Social welfare — Topics

6 Oct 2020

Proposal for Extra Childcare Leave for Parents of Differently Abled Children

Louis Ng Kok Kwang proposed that the Government provide extra childcare leave for parents of differently abled children to attend medical and developmental appointments.
The Government, through Indranee Rajah, highlighted existing enhanced childcare leave provisions, flexible work arrangements, and tripartite standards to support working parents.
Additional support for parents of children with special needs includes subsidies for Special Student Care Centres, tax relief for grandparent caregivers, and training resources through EIPIC and SG Enable.
The Government emphasized balancing caregiving needs with employers’ operational requirements to protect parents’ employability while continuing to study further enhancements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Oct 2020

Encouraging Singaporeans to Apply for Lasting Powers of Attorney

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked about the number of Singaporeans who have applied for Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), ways to encourage more applications, and assistance schemes for lower-income groups.
Since the fee waiver extension in 2018, about 42,000 LPAs were registered, bringing the total to 88,300 as of August 2020, with the waiver now extended to March 2021 and forms revised for ease of application.
Outreach efforts include community events, virtual talks, and partnerships with hospitals and banks, with plans to enable online LPA registration by late 2021.
Subsidised LPA certificate services are available through not-for-profit organisations for those needing financial assistance.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Oct 2020

Flexibility in Administering COVID-19 Relief Schemes for Residents in Landed Property and Those with Chronic Health Conditions

Yip Hon Weng asked if COVID-19 relief schemes could be more flexible for residents in landed properties they may not own and for Merdeka and Pioneer Generation Singaporeans with chronic health conditions.
Heng Swee Keat explained that relief schemes like the COVID-19 Support Grant and SIRS target those with less means, using criteria such as property Annual Value to prioritize need, but appeals for extenuating circumstances are considered case-by-case.
The government noted that broad-based support like the Solidarity Payment and Care and Support–Cash schemes did not use property value criteria and included extra payouts for seniors, including Pioneer and Merdeka Generations.
Merdeka and Pioneer Generation seniors receive lifelong healthcare benefits like MediSave top-ups and premium subsidies to help with healthcare costs.
Those needing further help can approach MSF Social Service Offices, with ComCare applications exercised more flexibly during the pandemic.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Oct 2020

Attention to Employment Prospects for Persons with Special Needs amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

The Minister for Social and Family Development outlined measures to support persons with disabilities (PWDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, including enhanced wage credits, virtual career fairs, and job placement services through SG Enable, while noting that specific retrenchment data for PWDs is not tracked.
MPs raised concerns about the lack of detailed statistics on PWD retrenchment and disguised retrenchments, urging the Ministry to consider more active data collection and to shape employer awareness of the value of inclusive hiring.
The Minister affirmed that case managers provide direct assistance to retrenched PWDs who seek help and committed to accelerating the work of an existing workgroup addressing underemployment and unemployment issues in the PWD community.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Statistics on CPF Members Aged between 21 and 60 Not Covered under Dependants' Protection Scheme

The Minister for Manpower clarified that as of December 2019, about one in five CPF members aged 21 to 60 are not covered under the Dependants' Protection Scheme (DPS), with reasons including members opting out, having private insurance, sufficient savings, or failing underwriting requirements.
Automatic DPS inclusion is limited to active CPF contributors to ensure income stability and premium affordability, but non-covered members can apply directly to private insurers and use CPF savings or cash to pay premiums.
From 1 April 2021, DPS coverage will be extended to members up to age 65, allowing those aged 60 to 65 to rejoin if their coverage has ceased or will cease before the new policy takes effect.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Percentage of Rejected Applications under Self-employed Person Income Relief Scheme due to Spouse's Income and Plans to Review Criterion

Melvin Yong asked for the percentage of SIRS applications rejected due to a spouse earning over $70,000 and for a review of this criterion amid the COVID-19 economic impact.
Mrs Josephine Teo explained that SIRS is means-tested, and married applicants are ineligible if their spouse's annual income exceeds $70,000 to target those with limited household wealth.
She noted that $70,000 is above the median income and aligns with other national schemes like Workfare, and the Ministry exercises flexibility on this criterion.
Approximately 10% of unsuccessful SIRS applicants were rejected because their spouse's income far exceeded the $70,000 threshold, which could not be covered by appeal guidelines.
The Ministry's response addresses the question while indicating that the criterion is part of a broader means-testing approach rather than committing to a review.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Number of Applications for ComCare Assistance Exceeding Income Criteria and Plans to Review Income Cap

