Social welfare — Topics

18 Feb 2019

Statistics on Singapore Children Eligible for Additional Subsidy

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked for the number of Singaporean children eligible for and receiving Additional Subsidy for full-day childcare and infant care, broken down by household and per capita income bands over the past three years.
Desmond Lee stated that while all parents are eligible for a Basic Subsidy, the exact number eligible for Additional Subsidy by income bands is not known until enrollment and application are made.
The total number of children receiving Additional Subsidy increased by over 30% from 2016 to 2018, with further details provided in tables by income tier.
The government supports families through subsidies, affordable preschools via MOE kindergartens and operator schemes with fee caps, and additional measures like Baby Bonus and Child Development Account savings.

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18 Feb 2019

Self-employed Persons Receiving WIS Payouts from 2014 to 2018

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira requested data on the number, percentage, and average payout of self-employed persons receiving WIS from 2014 to 2018, broken down by age group.
Mrs Josephine Teo provided tables showing the number, percentage, and average WIS payouts for self-employed persons for 2014 to 2017 across the four WIS age bands.
She noted that 2018 data is unavailable because self-employed persons can only be assessed for WIS after declaring their net trade income and making MediSave contributions by December 2020.

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18 Feb 2019

Profile of CPF Members Aged 65 and Above Receiving Monthly Payouts under Retirement Sum Scheme and CPF LIFE Schemes

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked for statistics on CPF members aged 65 and above receiving monthly payouts under the Retirement Sum Scheme and CPF LIFE, broken down by gender, property type, average payout amounts, and the percentage receiving under $500, as well as whether microdata access would be provided for research.
Minister Josephine Teo reported that about 268,000 CPF members aged 65 and above received payouts in December 2018, with half being female; 76% owned property, including 17% private property, 54% large HDB flats, and 29% smaller HDB flats.
74% of recipients received under $500 monthly, with payouts varying significantly by age; younger cohorts are expected to have higher payouts due to improved CPF rules and increased labour force participation.
The government provides additional support through Silver Support, giving about $600 per quarter supplement, alongside other schemes like Workfare, GST vouchers, and ComCare.
CPF Board is open to collaborating with external researchers on retirement adequacy studies while balancing privacy concerns, but did not commit to full microdata access.

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18 Feb 2019

Annual Budget Statement

The Minister for Finance outlined a strategic budget focused on safeguarding Singapore’s security and sovereignty amid global uncertainties, committing about 30% of expenditure to defence, diplomacy, and cyber security, while urging national unity and vigilance against evolving threats.
Economic transformation measures include support for enterprises and workers through industry transformation maps, enhanced financing schemes, and tighter foreign workforce policies in services to drive productivity, with $4.6 billion allocated over three years for capability-building and job initiatives.
Social policies emphasize caring for an ageing population, with a Merdeka Generation Package offering lifelong healthcare benefits and a $6.1 billion fund, alongside enhanced Workfare support and a new $5.1 billion Long-Term Care Support Fund for CareShield Life subsidies.
Climate change and infrastructure resilience are prioritized, with plans for long-term investments in sustainability, zero-waste initiatives, and coastal protection, alongside fiscal measures like diesel tax adjustments to promote greener practices.
The budget maintains fiscal discipline with a projected deficit, funded by past reserves, and sets out a fair, progressive tax system while preparing for a future GST increase, ensuring intergenerational equity and sustainable growth.

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18 Feb 2019

Integrating Unemployed but Employable Persons with Disabilities into Singapore Core

The Minister outlined existing government programmes such as the Open Door Programme and Career Trial, which have placed over 1,600 persons with special needs in jobs over the past three years and provide grants and support to employers for job redesign and training.
Anthea Ong expressed concern that the employment rate for persons with disabilities remains low at about 5%, and asked whether there is a national target or future plans to prevent further marginalization and prepare this group for the changing economy.
The Minister responded that the government is collecting more comprehensive employment data and will release updated figures later in the year, while highlighting wage subsidies and grants available to employers to encourage inclusive hiring.
Both the Minister and Anthea Ong emphasized the need for greater employer engagement and more enlightened practices to create inclusive workplaces and ensure persons with disabilities are adequately supported for future work.
The debate underscored collaboration between government agencies and social sector partners to improve education, training, and job placement for persons with special needs in Singapore.

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18 Feb 2019

Number of Recipients and Income Criteria for Silver Support Scheme

The Silver Support Scheme targets the bottom 20% of elderly Singaporeans aged 65 and above, with possible support extending to the next 10%, providing quarterly cash payouts of $300 to $750 based on HDB flat type.
From 2016 to 2019, 33,000 initial recipients became ineligible (14,000 passed away, 18,000 incomes rose), while 42,000 new recipients were assessed eligible, leading to a net increase and total annual payouts exceeding $330 million.
The government will periodically review the scheme to ensure it supports low-income elderly with little family support and assesses appeals case-by-case, including reconsidering sibling income in household means-testing if circumstances warrant.

