Social welfare — Topics

24 Feb 2021

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The Budget supports economic recovery and workforce adaptation through measures like the Jobs Support Scheme and Jobs Growth Incentive, with emphasis on strengthening the Singaporean core and assisting hard-hit sectors such as aviation and tourism.
Parliamentarians highlight the impact of remote work trends and global competition, urging updates to manpower policies, investment in future skills, and improvements to programs like SkillsFuture and infrastructure to keep pace with technological advancements.
Discussions focus on supporting vulnerable groups, including senior workers, women, and gig workers, through extended CPF contributions, flexible work arrangements, respite care, and better social protections, while promoting tripartite collaboration to leave no one behind.

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24 Feb 2021

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The debate centered on Budget 2021's response to COVID-19, with support for its expansionary measures but calls for more targeted aid for hard-hit sectors, greater transparency on the use of public funds, and a review of the immediate petrol duty hike which was seen as poorly timed for struggling groups like private-hire drivers.
Members stressed the need for deeper investment in workforce transformation, including enhancing the Capability Transfer Programme, expanding the Progressive Wage Model to more sectors, and ensuring that multi-billion-dollar initiatives like the $24 billion Emerging Stronger package yield measurable outcomes for workers, especially mature and low-income Singaporeans.
The debate also highlighted long-term challenges, with speakers supporting the issuance of green bonds for infrastructure and the Singapore Green Plan 2030, while urging stronger safeguards against digital scams, better support for vulnerable families, and a reconsideration of institutions like CDCs and Mayors to redeploy finite resources more effectively.

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16 Feb 2021

Financial Assistance for Students Preparing for National Examinations as Private Candidates

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16 Feb 2021

Access to Computers or Smart Devices for Jobseekers without such Devices to Update and Edit Personal Curriculum Vitae and Resumes

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16 Feb 2021

Availability of Government-initiated Studies Conducted on Socio-economic Impact of Climate Change in Singapore for Next Five Years and Beyond

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16 Feb 2021

Number and Percentage of Active and Inactive CPF Members who have Met Different Retirement Sums Upon Turning 55

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16 Feb 2021

Financial Support Schemes for Working Care-givers of Cancer Patients

The government offers means-tested subsidies for cancer treatment, MediShield Life and MediSave coverage, and a $200 monthly Home Caregiving Grant, alongside tax reliefs for caregivers who meet specific conditions.
Caregivers can use their MediSave for approved dependants’ medical expenses, but withdrawal limits exist to balance supporting the patient and preserving the caregiver’s own future healthcare funds.
For cases exceeding current financial support, families are encouraged to seek case-by-case assistance through Medical Social Workers or MediFund, which provides a safety net without depleting the caregiver’s MediSave.

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2 Feb 2021

Reason for Difference in Amounts Disbursed in ComCare Fund Annual Report FY2019 and Financial Statement in Annual Report

The $151.42 million disbursed in FY2019 was fully accounted for, with $68.8 million funded by ComCare Fund interest income and $82.6 million covered by MSF's budget.
The Financial Statement as at 31 March 2020 reflects the Fund's state at that date, not the full-year disbursement.
The difference arises because the Financial Statement only shows the portion funded by the Fund, not the total disbursement.
The Financial Statement is for FYE March 2020, not 2019, as it presents the Fund's position at the end of the financial year.

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2 Feb 2021

Applications Made for Rare Disease Fund

Mr Leon Perera asked the Ministry for Health about the number of applications received, eligibility criteria for applicants and rare diseases, and the timeline for covering more rare diseases under the Rare Disease Fund.
The Rare Disease Fund (RDF), established in 2019, supports Singapore Citizens with rare genetic diseases through charitable donations with 250% tax deduction and government matching, and is operated on an endowment basis for sustainability.
Applications are assessed by an independent committee considering clinical eligibility, financial need, and other support, with annual reviews; currently, six medicines for four conditions have been approved, benefiting six patients.
The RDF Committee aims to raise more funds, and the Government remains committed to a 3:1 matching contribution to expand support for patients with rare diseases.

