Social welfare — Topics

5 Jun 2020

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Implementation Dates of CareShield Life and MediSave Care

The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the implementation of both CareShield Life and MediSave Care, originally planned for mid-2020, due to reduced development and testing work from safe distancing measures, pushing their launch to end-2020.
CareShield Life will start for Singaporeans born in 1980 or later at the end of 2020, while those born earlier will see their launch deferred to at least end-2021.
The government will review the situation and provide more details on future launch dates, while affected individuals can continue using existing support schemes like the Home Caregiving Grant and ElderFund.

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5 Jun 2020

Applications Received and Approved for Self-employed Income Relief Scheme

Mr Leon Perera asked how many applications from self-employed adults below 37 were received and approved under the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS).
Minister Josephine Teo stated that over 100,000 self-employed persons aged 37 and above received SIRS support automatically through prior eligibility assessments without applying.
For those below 37, NTUC received 20,500 eligible applications and processed payments, while 9,100 incomplete applications await further assessment.

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5 Jun 2020

Second Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure for the Financial Year 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021

Nominated Members raised concerns about financial support for migrant spouses, mental health support during COVID-19, and the criteria for COVID-19 Support Grants, with ministers explaining existing schemes and flexibility for hardship cases.
The government defended the $285 million allocation for promising start-ups, highlighting co-investment via convertible bonds to sustain innovation and private-sector alignment during economic uncertainty.
Debates addressed disparities between support for employees and self-employed persons, with assurances on fair access, protection against JSS abuse, and efforts to promote workplace mental well-being and flexible work arrangements.

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5 Jun 2020

Government's Plans in Our Continuing Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic

The government's $33 billion Fortitude Budget, drawing from national reserves, focuses on saving jobs, supporting businesses, and aiding vulnerable groups through wage support, rental relief, and targeted grants, with a heavy emphasis on upskilling and creating new employment opportunities for mid-career and fresh graduate workers.
Parliamentarians urged enhanced digital transformation support, particularly for SMEs and hawkers, to accelerate e-payment adoption and help them pivot online, while also calling for more flexible and targeted aid to ensure businesses are genuinely impacted before receiving support.
Several MPs raised concerns for specific groups, including working parents struggling with childcare during home-based learning, persons with disabilities needing better digital access, and the sports and fitness industry, urging the government to address these gaps to ensure an inclusive recovery.

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4 Jun 2020

Help for Residents who Cannot Afford Mobile Phones to Access Online Programmes

The government provides programmes like IMDA's Home Access and NEU PC Plus to subsidise digital devices and internet for low-income households, benefiting over 16,000 households since 2014.
Additional support includes the CareLine programme, which offers mobile phones to vulnerable seniors for emergency response and tele-befriending, with partnerships from Changi General Hospital, Temasek Foundation, and others.
Digital upskilling initiatives such as Digital Clinics, Tech Connect, and Silver Infocomm Junctions help seniors learn to use devices, with recent online platforms like Virtual Digital Clinics offering remote assistance.
A nationwide "Seniors Go Digital" movement will launch to inspire digital adoption among seniors, including financial support for needy seniors to obtain phones, with more details to be announced.
Collective efforts from families, businesses, and community partners are encouraged to support seniors in their digital journey.

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4 Jun 2020

Enhancements to NEU PC Plus Programme

Anthea Ong questioned why the NEU PC Plus Programme limits households to one device regardless of children, whether COVID-19 enhancements will be made permanent, and suggested providing devices to all low-income students including pre-school and university levels, as well as automatic eligibility for MOE Financial Assistance Scheme recipients.
S Iswaran explained the Government's balanced approach to digital inclusion, emphasizing prudent use of public funds by providing one device per household to be shared, while noting MOE's separate provisions for school computing access.
He detailed COVID-19 enhancements, including a second device for large families, streamlined applications for MOE Financial Assistance Scheme students, and expanded iNSPIRE fund criteria, which led to over 20,000 devices loaned and 3,000 households supported.
The Minister stated that MCI and IMDA are considering making some COVID-19 enhancements permanent while reviewing digital access gaps as schools reopen, with readiness to address any unmet needs.
The debate highlights the programme's focus on targeted support, the impact of pandemic adaptations, and ongoing government efforts to balance flexibility with fiscal prudence in digital inclusion.

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4 Jun 2020

Government's Plans in our Continued Fight against COVID-19 Pandemic

The Minister highlighted the government's comprehensive push towards digitalization and job creation, including enhanced TechSkills Accelerator programs, Digital Resilience Bonuses for SMEs, and digital inclusion initiatives for hawkers and seniors, emphasizing that leaving no one behind is key to emerging stronger from the pandemic.
Miss Cheryl Chan stressed the need for a whole-of-society approach, pointing out practical challenges in business reopening phases and advocating for greater industry collaboration and mindset shifts to adapt to the new normal, while supporting the Fortitude Budget.
Mr Saktiandi Supaat raised concerns about support for affected workers and small landlords, suggested exploring borrowing options to manage fiscal reserves, and emphasized the importance of digital inclusion and self-sufficiency to prevent long-term economic scarring and inequality.

