Social welfare — Topics

4 May 2020

Assistance for Rough Sleepers and Measures to Help Them Cope with COVID-19 Circuit Breaker Conditions

The Ministry and PEERS Network expanded shelter capacity to about 700 spaces through new partnerships, including religious and community organizations, to house rough sleepers during the circuit breaker.
Homeless individuals are not penalized under COVID-19 regulations if assisted, and outreach efforts include distributing care packs and encouraging shelter acceptance.
A small proportion of destitute persons are housed in Welfare Homes, while transitional shelters support families and individuals working toward stable accommodation.
Collaboration with community partners ensures homeless persons access COVID-19 relief measures, such as the Solidarity payment and grants, despite challenges like lacking addresses or IDs.
The crisis reinforced the importance of government-community partnerships in addressing both immediate safety and underlying issues leading to homelessness.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 May 2020

Number of Singaporeans and PRs who Have Applied for Temporary Relief Fund for COVID-19 Situation

The Temporary Relief Fund received 537,080 applications from Singaporeans and PRs as at 30 April 2020, with 3,171 individuals having returned their payouts.
Abuse of the fund may be treated as cheating, punishable by up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Returning funds by end-May 2020 would be considered a mitigating factor in assessing fraudulent claims.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 May 2020

Extension of $300 Government Payout to Long-Term Visit Pass Plus Holders who are Spouses of Singaporeans as COVID-19 Measures

Murali Pillai asked whether the $300 Solidarity Payment could be extended to LTVP holders who are spouses of Singaporeans, similar to the extension to LTVP+ holders.
The Deputy Prime Minister explained that while LTVP holders are not eligible for the payment, they can work and receive other household benefits, and families can seek financial assistance through Social Service Offices if needed.
The government aligns support schemes with residential status, and the payment extension to LTVP+ holders was a targeted measure for urgent support during COVID-19, with assurances that no one is denied help due to their status.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the use of three historic Budgets totaling $160 billion to protect lives, save jobs, and ensure Singapore's future through fiscal prudence and drawing on past reserves.
Key measures include enhanced support for businesses through the Jobs Support Scheme, property tax rebates, and credit facilities, as well as direct cash assistance and income relief for workers, including self-employed persons and low-wage employees.
The government is prioritizing health by implementing circuit breaker measures while building economic and social resilience, with initiatives like the Emerging Stronger Task Force and the Singapore Together movement to navigate the crisis and prepare for recovery.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Parliament overwhelmingly supported the government's Resilience and Solidarity Budgets, praising the massive financial package for providing swift and comprehensive support to businesses and workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many speakers expressing confidence in Singapore's ability to overcome the crisis through strong leadership and public cooperation.
Several members highlighted specific gaps and called for more targeted aid, including extending the Jobs Support Scheme to business owners and directors, increasing assistance for self-employed persons (SEPs) and those on unpaid leave, providing more relief for commercial tenants, and offering support to permanent residents and long-term visit pass holders.
While the government's means-tested approach was largely acknowledged, a notable proposal from a Nominated Member advocated for a temporary Universal Basic Income Scheme to provide weekly cash payouts to all citizens, financed by a temporary income tax increase, to ensure no one falls through the cracks during the rapid economic downturn.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The government’s Resilience and Solidarity Budgets provide broad support for workers, businesses, and families affected by COVID-19, with measures including cash payouts, rental and loan relief, and enhanced job support schemes, which were widely praised for their generosity and timeliness.
Several MPs highlighted specific gaps, calling for faster disbursement of aid, expanded eligibility for self-employed and gig workers, more support for sectors like sports and retail, and automatic renewal of assistance to reduce administrative burdens during the circuit breaker.
Concerns were raised about the long-term mental health impact of the crisis, with suggestions for a national mental health strategy, free first consultations, and targeted support for vulnerable groups such as low-income households, seniors, and migrant workers.
The debate also emphasized the need for structural reforms, including improving housing conditions to reduce overcrowding, enhancing food security, accelerating digital transformation for SMEs, and ensuring sustainable use of national reserves for future generations.
Members urged collective solidarity and responsibility, with calls for all Singaporeans to adhere to safe distancing measures, support one another, and use this crisis as an opportunity to innovate, upskill, and build a more resilient and equitable society.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The Parliament unanimously endorsed the multi-Budget response to COVID-19, with lawmakers praising the swift, decisive action and the unprecedented scale of support drawing on national reserves to protect lives and livelihoods during the "circuit breaker" period.
Key measures highlighted include enhanced wage support through the Job Support Scheme, cash assistance for displaced workers and the self-employed, and targeted aid for severely impacted sectors like aviation, with ongoing concerns about implementation speed and eligibility criteria.
Looking ahead, speakers urged leveraging the crisis to build long-term resilience, such as strengthening food security, accelerating digital transformation, and creating short-term jobs, while emphasizing the need for unity and tripartite cooperation to emerge stronger.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to Elevated Safe Distancing Measures

