Social welfare — Topics

1 Feb 2021

Breakdown of Amount for Successful Payouts under COVID-19 Support Grant

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim requested a breakdown of the amount for successful payouts under the COVID-19 Support Grant.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development approved about 97,000 applicants and disbursed around $215 million as of 3 January 2021.
Eligible applicants received up to $800 per month for three months if they lost their job or were on involuntary no-pay leave, and up to $500 per month for three months if they experienced at least a 30% salary loss.
The grant closed on 31 December 2020 and was replaced by the COVID-19 Recovery Grant starting 18 January 2021.

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1 Feb 2021

Seeking Assistance with MediShield Life Premiums Payments

The government provides premium subsidies of up to 50% for lower and middle-income households, with additional subsidies for Pioneers and Merdeka Generation seniors, and uses MediSave for premium payments, including family support.
A COVID-19 subsidy was introduced to cap net premium increases at about 10% in the first year, with premium payment deferrals for those affected, and no applications are needed for most subsidies which are automatically extended.
For those still facing difficulties, Additional Premium Support (APS) covers outstanding and future premiums for two years, with applications processed within 20 days, and no one loses coverage due to payment issues.
Subsidies are designed as a percentage of premiums, so they increase with inflation, and financial reassessments can be appealed for major changes in circumstances.

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1 Feb 2021

Tax Incentives to Encourage Companies Doing Well to Donate to Charities

Hazel Poa asked if the government would enhance tax incentives to encourage companies that are doing well to donate to charities, given current fundraising difficulties.
The government highlighted its current multi-pronged approach, including a 250% tax deduction for donations to Institutions of a Public Character and similar incentives for corporate volunteering.
Heng Swee Keat noted that the 250% deduction is already high compared to other jurisdictions, and that the government must balance tax benefits with fiscal needs affected by COVID-19.
The government will continue to review tax and non-tax measures to support sustained charitable giving while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

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1 Feb 2021

Support for Seniors and Care-givers Facing Mental Health Challenges

The Ministry of Health works with community partners under the Community Mental Health Masterplan to provide outreach and support services for seniors and caregivers facing mental health challenges, including 48 outreach teams that reached over 324,000 people by June 2020.
The Caregiver Support Action Plan launched in 2019 offers care navigation, respite care, financial aid, and socio-emotional support, with specialized teams assisting caregivers at risk of depression, anxiety, or burnout.
The long-term care workforce has grown significantly, with a 67% increase from 2014 to 2019, and initiatives like increased nursing training places and employment facilitation schemes aim to meet rising demand.

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1 Feb 2021

Resources and Opportunities for Pursuit of Education for Households with Both Singapore Citizen and Non-resident Children

MOE reported that around 500 families in 2020 had both Singapore citizen and non-resident children in primary, secondary, junior colleges, and Millennia Institute, representing less than 1% of families with two or more siblings in these institutions.
The government heavily subsidises education for Singaporean students and provides additional support for lower-income households, reducing overall family expenses and allowing financial resources to be allocated to other needs, including potentially higher fees for non-resident children.
Families with non-Singaporean children but Singaporean parents can seek assistance from schools or institutions, which assess situations case-by-case and give special consideration to low-income households to ensure resources reach those with greater needs.

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1 Feb 2021

CPF Nomination Scheme

Ms Hany Soh queried how many of the total CPF account holders have opted for the Nomination Scheme, with a breakdown for those who nominated online, and the processing timelines for both nominated and un-nominated accounts upon a member’s demise.
Mrs Josephine Teo responded that over two in five CPF members have made nominations, with about half done online, and nominations are encouraged to ensure faster distribution without fees.
She explained that nominated funds are typically disbursed within a month of CPF Board’s notification from the Registry of Births & Deaths, while un-nominated funds are passed to the Public Trustee’s Office for beneficiary tracing, with disbursement usually within four weeks of complete documentation.

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1 Feb 2021

Appeals for Medical Subsidy for Long-Term Visit Pass and Dependant Pass Holders

Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the number of appeals for medical subsidies for Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) and Dependant Pass holders in the past five years, the approval rate, use of MediSave, and whether medical insurance could be a requirement for pass approval.
Gan Kim Yong stated that medical subsidies are generally for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, with LTVP+ holders eligible for inpatient subsidies since 2012, and that sponsors can use MediSave for immediate family members, though specific figures for LTVP/Dependant Pass holders are not tracked.
The Ministry of Health receives fewer than 20 financing-related appeals annually for LTVP holders and noted that while insurance could help, a mandatory requirement needs careful consideration to balance affordability and coverage benefits.
Public healthcare institutions may provide assistance through charity funds or installment plans based on medical social workers' assessments for those facing financial difficulties.

