extension of the Compulsory Education Act in 2019 and increased government funding, some SPED schools reduced fees by at least 25% for citizens, and the Ministry will continue to engage schools to keep fees affordable.
Lower-income families can access the SPED Financial Assistance Scheme, which provides full fee waivers, free textbooks and attire, meals, and transport subsidies.

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5 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

The Minister emphasized the need to renew Singapore's social compact, highlighting challenges from COVID-19 and an aging population, and outlined three focus areas: ensuring inclusivity and opportunities, helping individuals recover from COVID-19 setbacks, and strengthening the preschool and social service sectors.
Minister Desmond Lee detailed efforts to integrate social services, including expanding the Community Link (ComLink) initiative to support all rental housing families with children and launching new digital platforms to streamline assistance and coordination among agencies.
Minister of State Sun Xueling announced plans to strengthen family support, including expanding the Strengthening Families Programme and enhancing inclusivity in preschools through tiered support frameworks and appointing Inclusion Coordinators.
Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua highlighted youth-focused initiatives, such as piloting a mentoring program for students who leave ITE prematurely and extending post-care support for youths discharged from MSF Youth Homes.
The debate underscored the government's commitment to building a resilient, caring, and inclusive society through whole-of-society partnerships, with ministers inviting community and corporate involvement to support vulnerable groups.

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5 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

MPs highlighted the need to enhance social service delivery, urging expansion of Social Service Offices and better coordination to address gaps, while stressing the importance of community partnerships and government support for COVID-19 recovery, including updates on the COVID-19 Recovery Grant and job creation.
Discussion focused on improving support for vulnerable groups, such as caregivers, youth, and persons with disabilities, with calls for more inclusive preschools, streamlined financial assistance, and better mental health resources.
MPs raised concerns about family and marital issues, including divorce's impact on children and domestic violence, suggesting proactive measures to strengthen family relations and protect vulnerable individuals.

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4 Mar 2021

Breakdown of Persons with Disabilities Who Have Found Placements via Open Door Programme since Its Launch

The Open Door Programme (ODP), administered by SG Enable, has placed over 3,000 persons with disabilities (PwDs) into jobs from 2014 to 2020, with the top sectors being Food Services, Administrative and Support Services, and Retail.
More than 60% of PwDs placed through the ODP remained employed with the same employer after six months, and the programme supports both full-time and part-time placements based on individual circumstances.
The government uses employment credits and incentives to support PwD employment, contributing to a sustained average employment rate of around 29% for resident PwDs aged 15 to 64.

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4 Mar 2021

Allowing Patients with Specific Conditions to Exceed MediSave Withdrawal Limits for In-vitro Fertilisation-related Procedures

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked about the specific conditions under which patients can exceed MediSave withdrawal limits for in-vitro fertilisation-related procedures, noting the current limits may not cover all costs for some couples.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that MediSave is for basic healthcare needs, with Assisted Conception Procedures (ACP) withdrawal limits balancing support for immediate expenses and preserving retirement savings, and that after co-funding and MediSave use, most couples face minimal out-of-pocket costs.
The Minister stated that appeals for exceeding limits are assessed case-by-case based on the patient's unique financial and social circumstances, such as unexpected medical complications, and that the Government will continue reviewing schemes to support couples pursuing parenthood.

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3 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head S (Ministry of Manpower)

The Ministry of Manpower outlined measures to secure Singapore's economic rebound by extending job support schemes like the Jobs Growth Incentive and SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package, while also focusing on uplifting lower-wage workers through the expansion of the Progressive Wage Model to the food services and retail sectors.
Significant reforms were announced for migrant worker management, including a new onboarding centre, plans to expand the Foreign Employees Dormitories Act to cover all dormitories, and enhanced healthcare and social support systems to improve safety, health, and well-being.
The government will raise the retirement and re-employment ages and increase CPF contribution rates for senior workers from 2022, supported by a $1.3 billion Senior Worker Support Package to help companies adjust.

