Social welfare — Topics

5 Aug 2019

Numbers in Merdeka Generation who Require Permanent Help with At Least Three Activities of Daily Living

Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Health about the number of Merdeka Generation seniors needing permanent help with at least three daily activities and whether a disability assistance scheme similar to the Pioneer Generation could be considered.
The Ministry of Health estimated around 9,000 Merdeka Generation seniors require such help and is implementing CareShield Life, a long-term care insurance with lifetime payouts for severe disability, alongside a $4,000 sign-on incentive and subsidies for affordability.
Those already ineligible for CareShield Life can apply for financial assistance through the new ElderFund starting in 2020, along with additional support like a Home Caregiving Grant and MediSave withdrawals for long-term care.
These measures, combined with subsidies up to 80% for long-term care services, aim to make care more affordable for the Merdeka Generation.

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5 Aug 2019

SkillsFuture Credits for Young Adults with Special Needs Aged 18 and Above

Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed extending SkillsFuture credits to young adults with special needs from age 18, citing limited post-secondary options for them.
Ong Ye Kung responded that the government already provides support through programs like the School-to-Work Transition and allows use of Post-Secondary Education Account until age 30.
He noted that SkillsFuture credits are available at age 25 for all citizens, and encouraged employer partnerships to create more training and job opportunities for those with special needs.

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5 Aug 2019

Parity in Pensions and Singapore Allowance for Employees in Corporatised Government Agencies, Government Agencies and Government Departments

Murali Pillai asked if the Government will ensure pensioners from corporatised agencies receive the same Singapore Allowance and pension increases as Government pensioners.
The Prime Minister’s response clarified that Government pensions are fixed based on service and salary at retirement, and a Singapore Allowance is provided to low-pension recipients.
Corporatised entities are private firms, and their retirees follow firm-specific terms, which need not match Government benefits.
Retirees from private firms may still access broader national benefits like the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation Packages.
The Government indicated no direct obligation to align private firm pensions with Government pension schemes.

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5 Aug 2019

Job-readiness Training at Day Activity Centres

Intan Azura Mokhtar asked about enhancing job-readiness training at Day Activity Centres (DACs) for adults with special needs, including collaboration with ITEs and securing full weekly placements from Monday to Friday.
The Minister of State outlined existing support, including DACs, Sheltered Workshops, MOM’s Adapt and Grow initiatives, and wage credits for employers, while committing to ongoing improvements through the Enabling Masterplan.
Parents have reported difficulties securing full-time placements at DACs, prompting a call for better coordination between DACs and Sheltered Workshops to cover all weekdays.
The Minister confirmed that DACs and Sheltered Workshops are open Monday to Friday for eligible participants and urged reporting specific cases to address any placement gaps.
An integrated approach across MSF, MOE, and MOM is being pursued under the Enabling Masterplan to align education and training from preschool to work-readiness, with workgroups focusing on early intervention and employment opportunities.

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5 Aug 2019

Extension of HDB Repair Services to Support Elderly or Less Mobile Residents in Non-rental Flats

Saktiandi Supaat asked whether HDB repair services could be expanded to help elderly or less mobile residents living alone in non-rental flats with home issues like power trips.
The Minister for National Development responded that flat owners are responsible for repairs, but assistance is available via Town Councils, HDB referrals, and community groups like CDCs and grassroots organizations.
Saktiandi followed up, noting an increase in elderly residents living alone in his constituency and asked if services for rental flats could be extended to vulnerable homeowners.
The Minister reiterated the principle of owner responsibility, explaining that while rental flats are maintained by HDB, sold flat owners can use existing support schemes, with HDB facilitating help within the current framework.

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5 Aug 2019

Proposal for Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation Cardholders to Receive Subsidies for Certain Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments

Joan Pereira proposed extending Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholder subsidies to approved traditional Chinese medicine clinics.
The Ministry of Health responded that there are no current plans to extend subsidies to TCM clinics, as TCM plays a complementary role, though support is provided through funding, development, and charitable clinics.
Pereira asked if subsidies could at least cover doctor-referred acupuncture treatments at TCM clinics in public hospitals.
The Ministry confirmed that PG subsidies are already available for specific acupuncture treatments at certain public hospitals and that MG benefits will extend to these when rolled out, with further consideration for other TCM treatments based on efficacy and safety studies.

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8 Jul 2019

Programmes to Help at-risk Youths

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and Social Service Agencies run programmes like Enhanced STEP-UP for school dropouts and Youth GO! for street outreach and interest-based engagement.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has established the Uplifting Pupils in Life and Inspiring Families Taskforce (UPLIFT) to support students from disadvantaged families through after-school programmes.
Family Service Centres work with multi-problem families to address challenges and provide timely support to youths and their members.
MSF is piloting a Localised Community Network in Jurong West to coordinate early identification and service delivery for at-risk youths.
The government continues to partner with ministries and agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated social services for youths.