The Deputy Prime Minister introduced a $5.1 billion Solidarity Budget to support workers and businesses during a four-week "circuit breaker" period of heightened safe distancing measures, including a 75% wage subsidy for April and enhanced financing schemes.
Direct cash assistance will be provided to households through a one-off $600 Solidarity Payment for all adult Singaporeans, while eligibility for the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme is broadened to include more affected individuals.
Additional measures include waiving foreign worker levies for April, providing rebates to employers, and requiring landlords to pass on property tax rebates to tenants, with funding partly drawn from past reserves and the fiscal budget.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Apr 2020

Assessment of COVID-19’s Impact on Low-income and Other Vulnerable Persons and Households

Ms. Anthea Ong raised concerns about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups, including low-income families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and those with mental health conditions, and asked about government monitoring, support measures, and policy review opportunities.
Minister Desmond Lee outlined multi-Ministry efforts such as enhanced financial assistance, proactive outreach by Silver Generation Ambassadors, and the launch of the COVID-19 Support Grant, while emphasizing the importance of a whole-of-society approach to support the vulnerable.
Ong followed up with supplementary questions about the continuity of family violence and child protection services during circuit breaker measures, the adequacy of resources for potential increases in abuse cases, and support for social service agencies facing funding shortfalls.
Lee responded by announcing a National CARE hotline, confirming that essential protection services remain operational with adequate resources, and detailing existing and upcoming measures to support social service agencies through funding and capability-building schemes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Apr 2020

Assistance for Needy Students on School Meals Programme and for Home-Based Learning during COVID-19 Outbreak

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira questioned how the School Meals Programme would support needy students during school closures due to COVID-19 and whether financial assistance would be provided if schools close, also raising concerns about holiday hunger and ensuring students on financial schemes have devices and internet for home-based learning.
Education Minister Ong Ye Kung confirmed that about 49,000 students benefit from the School Meals Programme and explained that during full home-based learning, schools would identify students needing to attend in person while working with MSF and community partners like Social Service Offices to provide financial support, including vouchers for meals.
The Minister addressed home-based learning challenges, noting that while most households have devices and internet, the government is loaning tablets, laptops, and dongles to students without access, with corporate sponsors and safe school spaces also being used to ensure all students, especially from low-income families, can learn online.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

26 Mar 2020

Goods and Services Tax Voucher Fund (Amendment) Bill

The Goods and Services Tax Voucher Fund is being amended to broaden its purpose beyond assisting only the less well-off, allowing it to fund the Assurance Package that cushions the impact of the upcoming GST hike for all Singaporeans during the transition period.
The amendment also expands the forms of support to include grants-in-aid, which can be used to help parents or guardians defray expenses for infants and children under their care.
Several members raised concerns, including suggestions to exempt essential items from GST, the exclusion of migrant workers from receiving GST Vouchers, and questions about whether the Fund’s focus on cash relief for low-income households would be diluted.
The Minister reiterated that the Government remains committed to enhancing the permanent GST Voucher scheme for lower and middle-income households, while prioritizing citizens for transition support and noting that migrant workers’ needs should be addressed through other means.
The Bill was passed after the debate, with the Committee of the Whole House considering and approving it without amendments.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

25 Mar 2020

Breakdown on Number of Persons Above Age 65 Receiving CPF Transfers from Their Child in Last Three Years

The number of persons above age 65 receiving CPF transfers from their children increased to about 17,800 in 2019, with over $169 million received.
Cash top-ups were more popular than CPF transfers, and female recipients received larger amounts than male recipients.
Children earning less tended to top up more in cash compared to those earning higher incomes.
From 2021 to 2025, the government will introduce the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme to match cash top-ups up to $600 annually.
The Minister provided tables detailing the breakdown by age, gender, income, and transfer modes but did not supply all requested yearly data.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

25 Mar 2020

Breakdown by Gender and Current Employment Status of Singaporeans Eligible for Budget 2020 Matched Retirement Savings Scheme and Average and Median Balances in CPF Accounts

About 435,000 Singaporeans aged 55 to 70 are eligible for the Matched Retirement Savings Scheme (MRSS), which aims to help those who have not met the CPF Basic Retirement Sum save more for retirement.
Roughly half are active CPF contributors, with slightly more women than men; among them, women have lower average and median CPF balances ($108,000 and $90,000) compared to men ($146,000 and $133,000).
About one-third are inactive contributors, likely caregivers, with 2.5 times as many women as men; women in this group have lower average and median balances ($60,000 and $39,000) than men ($96,000 and $63,000).
Around 20% are self-employed persons (SEPs), with twice as many men as women; women SEPs have lower average and median balances ($72,000 and $48,000) compared to men ($113,000 and $88,000).

