Social welfare — Topics

2 Nov 2020

Higher Annual Deduction Limit for Flexi-MediSave or Higher MediSave Withdrawal Limit for Those Above 70 Years Old

Christopher de Souza proposed raising the Flexi-MediSave annual deduction limit or the MediSave withdrawal limit for those over 70 to cover outpatient costs.
Gan Kim Yong explained that Flexi-MediSave allows up to $200 per year for those aged 60 and above, but usage is low, with fewer than 2 in 10 reaching the limit in 2019, including those over 70.
The Ministry will keep reviewing MediSave withdrawal limits to ensure they remain relevant and adequate for all age groups.
Elderly patients facing affordability issues after subsidies and MediSave can seek help from medical social workers for MediFund and other financial assistance.
The government assures that no Singaporean will be denied necessary healthcare due to inability to pay.

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2 Nov 2020

Medisave Balance for CPF Members above Age of 55 who Passed Away in 2019

Singaporeans aged 55 and above who passed away in 2019 had a total remaining MediSave balance of about $300 million, with half having $10,300 or less in their accounts.
For those who passed away at age 85 or older, about half had a MediSave balance of $6,300 or less.
The remaining MediSave balances of deceased CPF members are distributed to their beneficiaries in cash, either through their CPF nomination or via the Public Trustee's Office if no nomination was made.

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2 Nov 2020

Favourable Interest Rates Offered for CPF Savings to Preserve Retirement Adequacy

Foo Mee Har asked whether favourable CPF interest rates will continue to be offered to preserve retirement adequacy amid record low market rates.
Josephine Teo explained that CPF interest rates are pegged to market returns but are kept above the legislated minimum of 2.5% for Ordinary, Special, MediSave, and Retirement Accounts.
The government maintains a floor rate of 4% for Special, MediSave, and Retirement Accounts and provides extra interest on the first $60,000 of combined balances.
Interest rates for Ordinary, Special, and MediSave Accounts are reviewed quarterly, while the Retirement Account rate is reviewed annually, adjusting for market conditions.
The government extended the 4% floor rate for Special, MediSave, and Retirement Accounts until December 2021 to further support retirement savings.

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2 Nov 2020

Letters to Inform Citizens of COVID-19 Help Schemes

MP Joan Pereira proposed that the Ministry send letters to all citizens detailing COVID-19 support schemes to prevent confusion, especially among the elderly.
The Government has communicated benefits through various channels, including distributing a Budget booklet to all households, sending customised letters to eligible citizens, and providing information via utility bill inserts and digital displays in HDB estates.
The "Support Go Where" website consolidates information on support schemes, and the Silver Generation Office actively reaches out to seniors to inform them of available assistance.
The Government committed to continuing efforts to improve communication of help schemes to citizens.

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2 Nov 2020

Review on Social Benefits for Lower and Middle Income Households

The Government is committed to building a caring and inclusive society, with social expenditure tripled over 15 years, and a system where lower- and middle-income households receive significantly more in transfers and subsidies than the taxes they pay.
Comprehensive support is provided across education, work, housing, retirement, healthcare, and social assistance, including heavily subsidised education, wage uplift schemes like Workfare, housing subsidies up to $160,000, and healthcare subsidies of up to 80% for hospitalisations.
During COVID-19, unprecedented relief measures were rolled out, including the Care and Support Package, targeted grants for unemployed or income-loss households, and Grocery Vouchers for lower-income households.
The Government regularly reviews social policies, such as enhancing the Silver Support Scheme and forming a Tripartite Workgroup on Lower Wage Workers, to ensure inclusivity and address evolving needs.
Overall, the system redistributes wealth so that those with less receive more, with the bottom 20% of households receiving nearly 30% of benefits while contributing less than 10% of taxes.

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2 Nov 2020

Approval and Profile of Applicants for Subsidies under Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund for Hearing Aids

The Ministry of Health processes subsidy applications for hearing aids under the Seniors Mobility and Enabling Fund within one day if all eligibility criteria are met.
Without subsidies, a standard hearing aid typically costs between $3,000 and $3,200.
The fund currently covers only the first hearing aid device, but replacements may be approved case-by-case based on individual circumstances, and the ministry will continue reviewing the subsidy parameters.

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2 Nov 2020

Impact of National Wages Council 2020/2021 Guidelines on CPF Contributions on Local Employees

Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned the potential disproportionate impact on local employees if employers' CPF contributions were reduced, as suggested by the National Wages Council 2020/2021 supplementary guidelines.
Josephine Teo explained that the National Wages Council encouraged employers and employees to collaborate to minimize retrenchments rather than bluntly cutting CPF contributions across the board.
She noted that a blanket reduction in CPF contributions fails to account for the varying circumstances of individual companies and employees, including the complexities of implementing and restoring such cuts.
Teo emphasized that since CPF contributions are only for local workers, cutting them would place the cost reduction burden solely on local employees, rather than applying it to all workers in a firm.
The debate highlighted that the tripartite consensus aimed to avoid disproportionate impacts on local employees by favoring targeted measures over broad CPF reductions.