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4 Jun 2020

Eligibility Criteria for COVID-19 Support Grant

The COVID-19 Support Grant (CSG) does not require applicants to be unemployed for three full months; those on involuntary no-pay-leave or with significant salary loss can also apply if they provide evidence of future impact.
ComCare recipients are not eligible for CSG but can receive further assistance through ComCare, with automatic extensions and reviews for those whose circumstances worsen due to the pandemic.
Agencies are encouraged to refer individuals to the appropriate schemes, and efforts are being made to strengthen community networks to better identify and support vulnerable households.

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4 Jun 2020

Help for Employers, Employees and Those Looking for Jobs during COVID-19 Crisis

Multiple MPs raised concerns about job security, fair dismissal practices, salary protection, and support for both local and foreign workers during the COVID-19 crisis, including queries on CPF reductions, retrenchment benefits, and assistance for Singaporeans overseas.
The Minister for Manpower outlined existing measures such as the Jobs Support Scheme, tripartite advisories, and SkillsFuture initiatives, emphasizing fair treatment, communication between employers and employees, and targeted support for affected sectors while cautioning against permanent damage to retirement savings from CPF cuts.
Discussions highlighted the need for proactive skills upgrading, fair recruitment practices, and clear guidelines to prevent disguised retrenchments, with a focus on balancing employer flexibility and worker protections during the economic downturn.

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26 May 2020

Closing the Digital Divide for SGUnited: Learnings from COVID-19

Anthea Ong highlighted that COVID-19 has exposed and deepened Singapore’s digital divide, with low-income households, people with disabilities, and seniors facing significant barriers to internet access, devices, and digital literacy.
She proposed structural changes, including expanding and simplifying the NEU PC Plus Scheme, creating a Digital Empowerment Voucher scheme, and establishing a Digital Adequacy Framework to ensure meaningful digital participation for all.
Prof Lim Sun Sun advocated treating digital access as a public utility, ensuring universal internet connectivity, automatic device provision for needy families, and intensified digital literacy programs to level the playing field.
Minister S Iswaran acknowledged progress in digital inclusion, citing high household internet and computer ownership rates, but affirmed the government’s commitment to further bridging the divide through existing and enhanced programs, especially in response to COVID-19’s impact.
All speakers emphasized collaboration across public, private, and community sectors to achieve a digitally united Singapore where no one is left behind.

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26 May 2020

Government's Plans in Our Continuing Fight Against COVID-19 Pandemic

The government announced a $33 billion Fortitude Budget, the fourth in 2020, bringing total pandemic support to nearly $100 billion (about 20% of GDP), with a further draw of $31 billion from past reserves approved by the President.
The budget focuses on protecting jobs through enhancements to the Jobs Support Scheme, a new SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package to create 100,000 opportunities, and significant support for businesses on cash flow, costs, and credit, including rental relief and digital transformation grants.
Additional measures include direct aid for households like a $100 utilities credit and increased support for charities and social service agencies, alongside initiatives to boost digital inclusion for seniors and students to build social resilience.

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5 May 2020

Differences in Life Expectancy, Incidence of Chronic Illnesses and Acute Hospital Re-admission Rates between Highest and Lowest 20% Income Groups and Progress Made in Tackling Health Inequalities

The Ministry of Health reported that data on life expectancy, hospital re-admission rates, and chronic illness prevalence by income group is not available, though it uses educational level as a proxy for socio-economic status to highlight health disparities, such as higher rates of diabetes among lower-educated individuals.
Public hospitals have implemented programs like Hospital-to-Home to reduce re-admissions, serving over 14,000 patients, and the government has enhanced health screening subsidies under Screen for Life to lower cost barriers for lower-income groups.
While lower-income individuals with chronic diseases show good access to care and comparable outcomes in managing blood sugar and cholesterol, challenges remain in blood pressure control, and the Ministry commits to ongoing monitoring and measures to tackle health inequalities.

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5 May 2020

Greater Flexibility for Disbursement of Government Financial Assistance Funds during COVID-19 Pandemic

The government allocated approximately $240 million for ComCare in FY2020, including an additional $60 million from the Resilience Budget to provide greater flexibility for those affected by COVID-19, with funds being used to increase immediate assistance and extend support durations.
Social Service Offices have exercised flexibility by approving a higher number of applications for ComCare Interim Assistance and providing at least six months of support for new recipients, while automatically extending assistance for existing households to reduce the need for reapplication.
The Minister noted that income eligibility criteria for ComCare are applied flexibly on a case-by-case basis, and complementary schemes like the Temporary Relief Fund and COVID-19 Support Grant are available to help lower and middle-income households; further considerations include defaulting to auto-renewal and six-month assistance periods to streamline support.