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2 Feb 2021

Revising Eligibility Criteria and Housing Income Ceiling to Align with ComCare Assistance Schemes

Mr. Don Wee asked whether HDB will revise the eligibility criteria for rental flats and raise the income ceiling to $1,900 to align with ComCare assistance schemes.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB uses a needs-based approach, with the $1,500 figure as a guideline rather than a strict cap, and considers other housing options in assessments.
He noted that income thresholds vary across social assistance schemes to meet different needs, and the $1,500 guideline aims to encourage first-timer households to purchase flats with available housing grants.

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2 Feb 2021

Update on Remaining Number of HDB Blocks that Not Eligible for Lift Upgrading Programme

HDB has upgraded over 5,000 blocks under the Lift Upgrading Programme, with about 150 blocks currently not feasible due to cost, technical, or site constraints, but HDB continues to explore solutions.
Residents in urgent need of lift access due to medical or mobility reasons can receive up to $30,000 under the Lift Access Housing Grant to buy a flat with direct lift access, with a 6-month grace period to sell their existing flat.
Flat owners facing difficulties selling their old flat may request a case-by-case extension from HDB and can seek further assistance from their HDB Branch office.

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2 Feb 2021

Trends for Disabilities in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and Impact on Payouts for Long-term Care Insurance Schemes

Mr Yip Hon Weng inquired about trends in disabilities related to Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), their impact on employment and financial independence, and whether they could be included in long-term care insurance eligibility criteria.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that IADLs involve complex activities requiring higher cognitive functions, but Singapore lacks representative data on such trends; current long-term care schemes like CareShield Life use basic ADLs for assessments to balance support and affordability.
The Ministry has improved the severe disability assessment framework since 2020 to better account for cognitive impairments, allowing more individuals with cognitive issues to qualify for payouts under schemes like CareShield Life and ElderFund.
For those not qualifying for severe disability schemes, alternative support is available through the Home Caregiving Grant, Foreign Domestic Worker Levy Concession, and government safety nets like MediFund or ComCare.

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2 Feb 2021

Children Without Child Development Accounts

Seah Kian Peng asked how many eligible children have not opened a Child Development Account (CDA) and what can be done for them, with Masagos Zulkifli noting that about 1.8% or 8,200 children from 2008–2020 cohorts had not opened one as of December 2020, but the number is expected to decrease.
The government highlighted accessible ways to apply for a CDA via the Baby Bonus website, LifeSG app, and hospital kits, with regular reminders sent to parents and outreach to low-income families through KidSTART agencies.
Parents are encouraged to open a CDA to receive a $3,000 First Step Grant and co-matched savings for education and healthcare expenses, with continued efforts to help more families benefit.

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2 Feb 2021

Database of Adult Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Special Needs

The Ministry of Social and Family Development maintains a database of adults with intellectual and other disabilities who have applied for government-funded services, but does not have a comprehensive register of all undiagnosed and diagnosed individuals.
Personal data is generally shared with non-government entities only with consent, though exceptions may be made for safety or well-being concerns, with assessments to balance purpose and privacy, and partners must comply with data protection laws.
Outreach to vulnerable adults, including those living alone or with elderly caregivers, is conducted through partnerships with grassroots groups, healthcare agencies, and social services, with ongoing efforts to identify and support those in need.

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2 Feb 2021

Matched Retirement Savings Scheme's Contributions and Limits

Ms. Carrie Tan asked if the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme's government-matched contributions apply to top-ups by non-family members and if tax reliefs for top-ups could be extended to non-related persons.
The Minister for Manpower confirmed that anyone can make cash top-ups under the scheme, with the government matching up to $600 per year for eligible recipients.
Tax relief of up to $7,000 is available for Singapore citizens and permanent residents topping up for loved ones, and employers get tax deductions for topping up on behalf of employees.
Tax reliefs are not available for top-ups from non-related parties, but such contributions can be made through charities with IPC status to qualify for a 250% tax deduction.
The government will continue to review the scheme to ensure its relevance.