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1 Mar 2021

Prioritisation Criteria for Planned Lift Installation for Pedestrian Overhead Bridges Across Different Towns in Singapore

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Transport about the distribution of planned lift installations for pedestrian overhead bridges across different towns and whether prioritisation criteria should consider the relative proportion of seniors in a town, not just absolute numbers, to avoid disadvantaging elderly in younger towns.
He also specifically queried whether the overhead bridge near Block 327A Anchorvale Road could be retrofitted with a lift to benefit seniors and if it would be prioritised in future retrofitting within Anchorvale.
Ong Ye Kung responded that prioritisation is guided by the number of seniors and commuters with mobility challenges who will benefit, and how well the bridge connects them to public transport and healthcare, rather than the proportion of seniors in a town.
He noted that lifts have been provided at bridges near Sengkang General and Community Hospital to serve seniors and patients, and the bridge at Block 333D is being fitted with lifts, with LTA periodically reviewing its programme.

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1 Mar 2021

Option of Applying for Chronic Disease Management Programme for Eligible Chronic Disease Patients

Louis Ng asked about the protocols to inform patients with eligible chronic diseases about the option to apply for the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP).
Gan Kim Yong explained that accredited medical institutions are required to inform eligible patients about CHAS subsidies and MediSave use for CDMP conditions, and there is no need to apply for the CDMP.
The Silver Generation Office also conducts outreach to share information about the CDMP and CHAS subsidies with seniors to encourage treatment at accredited clinics.

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26 Feb 2021

Application for Waiver of Resale Levy by Seniors and Single Parents with Dependants

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked for the number of appeals and successful waivers for resale levy from seniors applying for 2-room Flexi flats and single parents with children over the past three years.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB does not track appeals by specific groups but has assisted seniors by capping the resale levy at $30,000 and adjusting it based on lease length, with 6,460 senior households benefiting from 2018 to 2020.
HDB also flexibly handled appeals from single parents, approving 535 cases from 2018 to 2020 to reduce or defer the resale levy for those with children.
The government aims to ensure fair subsidy allocation while providing targeted relief for seniors and single parents facing financial or housing needs.
Households needing help with the resale levy can approach HDB for case-by-case assistance.

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25 Feb 2021

Process to Assist Disadvantaged Persons in Applying for Administration of CPF Money after Demise of Family Member

The Ministry of Law provides assistance through in-person e-helpers at its Services Centre and home visits for those unable to travel, helping less tech-savvy, language-challenged, or disabled individuals apply for administration of un-nominated CPF money.
Fees charged by the Public Trustee for administering un-nominated CPF money are non-waivable in principle to cover costs like tracing next-of-kin and identifying beneficiaries, but partial or full waivers can be granted based on financial circumstances.
The Ministry encourages all to make CPF nominations to avoid fees and delays, and will consider feedback on fee structures while currently assessing financial need for waivers on a case-by-case basis.

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25 Feb 2021

Outcome of Pilot Care Close to Home Service Model in HDB Estates

The Care Close to Home pilot, launched in 2014, provided nurse-led home care to about 6,000 seniors in HDB rental estates but was found to not fully meet clients' needs, as many were relatively well or required more intensive support than offered.
The Ministry of Health reviewed the pilot from 2018 to 2020 and noted mixed outcomes, including good accessibility but gaps in service depth for those with complex health and social needs.
The pilot will transition from May 2021 to 2024 into a new eldercare centre model offering common services like active ageing, befriending, and referrals, with additional care options layered in for frailer seniors.
The transition aims to better align services with seniors' needs, enabling smoother referrals to home personal care or community rehabilitation where required.
The goal is to scale up and improve community-based care to help all seniors age in place more effectively.

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25 Feb 2021

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Saktiandi Supaat praised the Budget's focus on future growth and raised concerns about cost of living, particularly the petrol duty hike, while suggesting ways to support manufacturing talent and digitalisation.
Alex Yam argued for mandatory vaccination to control the pandemic and criticized excessive spending without sustainable funding, using a cookie jar metaphor to caution against over-reliance on reserves.
Rachel Ong highlighted investments in low-income families and proposed long-term mentoring and savings initiatives to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Xie Yao Quan discussed the rising healthcare costs and the need for a balanced social compact, emphasizing sustainable subsidies, economic growth, and equitable support for vulnerable groups.