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head X (Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth)

MCCY will introduce measures to enhance access to opportunities across life stages, including free gym and pool access for seniors aged 65 and above, and a grant to help low-income families afford preschool fees.
The Ministry is strengthening social cohesion by supporting the asatizah fraternity through professional development initiatives and promoting community engagement efforts like the CiptaSama dialogues to address issues facing the Malay/Muslim community.
To support the arts and culture sector amid COVID-19, MCCY will provide a 30% rental subsidy for national cultural institutions and an enhanced capability development grant for arts groups and freelancers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Mar 2020

Incentives for Shopping Malls to Install Tactile Paving to Aid Visually Impaired

Louis Ng asked the Ministry for National Development to consider providing more incentives, such as partial funding, for shopping malls to install tactile paving for the visually impaired.
The Minister of State responded that the Building and Construction Authority’s Accessibility Fund already co-funds up to 60% of construction costs, capped at $300,000 per development, for features like tactile paving in eligible private buildings including malls.
Louis Ng shared feedback from a visually impaired person who found tactile paving effective at one location but lacking at another, and suggested making it compulsory for easier navigation.
The Minister acknowledged that newer buildings are required to have accessibility features, while older buildings are encouraged through funding during renovations, noting the fund's substantial support and citing high compliance in areas like Orchard Road.
Both sides emphasized ongoing efforts to raise awareness and improve accessibility, with the Minister noting enforcement challenges for older buildings not originally designed with such features.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Mar 2020

Study on Impact and Mitigation Factors of Climate Change on Low-income Groups

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Prime Minister whether a study on climate change impacts on low-income groups has been conducted and if its results are available.
Teo Chee Hean responded that the government's climate strategies consider all stakeholders, including low-income and vulnerable groups, through inclusive adaptation and mitigation measures.
Specific initiatives like HDB Green Towns Programme and energy-efficient appliance incentives are designed to reduce utility bills and minimize climate change impacts on low-income households.
Additional financial support, such as GST Voucher – U-Save rebates, is provided to eligible HDB households to cushion the effects of carbon taxes and rising utility costs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

The Ministry announced enhanced pre-school subsidies and fee caps to make quality early childhood education more affordable, including raising the income ceiling for Additional Subsidy and lowering Partner Operator fee caps, while expanding the KidSTART programme to support low-income families.
Support for children with developmental needs is being strengthened through the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC) and new in-preschool interventions, with an inter-agency workgroup set to recommend improvements by year-end.
Subsidies for student care centres will increase, and foster parents will soon receive childcare leave benefits, while the government is streamlining subsidy processes for low-income families and enhancing the Pre-school Opportunity Fund for developmental activities.
The ministry is fostering community partnerships, such as the "GROWING TOGETHER with KidSTART" initiative, which has raised over $800,000 in donations and mobilized volunteers to support families.
Efforts to support children with disabilities and their caregivers include engagement sessions to identify new initiatives, and ComLink is helping rental-flat families work towards home ownership with tailored support.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head I (Ministry of Social and Family Development)

Multiple MPs highlighted the need for better coordination among social agencies to support vulnerable families, with Minister Desmond Lee announcing enhanced digital systems and community partnerships like ComLink to streamline help and reduce duplication.
Discussions emphasized improving support for persons with disabilities, including making special student care more affordable, creating a single touchpoint via SG Enable, and forming workgroups to address employment, independent living, and inclusive preschools.
MPs raised concerns about food insecurity, marriage and parenting support, and early childhood intervention, with the government committing to expanded KidSTART, online divorce portals, and more accessible preschool subsidies.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Mar 2020

Goods and Services Tax Voucher Fund (Amendment) Bill

The Goods and Services Tax Voucher Fund (Amendment) Bill was introduced to amend the existing Act governing the GST Voucher scheme.
The bill was presented by the Second Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, and received its first reading in Parliament.
The bill is scheduled for its second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting and will be printed for review.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head T (Ministry of National Development)

The debate centered on enhancing housing affordability and accessibility, with the Ministry announcing a simplified Silver Housing Bonus, expanded Lease Buyback Scheme, and a new open booking system to help home-seekers access flats more quickly.
Members raised concerns about supporting diverse housing needs, including for singles, unwed parents, and elderly residents, with the Ministry committing to a case-by-case approach for unwed parents and piloting assisted living flats.
Discussions also covered rejuvenating HDB towns, including launching a 10-year Green Towns programme, accelerating the Home Improvement Programme for older flats, and introducing a new Lift Access Housing Grant for residents needing direct lift access.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source