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2 Feb 2021

Take-up Rates for Digital Inclusion Programmes

The government’s Home Access and NEU PC Plus programmes subsidise digital connectivity for low-income households, with streamlined applications for those on MSF or MOE financial aid schemes.
Awareness is promoted through schools and social service offices, and over 77,000 households have been supported, contributing to a rise in household broadband penetration to 98% in 2019.
Plans are underway to auto-include Public Rental Scheme households for the Home Access Programme and regularly upgrade broadband speeds to keep pace with technology.

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2 Feb 2021

Child And Elder Care as Reasons for Not Participating in Workforce

Carrie Tan asked the Ministry of Manpower for annual data from 2015 to 2019 on persons outside the workforce due to caring for children or elderly parents, including their age, gender, and average duration outside work.
Minister Gan Siow Huang provided data showing that in 2018-2019, around 144,100 residents cited caregiving as the main reason, with 90% being females and mostly in their 30s or older; median years since last job were 4-5 years for childcare and 8 years for eldercare.
Singapore's female employment rate is high at 73.3% in 2019, with support measures like expanded preschool capacity and the Caregiver Support Action Plan to help caregivers balance work and care responsibilities.
Carrie Tan highlighted concerns about retirement adequacy for caregivers, suggesting valuing care work and proposing cross-ministry efforts or income support like CPF top-ups to prevent retirement inadequacy.
Minister Gan noted existing financial schemes like the Silver Support Scheme and CPF enhancements, expressed openness to ideas like a "Carefare" scheme, and emphasized promoting flexible work arrangements to help caregivers manage dual responsibilities.

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2 Feb 2021

Eligibility for Community Care Apartments

The Minister for National Development announced the pilot launch of Community Care Apartments in Bukit Batok, which integrate senior-friendly housing with scalable care services, with eligibility depending on age, income, and care needs, and further expansion contingent on the pilot's reception.
Members of Parliament raised concerns about expanding eligibility to include caregivers under 65 and persons with disabilities below 65, with the Minister indicating openness to considering exceptions and studying adaptations of the model for persons with disabilities.
The debate highlighted the need to evaluate the pilot beyond demand, focusing on resident feedback, holistic well-being, social integration, and the effectiveness of new housing models in supporting seniors’ aging-in-place continuum.

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1 Feb 2021

Number of Cases of Popping Tiles Rectified by HDB Beyond 15-year Goodwill Repair Duration and Extension of One-off Measure to Cover Flats Whose Warranty Had Expired Since Onset of COVID-19 Pandemic

Ms Yeo Wan Ling asked for the number of popping tile cases rectified by HDB beyond the 15-year goodwill repair duration and the circumstances under which HDB does so.
Ms He Ting Ru inquired about CDC financial assistance applications for dislodged tile repairs in the past three years and whether HDB will absorb costs for flats whose warranty expired since COVID-19.
Minister Desmond Lee stated that flat owners are responsible for maintenance, but HDB repairs tiles for up to 15 years, beyond the industry standard, and older flats must engage private contractors with HDB providing a referral list.
Over the past three years, CDCs provided funding support to 146 households for dislodged tile repairs, and HDB refers residents needing financial aid to community organizations.

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1 Feb 2021

Number of Applications of Asatizah for Financial Assistance under Self-employed Income Relief Scheme

Wan Rizal asked about the number of asatizah applications for the Self-Employed Income Relief Scheme (SIRS), their success rate, and whether rejected applicants can apply for the COVID-19 Recovery Grant (CRG).
330 asatizah applied for SIRS, with 77% approved, 10% pending, and 13% rejected due to not meeting criteria; rejected applicants may apply for CRG and seek help from MUIS.
MUIS has provided additional support, including a $200,000 top-up to Pergas’ Gracious Package, which aided 500 asatizah last year, and continues to assist the asatizah community during COVID-19.

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