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1 Feb 2021

Age Limit for Matched Retirement Savings Scheme

Foo Mee Har questioned why the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme caps eligibility at age 70, excluding older seniors from its benefits.
Mrs Josephine Teo explained the scheme targets seniors below 70 to maximize compound interest benefits, noting those over 70 typically already receive CPF payouts and have other support like healthcare and cash schemes.
The government affirmed ongoing reviews to keep the scheme relevant while addressing seniors' retirement needs through existing alternative measures.

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5 Jan 2021

Number of HDB Units without Direct Lift Access out of 150 HDB Blocks Not Eligible for Lift Upgrading Programme

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked about the number of HDB units without direct lift access in about 150 blocks not eligible for the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP).
Desmond Lee stated that around 2,000 units, or 20% of flats in these 150 blocks, lack direct lift access due to high costs or technical constraints.
HDB is exploring cost-effective solutions to improve accessibility for residents in these flats.
The Ministry of National Development offers a Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 to assist residents with mobility issues in acquiring HDB flats with direct lift access.

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5 Jan 2021

Average Breakdown of Income in Terms of Wage Earnings Only versus Workfare Income Supplement

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Manpower about the share and average breakdown of income from wages alone versus Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) for Singaporeans earning below $1,300 per month.
Mrs Josephine Teo stated that nearly 8 in 10 low-wage workers aged 35 and above receive WIS, with ineligibility based on property holdings or spousal income exceeding thresholds.
WIS payouts vary by age and salary, with recipients earning an average of $1,300 monthly; older workers see significant boosts, such as a 26% income increase for those aged 60 and above from a $4,000 annual payout.
For younger age groups, annual WIS payouts range from $1,700 to $2,500, providing income top-ups of 11% to 16% on average.
The scheme aims to support lower-wage workers with limited family resources by encouraging regular work and CPF savings.

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5 Jan 2021

Average Waiting Time for Subsided Bed in Nursing Home

Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for Health about the average waiting time for a government-subsidised nursing home bed and the support provided to seniors and families during the interim period.
The Ministry of Health stated that nursing home placements are prioritised for seniors with significant care needs and weak family support, with the median waiting time for a subsidised bed remaining stable at around one month.
While waiting for placement, the Agency for Integrated Care helps seniors and caregivers explore alternative care arrangements, such as home-based and community services.
One interim support option is the Interim Caregiver Scheme, which offers time-limited post-discharge custodial care for seniors, six days a week for 10 to 12 hours daily.
Other available services during the interim period include home medical, home nursing, home personal care, meals delivery, and medical escort and transport.

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5 Jan 2021

Including Accredited TCM Clinics in the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)

Mr Don Wee proposed including accredited TCM clinics in CHAS to support seniors seeking TCM treatment.
MOH stated no plans to extend CHAS subsidies to TCM clinics, noting TCM's complementary role and existing support measures like funding and research.
MOH highlighted that charitable TCM establishments with IPC status receive tax exemptions and donations to aid affordable services.

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5 Jan 2021

Use of Child Development Account for Student Care Services

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned why the Child Development Account (CDA) cannot be used for student care services.
Indranee Rajah, speaking for the Prime Minister, explained that the CDA supports development needs like preschool and healthcare, and the government is considering expanding its use to include student care centres following parental feedback.
She also highlighted that lower-income families receive substantial subsidies for student care through schemes like ComCare Student Care Fee Assistance, with recent enhancements increasing monthly subsidies and eligibility.

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5 Jan 2021

Numbers Helped under Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers Network

The Partners Engaging and Empowering Rough Sleepers (PEERS) Network has engaged 1,200 individuals since May 2019 through outreach and referrals, with all receiving assistance from agencies such as Family Service Centres and Social Service Offices.
Of those engaged, 251 have moved to longer-term housing, with 142 entering HDB’s Public Rental Scheme while the rest have returned home, moved in with family, or secured alternative accommodation.
HDB works with PEERS partners to assess each case, and some individuals are ineligible for public rental due to property ownership, family housing options, or citizenship criteria, but flexibility is exercised when no other housing options exist.

