Social welfare — Topics

6 Feb 2018

Preventing Misappropriation of Seniors' Funds

The Community Kin Service pilot enables voluntary welfare organisations to apply for court orders to manage seniors' funds for daily care, with supervision by the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) and requirements for periodic reporting and established financial procedures.
The OPG will monitor the prudent use of seniors' monies and ensure compliance with court orders, while the Mental Capacity Act provides safeguards and empowers the Public Guardian to investigate financial exploitation and apply to court for protection if needed.
In cases of suspected misappropriation or criminal conduct, the Public Guardian may refer matters to the police for further investigation and take appropriate action to protect seniors' personal and financial welfare.

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5 Feb 2018

Children and Families in KidSTART Programme

Rahayu Mahzam asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for the numbers of children and families in the KidSTART programme and a breakdown by programme components.
Desmond Lee responded that as of end 2017, more than 500 children and their families were supported under the KidSTART pilot programme.
The breakdown showed about 150 children on home visitation, 125 in KidSTART playgroups, and the rest enrolled in KidSTART-supported preschools.

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5 Feb 2018

Cost of Lift Upgrading Programme for Hougang SMC

Png Eng Huat asked for the total cost of the Lift Upgrading Programme in Hougang SMC, excluding resident and Town Council contributions, and the amount paid by residents.
Lawrence Wong stated the programme, launched in 2001, subsidises 75% to 90% of costs based on flat type, aiming to improve access for elderly and less mobile residents.
For Hougang, completed LUP works cost about $77 million, with the government covering around $64 million, while households pay 5% to 12.5%, capped at $3,000 per household.

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5 Feb 2018

Pensioners under Fixed Amount on Ward Medical Benefits Scheme and Co-payment on Ward Medical Benefits Scheme

99.6% of Fixed Amount on Ward pensioners have zero MediSave balances, with only 1,236 out of about 1,240 having withdrawn their MediSave completely.
In 2016, 50% of Co-payment on Ward pensioners, or 8,200 individuals, had MediSave balances below 30% of their cohort’s applicable Basic Healthcare Sum.
Both Fixed Amount on Ward and Co-payment on Ward pensioners can withdraw MediSave amounts above their required Basic Healthcare Sum if they meet the applicable Retirement Sum, as excess funds are automatically transferred to other CPF accounts.

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5 Feb 2018

Naming ElderShield on Enrolment and Payout Adequacy

Miss Cheng Li Hui questioned whether the name "ElderShield" is appropriate given that enrolment begins at age 40, whether the current monthly payouts of $300 to $400 for up to 60 to 72 months are sufficient for severe disability, and how many people have opted out over the last decade.
Gan Kim Yong responded that the ElderShield Review Committee is evaluating the scheme’s payout quantum and duration, with recommendations expected mid-year after wide consultation.
He explained that the scheme provides basic long-term care insurance against severe disability, with enrolment from age 40 to allow premium payments during working years and lifetime coverage starting at age 40.
The opt-out rate for ElderShield has decreased from 11% in 2007 to 5% in 2016, indicating growing acceptance.

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5 Feb 2018

Number of Elderly Aged 65 and Above Who Live Alone from 2013 to 2017

The Minister for Health reported that the number of elderly Singapore residents aged 65 and above living alone increased from 2013 to 2017, but no official data is tracked on how many of them were found dead in their homes.
To address the growing number of seniors living alone, the Ministry of Health launched the Community Network for Seniors in 2016, which includes befriending initiatives supported by over 850 volunteers serving 2,500 vulnerable seniors across 47 constituencies.
The government is leveraging technology, such as the piloted Care Line service by Changi General Hospital, to provide 24/7 tele-befriending and telecare support to help seniors age well in place.
The Ministry emphasized that building communities of care requires collective efforts from all Singaporeans, alongside ongoing collaboration with community partners and other agencies to support seniors.

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5 Feb 2018

Setting up of Inter-Ministerial Committee to Look into Better Integration of All Social Classes in Singapore

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated that the government prioritizes social harmony and addresses inequality, social mobility, and integration through existing measures, noting that income inequality in Singapore has slightly declined over the past decade due to targeted support schemes and investments in education, housing, and healthcare.
He highlighted that social mobility remains strong compared to other countries, supported by policies like financial assistance, bursaries, and SkillsFuture, ensuring opportunities for all citizens regardless of background.
The government actively promotes social integration through urban planning, public housing, and community activities, which foster interactions across classes and races, reinforcing shared values and national identity.
Lee emphasized that a specific inter-ministerial committee is unnecessary because coordinated efforts already exist across ministries to tackle these issues holistically.