Ms Raeesah Khan asked about the number of ComCare applications that exceeded income criteria from 2017 to 2019, factors considered for borderline cases, and plans to review the income cap.
The Ministry explained that ComCare eligibility is assessed case-by-case, with flexibility for households with high essential expenses like rent or special education costs, and they may be referred to other assistance schemes.
The Ministry stated that ComCare eligibility is reviewed every two to three years, with the last review in 2019, and there are no plans to review the income criteria in the next 12 months.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Number of Children Enrolled under Enhanced Pilot for Private Intervention Providers in 2017 and 2018

Mr Don Wee asked for the number of children enrolled under the Enhanced Pilot for Private Intervention Providers (Enhanced PPIP) in 2017 and 2018 and whether the quota could be increased.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) reported that 130 children were enrolled annually on average during 2017 and 2018 under the Enhanced PPIP.
MSF increased the number of PPIP providers from 6 to 10 in 2018 and worked to expand places, leading to 266 children being served in 2019.
MSF is working to maximize PPIP capacity, expand Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) places, and develop new programs like Development Support Plus and the Inclusive Preschool Workgroup to support more children with developmental needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Number of Patients Who had Reached Annual MediSave Withdrawal Limit Allowed Under Chronic Disease Management Programme and Outpatient Flexi-MediSave Scheme in Last Five Years

In 2019, less than 15% of patients reached the $500 annual MediSave limit under the Chronic Disease Management Programme, with most having complex conditions, and the limit was increased to $700 for those with multiple conditions from 2021.
For the outpatient Flexi-MediSave scheme in 2019, fewer than 2 in 10 eligible patients aged 60 and above reached the $200 annual withdrawal limit.
The government regularly reviews MediSave withdrawal limits to balance current healthcare support with long-term savings needs, and those who cannot afford treatments can seek further financial assistance.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Process for Determining and Reviewing Investable Products in CPF Investment Scheme

The CPF Investment Scheme allows members to invest in a limited range of products to protect retirement savings, while offering options like bonds, unit trusts, and shares.
Approved investment products are selected based on criteria such as performance benchmarks and expense ratios, with managed funds required to be in the top 25th percentile and meet cost caps.
The CPF Board continuously reviews the list of approved products to balance flexibility for diversification with safeguards for members' interests.
Members cannot invest in unapproved products through CPFIS, as the scheme is designed to manage risk given varying member knowledge and market options.
The rationale for restrictions is to prevent excessive risk to retirement funds, given that CPF offers risk-free interest and members have differing financial understanding.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Maintaining Well-being of Families Amidst Increasing Stress During COVID-19 Pandemic

The government set up the National CARE Hotline and other Carelines to provide psychological and emotional support to individuals and families affected by the pandemic, with trained volunteers handling tens of thousands of calls.
Families facing stress, tensions, or potential violence are encouraged to seek early help through Family Service Centres, online counselling, and community outreach, with increased efforts to monitor and support vulnerable households.
Financial support measures such as the Temporary Relief Fund, COVID-19 Support Grant, and extended ComCare assistance were rolled out to help middle- and lower-income individuals and families cope with economic distress.
Programmes like Families for Life’s #FFLShareTheCare video series and free Triple P parenting courses were launched to help families manage work-care balance and reduce parenting stress, with strong public uptake.
Community volunteers and partners have been proactively reaching out to low-income and vulnerable households, providing resources and referrals to support those most affected by the crisis.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Flexibility for MediSave Claims for Age-related Medical Treatment

Dr Lim Wee Kiak sought more flexibility for MediSave claims for age-related conditions like macular degeneration and suggested reviewing withdrawal limits for the elderly with high account balances to reduce out-of-pocket payments.
The Ministry of Health highlighted existing support through government subsidies, MediShield Life, MediSave, and MediFund, and noted recent enhancements like increased outpatient limits, the MediSave Care scheme, and lowered age thresholds for Flexi-MediSave.
The Ministry emphasized regular reviews of withdrawal limits to balance affordability for healthcare with retaining savings for future needs, and outlined options like MediFund or case-by-case appeals for those facing payment difficulties.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Take-up Rate of Point-to-Point Support Package by Private Hire Car Operators

The Point-to-Point Support Package (PPSP) has disbursed over $300 million across three tranches, with three private hire car operators—Grab, Gojek, and Ryde—participating in the first tranche by contributing over $20 million in commission rebates.
These operators have since stopped matching government assistance in subsequent tranches, but the Ministry of Transport notes this is not faulted, as the package was designed as government assistance, and operators are still helping disburse Special Relief Fund payouts to drivers.
As of 30 September, the government has disbursed approximately $45 million to Grab drivers, $8 million to Gojek drivers, and about $60,000 to Ryde drivers through the Special Relief Fund.
The debate did not explicitly state reasons provided by private hire car operators who chose not to participate in the PPSP, focusing instead on the participation and disbursement details.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Number of Families Helped by KiFAS Grants and Proposal for Extension of the Scheme