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18 Feb 2019

Monthly Payout for ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance Recipients

Louis Ng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for data on ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance recipients over the past five years, including the number of first-time applicants, median monthly payout, median duration of assistance, and the percentage who reapplied within 12 months.
The Minister replied that while detailed five-year data was not available, between 2015 and 2017, around 14,000 to 16,000 households received assistance, with a median monthly payout of about $400, a median duration of six months, and about 25% of households reapplying within a year.
Louis Ng raised two clarifications: how to reduce the 25% reapplication rate by creating a "social safety trampoline" and whether extending the initial support period beyond six months could reduce the need for reappearance.
The Minister responded by highlighting integrated community support initiatives like SG Cares Community Networks and rental housing hubs, and noted that assistance duration is tailored to each household’s needs, with six months being the median but varying based on individual circumstances.

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18 Feb 2019

Clarification on Withdrawal of CPF Savings at Payout Eligibility Age

The CPF Payout Eligibility Age remains at 65, not 70, and members can choose to start their payouts anytime from 65, but the system is opt-in rather than automatic.
The government is improving communications to clarify the process, including reviewing letters and offering face-to-face guidance, to address public confusion and ensure members understand their options.
Automatic payouts are not set to begin at 65 because deferring until 70 allows members to earn higher interest, and changing the long-standing policy could cause further confusion.

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13 Feb 2019

Ageing with Purpose; Support for Care-givers

The debate highlighted a whole-of-society approach to supporting Singapore’s ageing population and caregivers, emphasizing collaboration between the government, community, families, and individuals.
Several speakers called for financial support for caregivers, such as a Caregiver Allowance and extended MediSave use for siblings, which the government addressed with a Home Caregiving Grant and policy adjustments.
Workplace flexibility, re-entry support for caregivers, and enhanced respite care services were identified as key areas for improvement, with the government committing to focus on flexible work arrangements and expanding respite care options.
The need for better care navigation, caregiver training, and stronger community support networks was emphasized, with plans to leverage Silver Generation Offices and digital tools to improve accessibility.
Both motions were passed, affirming the House’s commitment to ensuring Singaporeans age with purpose and dignity while strengthening support for caregivers through a collective effort.

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13 Feb 2019

Ageing with Purpose; Support for Care-givers

The debate called for a whole-of-society effort to enable Singaporeans to age with purpose, dignity, and financial stability, focusing on creating flexible work opportunities for seniors, strengthening retirement adequacy, and enhancing community-based support systems.
It emphasized the critical role of caregivers, proposing stronger support through measures like enhanced financial grants, flexible work arrangements, better access to respite care, and improved information and training resources.
Members highlighted the need for policy adjustments, such as reviewing CPF contribution rates for older workers, broadening family definitions in support schemes, and investing in age-friendly infrastructure and digital literacy to keep seniors connected and engaged.

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12 Feb 2019

Success Rate of Appeals to use MediSave Beyond Annual Withdrawal Limits

In 2016 and 2017, about 17% of Singaporeans aged 65 and above with chronic conditions fully used their outpatient MediSave limits, 16% for diagnostic scans, and 16% for Flexi-MediSave.
Over the past two years, MOH received about 200 appeals annually from all age groups for outpatient MediSave use beyond limits, with about half approved based on case-by-case considerations of exceptional circumstances.
MOH has increased MediSave withdrawal limits and lowered the age for Flexi-MediSave to improve affordability, and will continue monitoring policies and reviewing appeals.

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12 Feb 2019

Integrating Platforms to Facilitate Donations through Smart Nation Initiatives

Ms Anthea Ong asked whether the Smart Nation narrative includes a Smart Giving Nation component and how its architecture supports vulnerable groups and integrates with social sector and giving platforms.
Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean explained that Smart Nation has three equally important thrusts: Digital Economy, Digital Government, and Digital Readiness, with the latter focused on inclusive technology use to build a caring and resilient society.
The government is leveraging digital platforms like Volunteer.sg, SG Cares, and the Agency for Integrated Care's Dementia Friends to improve coordination among social agencies and enable real-time community support for vulnerable individuals.
Digital Readiness initiatives by the Ministry of Communications and Information encourage digital inclusion, with regular usability checks on government digital services and involvement of diverse users in design.
The Smart Nation and Digital Government Group aims to partner with community and volunteer organizations to better serve all Singaporeans through technology.