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25 Feb 2021

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The debate focused on the need to balance immediate fiscal support for Singapore's recovery with long-term investments in infrastructure, human capital, and social support systems, with speakers expressing concerns about the sustainability of dipping into reserves and the need for a clear roadmap to replenish them.
Key proposals included implementing a living wage for low-wage workers, introducing a levy on Employment Pass holders to level the playing field for locals, and having the government cover MediShield and CareShield premiums to strengthen social security.
Discussions emphasized strengthening the social compact by addressing gaps for vulnerable groups, such as outsourced workers, seniors, women, persons with disabilities, and caregivers, with specific suggestions to improve working conditions, support caregiving, and enhance mental wellness initiatives.
The debate also highlighted the importance of future-proofing the economy through industry transformation, green initiatives, and digital empowerment, with calls for more rigorous audits of government schemes and greater collaboration between public, private, and community sectors.

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25 Feb 2021

Criteria for Reduction in Silver Support Payout Quantum

The Silver Support Scheme provides payouts to seniors with low lifetime incomes, with enhanced 2021 changes introducing a new tier that allows reduced payouts for those whose circumstances improve, rather than full cessation.
Eligible seniors are automatically notified by CPF Board each year, with communications available in four languages and SMS alerts for those with Singpass, alongside a hotline and website for further queries.
Some seniors may struggle to understand payout changes due to literacy or language barriers, prompting suggestions to involve grassroots leaders and Community Clubs for clearer, vernacular-language explanations.

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24 Feb 2021

Reducing Cost of Certificates of Entitlement for Vehicles used by Care-givers in Driving People with Disabilities or Autism

Christopher de Souza asked if the COE cost can be reduced for vehicles used by caregivers driving people with disabilities or autism.
Ong Ye Kung explained that a market-based COE system cannot easily provide concessions for specific user groups without verification and abuse risks.
The Government offers targeted support like the Home Caregiving Grant and foreign domestic worker levy concessions instead.
Schemes such as the Disabled Persons Scheme and Taxi Subsidy Scheme are available to improve mobility for persons with disabilities.
The response emphasizes alternative assistance over direct COE concessions to maintain system integrity.

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24 Feb 2021

Lowering Enrolment Cost for Day Activity Centres Providing Care and Skills Training to Adults with Disabilities

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about reducing enrolment costs for Day Activity Centres (DACs) that provide care and skills training to adults with disabilities.
The Minister explained that DACs are community-based facilities offering daily living and social skills training for persons with disabilities, with means-tested subsidies of up to 80% for lower-income Singapore Citizens to ease costs.
The government works with DAC providers to ensure affordability and is currently reviewing enrolment costs, expecting to complete the review within the year.

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24 Feb 2021

Enlarging Enrolment for Day Activity Centres to Increase Placements for Adults with Autism

Christopher de Souza asked if Day Activity Centres can expand their enrolment to create more placements for adults with autism.
Masagos Zulkifli responded that there are 31 centres with over 1,700 places, 75% overall utilisation, and eight autism-specialised centres at 80% utilisation, indicating sufficient capacity.
The minister explained that caregivers’ preference for certain centres may affect placement availability, but referrals to other centres are offered, and capacity will be monitored and increased as needed.

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24 Feb 2021

Setting of MediSave Withdrawal Limits and Tracking of Medical Costs for Seniors

MediSave withdrawal limits are set to keep basic subsidised healthcare affordable while balancing current treatment costs and future savings needs, taking into account government subsidies and MediShield Life payouts.
The government has expanded MediSave use for seniors, including raising Chronic Disease Management Programme limits and introducing Flexi-MediSave for younger seniors and MediSave Care for those with severe disability.
Regular reviews are conducted to ensure healthcare financing schemes remain relevant and adequate for Singaporeans’ needs, especially seniors with higher expenses and chronic conditions.

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24 Feb 2021

Number of Isolated Elderly Living within Purchased HDB Flats who are on ComCare Support

Ms Carrie Tan asked if the Ministry of National Development shares data with the Ministry of Social and Family Development on isolated elderly HDB flat owners receiving ComCare support and what the figures were over the last five years.
As of end 2016, there were about 120 such beneficiaries, rising to 560 by end 2020, attributed to an ageing population and improved access to ComCare through Social Services Offices.
These elderly receive a support package including cash aid, household and medical bill assistance, and are connected to services like befriending and active ageing programmes if needed.

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