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2 Nov 2020

Review of Distribution Methods for Budget 2020 Grocery Vouchers

Multiple MPs raised concerns about the postal distribution of Budget 2020 grocery vouchers, questioning the reasons for using registered mail, the scale of theft, and the feasibility of digital methods like PayNow.
The Minister explained that 150,000 sets were mailed, with only 229 (less than 0.2%) reported stolen, leading to voided vouchers and replacements, and noted police have made arrests.
The government chose postal delivery to balance COVID-19 safety, convenience for older recipients, and security, considering alternatives like digital vouchers or self-collection but deeming them less suitable due to digital literacy and mobility issues.
Future considerations include reviewing distribution methods as digital literacy improves, with current vouchers having unique features to prevent fraud and tracked deliveries to ensure secure receipt.

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2 Nov 2020

Portion of Average Bill for Surgical Procedure Paid Via MediShield Life and Via Out-of-pocket Payments

The government provides subsidies of up to 80% for surgical procedures, with MediShield Life covering 15–20% and MediSave 5–10% of an average subsidized bill, resulting in about 3% paid out-of-pocket, and most Singaporeans paying $100 or less in cash for subsidized hospitalization.
MediShield Life and MediSave limits are regularly reviewed and recently adjusted to reflect rising costs and procedure complexity, with plans to increase daily ward and treatment claim limits and raise the annual claim limit to $150,000 to better support older patients with large bills.
For outlier cases with high out-of-pocket costs, the Ministry of Health encourages sharing specific details for review and points to MediFund as a safety net for those needing additional financial assistance after subsidies, MediSave, and MediShield Life.

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2 Nov 2020

Adjustments in Medishield Life Premiums Given Difficult Climate

The debate focused on the justification for increasing MediShield Life premiums, citing factors like rising medical costs, higher claims, and benefit enhancements, with the government emphasizing the need for the scheme’s sustainability and solvency.
Ministers explained that premium increases are based on actuarial principles, with subsidies and support schemes (including COVID-19 relief) ensuring affordability, especially for seniors and lower-income households, while transparency was questioned regarding actuarial reports and cost comparisons.
MPs raised concerns about healthcare cost control, premium transparency, and support for vulnerable groups, with the government highlighting existing subsidies, additional assistance for those in hardship, and plans to communicate these measures through community outreach.

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15 Oct 2020

Overview of Government's Strategy to Emerge Stronger from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The government has committed around $100 billion across five support packages to help businesses and workers through the pandemic, with a shift from broad-based relief to targeted support for firms in different recovery stages and a focus on job creation over retention.
Vulnerable groups including mid-career professionals, self-employed persons, and low-wage workers are receiving specific assistance through schemes like the Jobs Growth Incentive, Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme, and expansion of the Progressive Wage Model.
Singapore's fiscal strategy emphasizes prudence, using past reserves for crisis response without borrowing, while planning for future infrastructure needs and studying the timing of the GST increase alongside measures like the $6 billion Assurance Package to cushion its impact.
The government aims to balance Singapore's dual identity as a global city and a nation by staying open to talent and innovation while building social cohesion, investing in lifelong learning, and supporting households through transfers and vouchers.
Long-term challenges such as an ageing population, global economic volatility, and potential future crises underline the need for sustainable fiscal policies, prudent use of reserves, and continuous economic transformation to emerge stronger from the pandemic.

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15 Oct 2020

Number of Singaporeans Provided Childcare, Preschool and After-school Care Subsidies

The Ministry provides a universal Basic Subsidy for all Singaporean children in childcare, with working mothers in households earning $12,000 or less eligible for means-tested Additional Subsidies; currently, 103,400 children are in full-day childcare, with 61,500 receiving Additional Subsidies and 9,900 receiving the highest tier.
For kindergartens run by Anchor Operators and MOE, 18,800 children are enrolled, with 12,000 receiving means-tested KiFAS subsidies and 4,300 receiving the highest tier; non-working mothers can access subsidies under special circumstances, such as job-seeking or caring for young or special-needs children.
Student care subsidies under SCFA support 6,600 Singaporean children from households with incomes up to $4,500 monthly, with the highest tier provided to 1,800 children from households earning $1,500 or less; means-testing is used to target resources effectively, and recent enhancements raised income ceilings and subsidy amounts.
The Ministry aims to lower preschool fee caps over the medium term, starting with Partner Operator pre-schools in 2021, and will monitor recent enhancements before reviewing schemes to ensure affordability, especially for lower-income families.
In response to a suggestion for incentives for larger families, the Minister emphasized that subsidies are primarily to ensure access to affordable, quality preschool education, not to encourage more children, and families who do not qualify can appeal for higher subsidies.

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14 Oct 2020

Number of Rejected Applications for COVID-19 Support Grant due to Income Criterion

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked how many COVID-19 Support Grant applications were rejected due to prior household income exceeding $10,000 or per capita income exceeding $3,100, despite a significant income drop of more than 30% and meeting other criteria.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli stated that as of 27 September 2020, about 133,000 applications were received, with over 83,000 approved, 46,000 rejected, and 4,000 pending.
Of the 46,000 rejected applicants, around 2,500 were turned down primarily because prior household income exceeded $10,000 or per capita income exceeded $3,100, though some may have also failed other eligibility criteria.
The Ministry does not have a further breakdown of the 2,500 figure, but applicants can appeal via the ComCare Call Hotline or Social Service Offices, which assess cases individually and may show flexibility in extenuating circumstances.