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12 Feb 2019

Extending HDB's Deferred Downpayment Scheme to 4-room and 5-room BTO Flats

Member Ong Teng Koon asked whether HDB’s deferred downpayment scheme could be extended to 4-room and 5-room BTO flats and to low-income applicants, questioning the need for a downpayment when an existing flat owner is buying a new flat with HDB controlling both transactions.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that downpayments ensure commitment and prevent depriving other buyers, but HDB already offers the Staggered Downpayment Scheme for young couples and those rightsizing, and case-by-case assistance is available for those facing difficulties.
The Minister reiterated that the deferred downpayment scheme is specifically for seniors aged 55 and above rightsizing to smaller flats, and current policies aim to support different groups while maintaining financial prudence.

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11 Feb 2019

Working Mothers Receiving Childcare Subsidies

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if working mothers can receive childcare subsidies for three months without case-by-case review after becoming unemployed and what circumstances lead to rejection of such appeals.
Desmond Lee confirmed that the Early Childhood Development Agency provides the same subsidy level for three months after a mother's employment ends to support her during job search.
The government will continue reviewing policies to ensure affordable and quality preschool services remain a priority.

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11 Feb 2019

Need for Increased Manpower in Social Service Offices

Joan Pereira asked the Ministry for Social and Family Development to consider increasing manpower in Social Service Offices to better coordinate with community organisations and provide holistic help to distressed families and individuals.
Desmond Lee explained that Social Service Offices handle financial assistance, link people to agencies for housing, employment, and other needs, and facilitate complex cases through case conferences, while also doing ground sensing and local service planning.
Demand on Social Service Offices has grown due to more ComCare applications and complex cases, and the Ministry is responding by using technology, improving interagency coordination, and applying data analytics to optimise resource planning.
The Ministry periodically reviews manpower needs and will adjust resources based on operations, while also acknowledging the importance of community contributions to supporting vulnerable individuals and families.

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11 Feb 2019

Study on Greater Flexibility for Monthly CPF Payouts

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira inquired whether the Ministry of Manpower has studied allowing greater flexibility for CPF members to tailor their monthly payouts, such as deferring portions, to match changing financial needs in retirement.
Mrs Josephine Teo highlighted that the CPF system already offers flexibility through options like higher RA top-ups, delayed payouts, and the CPF LIFE Escalating Plan, which adjusts payouts based on individual needs.
The Ministry emphasized the need to balance flexibility for diverse retirement needs with maintaining a simple and adequate CPF system, encouraging members to consult the CPF Board for personalized advice.

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11 Feb 2019

CPF Withdrawals for Annual Premiums of Endowment Policies Going Back to CPF upon Maturity

Patrick Tay asked if CPF members aged 55 and above can withdraw from their CPF accounts to pay annual premiums for endowment policies that will return funds to CPF upon maturity.
Josephine Teo explained that such endowment policies were sold under the CPF Investment Scheme before 2001 and that members aged 55 and above can continue paying premiums from their Ordinary Account after meeting the Full or Basic Retirement Sum requirements.
She added that for members who have not set aside the required Retirement Sum, the CPF Board will consider allowing premium payments on a case-by-case basis.

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11 Feb 2019

Top Three Reasons for Continuing Increase in MediFund Utilisation

The Minister for Health stated that MediFund utilisation rose due to expanded public healthcare capacity, with MediFund applications growing about 10% annually over the past decade.
He noted that MediFund’s coverage was broadened to include more services and conditions, such as non-residential care, polyclinics, dental, and antenatal services.
The Minister highlighted enhanced support for vulnerable groups through MediFund Silver and MediFund Junior, targeting the elderly and young respectively.
He mentioned that utilisation has stabilised since FY2016 following the introduction of MediShield Life and the Pioneer Generation package.
The government will continue monitoring MediFund to ensure sustainability and prevent healthcare access issues due to financial constraints.

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11 Feb 2019

Treatment of Proceeds from Lease Buyback Scheme

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry inquired whether flat owners must use Lease Buyback Scheme proceeds to repay CPF used for the flat purchase before topping up their Retirement Account, and if half the proceeds could be given in cash to those in need.
Lawrence Wong clarified that there is no requirement to refund CPF used for the flat purchase; proceeds first go to CPF Retirement Account top-up, with any remainder and a bonus available in cash.
He added that most seniors receive some cash after meeting the CPF requirement and that HDB provides personalized counseling to help seniors choose suitable options.

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11 Feb 2019

Compensation for NSmen Injured during In-camp Training

MINDEF provides unlimited medical treatment for service-related injuries at government facilities, covering all necessary care, which is more comprehensive than the Work Injury Compensation Act's cap of one year or $36,000.
Injured NSmen are compensated for loss of earnings up to two years from the last call-up day, exceeding WICA's one-year limit.
Compensation for permanent disabilities from training incidents is doubled compared to WICA's amounts.
Financial assistance is available for families of selected injured servicemen through welfare schemes.

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