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8 Jul 2019

Calculation of Monthly CPF Payouts from CPF Life or Retirement Sum Scheme

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for Manpower whether the CPF Board could share public guidelines and online calculators explaining how monthly CPF payouts from CPF LIFE or the Retirement Sum Scheme are calculated and the assumptions used.
Mrs Josephine Teo explained that members born in or after 1958 with at least $60,000 in their Retirement Account at age 65 are automatically enrolled in CPF LIFE for lifelong payouts, while others remain on the RSS unless they opt in, with payouts determined by an independent actuarial consultant considering mortality rates and interest earned.
The RSS provides payouts for up to 20 years using a base 4% interest rate, extended by up to 10 years through government extra interests to reduce the risk of savings depleting, while CPF LIFE payouts are reviewed annually and adjusted gradually based on factors like longevity changes.
Members can estimate their payouts using the CPF LIFE estimator online or seek assistance at CPF service centres, with any payout adjustments communicated in advance to affected individuals.

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8 Jul 2019

Number of Households Qualified for Foreign Domestic Worker Levy Concession under Aged Person Scheme

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for Manpower about the number of households with a 65-year-old family member that qualified for the foreign domestic worker levy concession under the aged person scheme in 2017 and 2018, how many used the concession, and how the proportion of qualified households changed after the qualifying age increased to 67 in April 2019.
As of May 2019, 69,251 households with a foreign domestic worker received the levy concession, which was higher than the 65,541 in 2018 and 61,811 in 2017.
The concession was automatically granted to all eligible households that had applied for and were approved to employ a foreign domestic worker.

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8 Jul 2019

Efficacy of Home Access Programme and NEU PC Plus Programme in Helping Low-income Families in Adoption and Use of Digital Technology

Prof Lim Sun Sun questioned the Ministry for Communications and Information on how it assesses the efficacy of the Home Access Programme and the NEU PC Plus Programme, and whether low-income families' technology adoption and digital literacy skills are tracked.
The Ministry, via the Infocomm Media Development Authority, reported that the Home Access Programme has benefited over 12,000 households since 2014, with surveys indicating high satisfaction and confidence in using the internet.
The NEU PC Plus Programme has assisted more than 40,000 households since 2006, with surveys showing that most families and students found the programme beneficial for education and independent learning.
Additional digital literacy support, such as introductory training and initiatives like Silver Infocomm Junctions and Digital Clinics, is provided to equip beneficiaries with necessary skills.
The Ministry stated that its support programmes are regularly refined to meet the evolving needs of low-income families.

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8 Jul 2019

Extension of Medisave to Cover More Chronic Severe Skin Conditions

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Health whether MediSave could be extended to cover more chronic severe skin conditions beyond psoriasis.
The Minister explained that MediSave under the Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) is reviewed periodically based on disease burden, clinical evidence, and expert advice, with recent additions including ischaemic heart disease and pre-diabetes.
The government will continue to review CDMP conditions, including chronic skin conditions, while ensuring MediSave balances are not prematurely depleted.
Beyond CDMP, subsidies are available for chronic conditions at CHAS GP clinics, polyclinics, and specialist outpatient clinics, with Flexi-MediSave for those aged 60 and above.
Those facing difficulties with medical bills can seek assistance from Medical Social Workers at public institutions.

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8 Jul 2019

Proportion of Patients Receiving Services from More Than One Medifund-approved Institution

Nearly half of subsidised patients received services from more than one Medifund-approved institution over the last three years, with most visiting two such institutions annually.
Only 1% of subsidised patients applied for and received MediFund assistance at more than one institution, typically two, per year.
Medifund applications are assessed by independent committees at each institution, supported by Medical Social Workers, but the specific costs of processing these applications cannot be isolated as staff also handle broader patient support.
The government is reviewing and enhancing MediFund processes, including streamlining applications and improving information sharing, to assist patients who visit multiple institutions.

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8 Jul 2019

Number and Ratio of Medical Social Workers and AIC Care Co-ordinators to Population of Care Recipients over Age 65

Anthea Ong asked the Minister for Health for the current number of medical social workers and AIC care co-ordinators, along with their ratios to the population of care recipients over 65 years old.
In 2018, there were about 600 medical social workers in public healthcare and community care sectors.
There are approximately 110 AIC staff coordinating care for recipients and caregivers, providing information and referrals.
The Ministry stated that calculating ratios solely for care recipients over 65 may not be meaningful, as these staff support all age groups and collaborate with community partners.
The combined efforts of medical social workers and AIC staff focus on coordinating care and support across the entire care recipient population.