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4 May 2020

Clarification by Minister of State for Social and Family Development

The Minister of State for Social and Family Development clarified that the Temporary Relief Fund was created to help lower- and middle-income Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents affected by COVID-19 job or income loss in April 2020, before other support schemes began.
The initial oral statement reported 537,080 applications for the fund, with 3,171 individuals returning payouts.
A subsequent written correction updated the total applications to 594,206 and the number who returned payouts to 3,951.
The correction was made after the Minister's initial reply during Question Time on 4 May 2020.
The Temporary Relief Fund served as a temporary measure before the rollout of the COVID-19 Support Grant and Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme.

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4 May 2020

Eligibility of Lower and Middle Income Singaporeans for COVID-19 Support Grant whose Employment Offers were Revoked Due to Outbreak

Murali Pillai queried if lower and middle-income Singaporeans whose job offers were revoked due to COVID-19 but who had not started work could qualify for the COVID-19 Support Grant (CSG).
The CSG is available to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who were previously employed but lost their jobs or were on involuntary no-pay leave for at least three consecutive months due to COVID-19, with eligibility starting from May 2020.
Individuals who lost at least 50% of their income for three consecutive months can also apply for the CSG, provided their employment or income changes occurred after 23 January 2020.
The grant does not cover those whose employment offers were revoked before they began work or who lacked valid employment contracts, but low-income individuals can seek ComCare assistance from Social Service Offices.

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4 May 2020

Applications Approved, Help Given Through ComCare to Unsuccessful Applicants and Fraudulent Applications Detected for Temporary Relief Fund as at 30 April 2020

As of 30 April 2020, there were about 594,206 applications for the Temporary Relief Fund (TRF), with 444,786 approved.
Non-approved applications were due to not meeting criteria such as job loss or income loss of at least 30%, or exceeding income limits.
The Ministry does not have data on how many unsuccessful TRF applicants received ComCare assistance.
Investigations into fraudulent TRF applications are ongoing, and no confirmed number of cases is available yet.

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4 May 2020

Statistics on Public Rental Flat Tenancy Terminations, Downgrades to Smaller Rental Flats, Eligibility Criteria for Assistance Measures and Demographics of Recipient Households in Last Three Years

About 5,200 public rental households, or 10%, are in rent arrears, with 75% owing less than $3,000 and about half in arrears for less than a year.
HDB provides compassionate assistance, including rent reductions, instalment plans for arrears, and referrals to Social Service Offices, and has helped 159 households downsize to smaller flats in the last three years.
Tenancy termination is a last resort, with only one case occurring in the last three years, and households receiving assistance typically have four or fewer members.

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4 May 2020

Financial Assistance for Essential Outpatient and Inpatient Medical Treatment and Plans to Liberalise Use of MediSave and MediFund on Account of COVID-19 Outbreak

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked about any increase in financial assistance appeals for medical treatment since January 2020 and proposed liberalising MediSave and MediFund use due to COVID-19's economic impact.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that the number of financial assistance appeals has remained similar to previous years, and MOH has implemented measures like free COVID-19 treatment for Singaporeans, special subsidies at Public Health Preparedness Clinics, and extended CHAS and MediSave use for video-consultations.
MOH will continue working with healthcare institutions to identify those in need, exercise flexibility on appeals, and enhance healthcare financing schemes to ensure affordability for all Singaporeans.

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4 May 2020

Quantum of Grants Disbursed under Seniors Mobility Fund and Re-Application for Replacement of Mobility Devices

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked the Ministry of Health for the quantum of grants disbursed under the Seniors Mobility Fund over the past three years and whether seniors could re-apply for replacement mobility devices after they wear out.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that $89 million was disbursed in Seniors Mobility Fund subsidies between 2017 and 2019 to support eligible seniors aged 60 and above with assistive devices and home healthcare items.
He noted that subsidies are primarily for the first device, but in exceptional cases where seniors need replacements without financial means, the Agency for Integrated Care can assess and approve such applications case-by-case.

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4 May 2020

Support For Home-Based Businesses During COVID-19 Circuit Breaker Period

Intan Azura Mokhtar highlighted the economic impact of the circuit breaker ban on home-based businesses (HBBs), noting they lost income and incurred losses from wasted supplies, and proposed allowing contactless deliveries, health logging, and central kitchen options to support them.
Zainal Sapari expressed concern over HBBs' financial distress and sought confirmation that self-employed owners could apply for the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme (SIRS), while urging negotiation between HBBs and customers for refunds.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli explained the government's rationale for the initial ban, citing public health risks, and outlined support measures including the SIRS and COVID-19 Support Grant, while announcing the resumption of food HBBs with restrictions from 12 May.

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