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14 Oct 2020

Towards Full Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Singapore Society

Ms Denise Phua proposed five changes to enhance the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Singapore, urging a shift from charity and medical models to a social model that removes barriers, addresses gaps in provisions, ensures transparent reporting of progress, fosters collaboration across sectors, and includes the voices of PwDs in policymaking.
The government, represented by Minister of State Sun Xueling, acknowledged progress in education, healthcare, employment, and caregiver support through initiatives like the Enabling Masterplans, Enabling Employment Credit, and CareShield Life, while committing to further co-create solutions and engage PwDs and caregivers.
Key challenges highlighted include the "cliff effect" for SPED graduates, limited lifelong learning opportunities, insurance coverage issues, and the need for a more integrated, lifecycle approach to support services for PwDs and their families.

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14 Oct 2020

Rationale to Link Workfare Special Payment to MediSave Contributions

MP Carrie Tan questioned the rationale of requiring up-to-date MediSave contributions for Workfare Special Payment eligibility, citing cashflow difficulties, and asked for data on affected workers and removal of the criterion.
Second Minister Lawrence Wong explained that CPF contributions are central to Singapore’s social security and that self-employed persons have deadlines to declare income and make MediSave contributions, with 600 having arrears over $3,000.
The Minister acknowledged challenges, noted CPF Board provides instalment plans, and said appeals would be considered for those on payment plans who miss deadlines, while highlighting other immediate support schemes.
MP Jamus Lim asked if Workfare payouts increased during COVID due to reduced demand for services, and the Minister responded that while data isn’t available, payouts likely rose and overall support for lower-wage workers has increased.

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6 Oct 2020

Households Requesting Rent and Arrears Assistance and Percentage Helped from January to July 2020

He Ting Ru asked about the number of households requesting rent assistance from January to July 2020 who already had rent arrears and the percentage assisted, based on an average of 370 requests per month.
Desmond Lee replied that about a quarter of the requesting households had rent arrears at the time of request.
For both households with and without arrears, approximately two-thirds received rent assistance, while the rest were either assessed as able to afford rent or did not follow up after initial contact.
HDB also proactively assists tenants, such as by reducing rents upon notification from Social Service Offices if tenants are found to need help through ComCare assessments, with full rent coverage available if needed.

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6 Oct 2020

Education and Housing Support Available to Young Men and Women out of Residential Boys' or Girls' Homes

Christopher de Souza asked about the education and housing support available to young adults leaving residential boys' or girls' homes.
MSF explained that its Youth Homes focus on family reintegration, with programmes to restore parent-child relationships and prepare residents for independent living, including guidance on education, employment, and rental or hostel options.
During their stay, children continue attending school, with some receiving on-site lessons or returning to their original schools, while older youth can access vocational studies and support for post-discharge education or employment.
Post-care support is provided for up to a year to help residents transition into the community, including assistance with housing, job placements, and further education.

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6 Oct 2020

Take-up Rate of Lift Access Housing Grant

The Lift Upgrading Programme has enabled direct lift access for most of the original 5,300 HDB blocks, with about 150 blocks still facing technical or cost constraints.
The Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 was introduced in March to assist residents with medical or mobility issues in purchasing a new or resale flat with direct lift access.
As of August 2020, HDB received 17 applications for the grant, approved seven, and is assessing the remaining 10.
There are currently no plans to expand the scheme, but the government will monitor take-up rates and review if enhancements are needed.

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6 Oct 2020

Number of Persons in Different Age Groups Who Have Received Workfare Income Supplement Payouts

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked for the annual number of Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) recipients from 2017 to 2019, broken down by age groups (35-40, 41-50, 51-60, and above 60), and whether the WIS amount could be reviewed to increase to one-third of monthly gross income.
From 2017 to 2019, about 400,000 employees and self-employed persons received WIS annually, with specific numbers provided for age groups: around 45,000 aged 35-44, 85,000 aged 45-54, 70,000 aged 55-59, and 195,000 aged 60 and above, plus 3,000 persons with disabilities below age 35.
The Minister stated that WIS has been regularly reviewed since 2007, with qualifying income ceilings and payouts raised four times, including a maximum payout increase of up to 14% from January this year, and reviews will continue to support target groups.

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6 Oct 2020

Reviewing Healthcare Services Support Schemes for Healthcare Inflation

Leon Perera asked how often subsidy levels for healthcare support schemes like CHAS are reviewed for healthcare inflation.
MOH regularly reviews these schemes, considering factors like healthcare inflation and household incomes, with recent enhancements to CHAS in November 2019.
The 2019 review updated income criteria, benefiting over 365,000 residents with higher subsidies, ensuring affordability for all, especially lower-income groups.

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