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8 Jul 2019

Review of Smart Nation Initiatives to Improve Reach and Access to Persons with Disabilities

Mr Leon Perera asked if there will be regular reviews of Smart Nation initiatives to improve reach and access for persons with disabilities.
Minister S Iswaran affirmed that inclusivity is a priority, with existing support including IMDA’s NEU PC Plus and Enable IT programmes and the Assistive Technology Fund for subsidised devices and technology.
The government regularly refines initiatives, such as expanding IT/AT loan libraries and enhancing Digital Service Standards to ensure digital services are accessible, with ongoing reviews and collaboration across sectors.
A cross-sectoral workgroup has been launched to promote independent living through technology and design for persons with disabilities, reflecting continued commitment to inclusive digital transformation.

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8 Jul 2019

Definition of "Disability" for Social Policies

The Ministry for Social and Family Development uses the Enabling Masterplans’ definition of disability, which focuses on substantially reduced prospects in education, employment, and recreation due to physical, intellectual, sensory impairments, or developmental needs like Autism Spectrum Disorder, and this definition was endorsed in 2004.
This definition aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in its focus on impairments interacting with barriers, but Singapore’s definition is more specific and does not explicitly include all mental disorders as part of its disability schemes, which are instead addressed separately through mental health support initiatives.
The government explains that mental health conditions are excluded from the disability definition for social and employment schemes because support is delivered through separate frameworks like the National Mental Health Blueprint, and it will continue to review and strengthen support for all persons with disabilities through the Enabling Masterplan.

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8 Jul 2019

Statistics Supporting How Income Criteria and Benefits are Determined for Public Assistance Schemes

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked whether the Ministry will publish the research and statistics that underpin the income criteria and benefits for public assistance schemes and whether it intends to use basic needs benchmarks, such as the Minimum Income Standards study, in future reviews.
Desmond Lee explained that each assistance scheme has distinct objectives and eligibility criteria, which are regularly reviewed using data from expenditure surveys, national statistics, and stakeholder feedback, with recent enhancements to ComCare cash assistance rates.
He noted that the Minimum Income Standards study is one input among many and highlighted its limitations, including a small sample size, potential underestimation of healthcare costs due to subsidies, and inclusion of discretionary expenses like holidays.
The government considers various data points and studies to refine social support while maintaining flexibility to adjust assistance based on individual circumstances.
The debate underscored the importance of using robust evidence and continuous reviews to ensure public assistance schemes meet evolving needs.

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8 Jul 2019

Efforts at Encouraging Companies to be More Inclusive to Individuals with Autism

The Government provides up to 16% wage subsidy through the Special Employment Credit for employers hiring persons with disabilities, including those with autism, with an additional 6% for those above age 67.
The Open Door Programme offers job placement and support services for persons with disabilities and their employers, while the Career Trial allows for job fit assessments with training allowances during the trial period.
A tripartite Workgroup led by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, the Autism Resource Centre, and other partners is exploring ways to better support persons with disabilities in gaining employment amid economic changes.

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8 Jul 2019

Raising Awareness About Children and Young Adults with Autism

The government partners with social service agencies and runs the "See the True Me" campaign to raise public awareness of autism and promote the inclusion of persons with autism.
Early intervention services are supported through polyclinics, GPs, and subsidised programmes, with recent enhancements lowering costs by 30–70% and introducing more customised options for children with autism.
During schooling years, students with autism receive support in mainstream schools or special education schools, and transition programmes help prepare them for employment with job training and placement services.
Ongoing initiatives, including cross-sector workgroups, aim to improve preschool inclusivity, employment opportunities, and independent living for persons with autism, with a whole-of-society approach to their lifelong development.

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8 Jul 2019

Extending 3-room HDB Flats to Applicants Below Age 55 with Bigger Families and Less Financial Resources

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry proposed that HDB extend the option for younger applicants with bigger families and tight finances to purchase new 3-room flats, not just 2-room Flexi flats.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that short-lease 2-room Flexi flats are restricted to seniors aged 55 and above to ensure the lease covers them until at least age 95 for retirement security.
He noted that younger buyers can purchase larger 3-room flats on the open market with varying leases and may receive a Proximity Housing Grant of up to $30,000 for family proximity.

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8 May 2019

Different Income Ceilings for Different Help Schemes

Anthea Ong questioned why different income ceilings exist across social assistance schemes such as ComCare, Public Rental, Workfare Income Supplement, and MOE Financial Assistance, and asked how these ceilings are derived and what minimum cost of living is used as a guide.
Desmond Lee explained that each scheme targets different needs, such as basic living expenses, housing, or education, and that eligibility criteria incorporate various data sources and factors beyond income, with flexibility applied in certain cases.
He noted that higher ceilings for education support reflect policy priorities to promote social mobility and avoid a "cliff effect" where families lose all assistance at a single income threshold, thereby incentivizing progress.
The government is streamlining assessments to ensure comprehensive and coordinated support, with automatic evaluations across schemes and ongoing reviews to meet policy objectives.

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