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5 Jan 2021

Rationale for Spousal Income Criterion in Eligibility Assessment for Workfare Income Supplement

The spousal income criterion was introduced to ensure Workfare targets lower-wage workers with limited household wealth by considering the assessable income of the spouse and properties owned.
The spouse’s assessable income threshold of $70,000 is set significantly above the median to balance inclusivity with targeting support.
Appeals for exceptions, including for estranged spouses, are considered case-by-case with supporting documents from agencies, and exceptions have been made.
The scheme aims to encourage regular work and CPF savings among lower-income Singaporeans with less family support.

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5 Jan 2021

Proposal to Allow HDB Rental Tenants to Buy 2-room Flexi Flats with Shorter Lease

Gan Thiam Poh proposed that HDB rental tenants be allowed to buy 2-room Flexi flats with shorter leases at affordable prices, with the option to top up the lease later when finances improve.
Desmond Lee responded that HDB already offers support for rental tenants to own homes, including priority in sales exercises, subsidies, and guidance from the Home Ownership Support Team.
He noted that seniors aged 55 and above, as well as eligible second-timer families with young children under the Fresh Start Housing Scheme, can already buy short-lease 2-room Flexi flats, provided the lease covers them until age 95.

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5 Jan 2021

Support for Family Members of Prison Inmates

The Yellow Ribbon Community Project provides grassroots volunteers to visit families of inmates, distribute grocery and school vouchers, and facilitate letter exchanges to maintain family ties, reaching over 15,000 families by 2020.
The Singapore Prison Service collaborates with community partners and Family Resource Centres to offer support during incarceration, including referrals to Family Service Centres for complex needs and programmes for family bonding.
Offenders are encouraged to share family concerns with SPS officers, who can refer them to services like the Singapore Aftercare Association and Yellow Ribbon Fund for assistance with family-related issues.
During the tail end of incarceration, offenders are assigned aftercare case managers to link them and their families with reintegration support, such as financial aid and education support, upon release.
The debate highlights the comprehensive network of community and prison service programmes designed to assist families of inmates both during imprisonment and after release.

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5 Jan 2021

Payouts under Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme Subjected to Clawback

The Ministry of Manpower and NTUC confirmed that SIRS payouts are subject to financial audit, with external auditors appointed and internal audits conducted, revealing that about 0.5% of successful applicants (approximately 1,000 out of 200,000) made erroneous declarations, leading to requests for refunds.
There were known scams where ineligible individuals were encouraged to apply, and such cases have been referred to the Police for investigation, though the exact number of cases referred was not provided in the debate.
The Minister clarified that eligibility was initially assessed based on declarations to ensure timely aid, and while most applicants were valid, some were mistaken about their circumstances; the government is reaching out individually to arrange refunds, and while instalment options were not explicitly mentioned, the approach is to handle cases fairly.

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5 Jan 2021

Rejections of COVID-19 Support Grant Applications Due To Inability to Produce Retrenchment Letters

The Minister confirmed that around 4,000 applications for the COVID-19 Support Grant were rejected due to unverifiable employment details, though no specific count was kept for those rejected solely for lacking retrenchment letters.
The Ministry explained that it uses alternative verification methods like CPF records or contacting employers, and allows appeals where applicants can submit correspondence showing pressure to resign, with a 97% appeal success rate.
Carrie Tan highlighted the plight of low-wage workers who avoid formal retrenchment letters to preserve employer goodwill, urging frontline Social Service Offices to have more discretion to approve cases without requiring a full appeal.
The Minister emphasized accountability for public funds but assured that the SSO’s intent is to help, thoroughly reviewing all evidence, and that the new COVID-19 Recovery Grant will continue similar support with flexibility for document challenges.

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4 Jan 2021

Median T-scores of PSLE Students Broken Down by Household Income Quintile and Impact of COVID-19 School Closures on Academic Performance of Children from Lower Income Households

Gerald Giam asked for PSLE median T-scores by household income quintile from 2011 to 2020 and whether COVID-19 school closures disproportionately affected lower-income children.
The Ministry of Education stated it does not collect household income data except for students applying for Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), whose median PSLE T-score remained stable at around 164 over the past decade, compared to a stable overall median of about 207.
During the Circuit Breaker, measures like loaning digital devices, internet dongles, and offering school facilities with teacher supervision ensured learning continuity for vulnerable students.
Teachers provided additional support through remediation and monitoring when in-person classes resumed, helping to mitigate any potential impact on lower-income students.
The Minister concluded that these efforts likely prevented a disproportionate negative impact on the academic performance of children from lower-income households during school closures.

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