Ms He Ting Ru asked about the number of Singaporean families eligible for and receiving Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) over the last five years and whether the scheme would be extended to all eligible families regardless of childcare provider.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli explained that KiFAS is a means-tested subsidy for families with children in half-day kindergartens run by Anchor Operators or MOE, with eligibility based on household income, and noted that the income ceiling and subsidies were raised in 2020, increasing the number of children receiving KiFAS from an average of 9,000 to 12,000 annually.
The Minister emphasized that the government prioritizes affordability in full-day childcare centres, which serve most children, and that childcare subsidies are available for all ECDA-licensed centres, with additional means-tested subsidies and plans to lower fee caps.
It was highlighted that over 85% of Singaporean children in preschool attend either childcare centres or Anchor Operator/MOE kindergartens, most receiving subsidies, and that additional support like Baby Bonus and CDA grants help offset fees.
The government is committed to doubling preschool spending to over $2 billion annually in the coming years to improve quality, affordability, and accessibility for all children.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Extending Development Support and Learning Support Programme to Differently-abled Children in Pre-schools

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if the Development Support and Learning Support Programme could be extended to nursery-level differently-abled children.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that the DS-LS Programme currently supports children aged 5 and 6 with mild developmental delays and is being studied for its appropriateness for younger nursery children.
Nursery children with moderate to severe delays are already referred to hospitals or the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) for intensive support.
KidSTART is being scaled up to support low-income families from birth, providing developmental assistance regardless of delays.
These programmes together form a suite of support for preschool-age children and their families.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Streamlining ComCare and COVID-19 Relief Financial Assistance

Miss Cheryl Chan and Ms Foo Mee Har raised questions about potential reductions in ComCare assistance when receiving COVID-19 support grants, and whether ComCare clients could receive both types of aid simultaneously, with Ms Foo also asking about longer-term unemployment support.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli explained that ComCare assistance is automatically extended by six months for existing and new beneficiaries to provide stability, and that ComCare clients are ineligible for the COVID-19 Support Grant to avoid duplication, with adjustments made if they receive other schemes like SIRS.
The Minister noted that ComCare beneficiaries can still access broad-based COVID support like the Care and Support Package and Solidarity Payment, and highlighted the SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package to support jobseekers, with the CSG window extended to December 2020.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Households that Have Benefited from Home Access 3.0 Programme for Minimum Broadband Speeds

Member Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap inquired about the number of low-income households that have benefited from the Home Access 3.0 programme and whether higher minimum broadband speeds could be considered to meet growing online access needs.
Minister S Iswaran responded that the programme, launched in April 2020, has supported close to 1,500 beneficiaries to date.
The minimum broadband speed under Home Access was recently raised from 300Mbps to 500Mbps without increasing monthly co-payments, and over 80% of beneficiaries have chosen this speed.
A 1Gbps option is also available for households seeking higher speeds, and the government will continue to review the scheme to ensure it meets citizens' needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Wireless@SG Hotspots for HDB Rental Blocks to Ensure Minimum Level of Internet Connectivity

Leon Perera asked if Wireless@SG hotspots can be rolled out in HDB rental blocks to provide a minimum internet connectivity level for residents who cannot afford subsidized plans under the Home Access 3.0 programme.
S Iswaran responded that the government prefers the Home Access scheme, which offers heavily subsidized broadband at $9 per month for HDB rental households, as a more targeted and practical solution than deploying Wireless@SG at these blocks.
The Home Access scheme provides further discounts for ComCare recipients at $6 per month and free broadband for households with school-going children or persons with disabilities under the NEU PC Plus programme, with applications handled through IMDA and Social Service Offices.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Oct 2020

Proposal to Review Housing Criteria for Support Grants

Sharael Taha asked if the Ministry is reviewing its eligibility criteria for support grants, particularly the use of per capita income of occupants living at a particular address.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that support grants aim to help residents with insufficient savings, assets, or income, using measures like per capita income as proxies for financial need and resilience.
The Ministry regularly reviews eligibility criteria to ensure they meet objectives and target groups, with flexibility applied on a case-by-case basis.
Additional schemes like cash payouts and the Jobs Support Scheme were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic without means testing to address unprecedented economic impacts.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Sep 2020

Number of Requests for Assistance with Rent Payments under HDB Public Rental Scheme and Plans to Consider Temporary Rent Freeze

From January to July 2020, HDB received an average of 370 monthly requests for rent assistance, reduced rents for 325 households per month, and placed 1,470 households per month on ComCare rent assistance.
Public rental rates are highly subsidized, not raised during a tenancy term, and can be lowered if household income falls, with rents reviewed only at renewal every two to three years.
Tenants facing difficulties are advised to approach their local HDB Branch for assistance, and HDB will continue monitoring to ensure households in need receive support.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source