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5 Feb 2018

Designation of Lead Agency to Deal with Complex Cases of Children with Special Needs

Murali Pillai asked whether the Ministry of Social and Family Development will designate a lead agency to manage complex cases of children with special needs from dysfunctional families who present serious behavioural issues.
The Minister explained that current support relies on multi-agency collaboration, with Family Service Centres and Social Service Offices coordinating efforts and other programmes like EIPIC and SPED schools providing additional services.
The Government is working to enhance the support ecosystem for caregivers, including training grants and services through SG Enable, as part of the Third Enabling Masterplan.
For complex cases, the Ministry emphasised that mindset changes and parental involvement are crucial, and it will continue studying ways to improve cross-sector social service coordination and delivery.

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5 Feb 2018

Plans to Bridge Possible Class Divide in Singapore Population

Seah Kian Peng questioned whether a class divide is widening and asked for the Ministry's plans to bridge any gaps, to which Grace Fu highlighted government efforts in reducing economic disparity and fostering social integration.
An IPS study showed encouraging social mixing across race and religion, though networks are less diverse in education and housing, with sports, arts, and volunteer activities identified as key to promoting integration.
Initiatives like the MOE-OBS programme for secondary students and ActiveSG sports centres aim to create opportunities for positive interactions among Singaporeans from different backgrounds.
The SG Cares movement partners various sectors to encourage volunteering and support for those in need, while the government emphasizes that building social cohesion requires collective commitment from all citizens.

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5 Feb 2018

Reasons for Sharp Increase in Popping Floor Tiles at Some HDB Flats

A sharp rise in popping floor tiles in some HDB flats was reported in early 2018, primarily due to unusual cold weather causing differential thermal expansion and contraction, with nearly half involving owner-installed tiles from renovations.
HDB provides goodwill repairs for tile dislodgement for up to 15 years, beyond which residents must self-fund replacements, though HDB offers assistance with removal, disposal, and access to a list of contractors for reasonable rates.
MP Liang Eng Hwa raised concerns about possible batch quality issues and the high repair costs ($5,000–$10,000) for lower-income households, suggesting HDB consider financing schemes and flexible goodwill extensions.
The Minister responded that HDB will investigate specific clusters if flagged and directed financially struggling residents beyond the 15-year period to seek help from Community Development Councils or grassroots organisations for potential aid.

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5 Feb 2018

Number of Silver Support Scheme Beneficiaries

Over 152,000 seniors received Silver Support Scheme payouts in 2017, with about 6,100 also receiving ComCare financial assistance.
The Second Minister explained that Silver Support targets the bottom 20% of elderly Singaporeans with low lifetime incomes and limited family support.
A follow-up question highlighted that some recipients saw their Social Services Office aid reduced by the amount of their Silver Support payout.
The Minister clarified that the impact on aid depends on the type of ComCare support received and individual circumstances, advising residents to consult the SSO for specifics.

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5 Feb 2018

Determination of Retirement Adequacy and Implication for Workfare Income Supplement Payouts

The CPF Retirement Sums, particularly the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS), are used to determine retirement adequacy, with the BRS for this year's cohort set at $85,500 to provide a monthly payout of $720–$770 from age 65.
In 2016, 58% of active CPF members at age 55 met the BRS, with 10% being Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) recipients; among those who did not meet the BRS, 55% were WIS recipients, and they received an average of $5,500 in WIS top-ups by age 55.
The government addresses retirement adequacy through multiple schemes, including higher CPF interest rates, family support via CPF transfers, Silver Support for low-income elderly, and the CPF LIFE Escalating Plan to counter inflation.
Freelancers and self-employed persons can voluntarily contribute to their CPF Special Account for higher interest rates, with recommendations on further measures expected from a tripartite workgroup.
WIS is part of a broader approach combining individual effort, family support, and government supplements to build retirement adequacy for low-wage workers, with options for continued work or CPF transfers to meet BRS shortfalls.

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5 Feb 2018

Take-up Rate and Affordability of After-school Student Care Centres

The Ministry of Education has expanded school-based Student Care Centres from 50 to 162, with enrolment rising to 21,000, and aims to have them in all primary schools by end-2020, while community-based centres also provide additional capacity.
Affordability is ensured through the ComCare Student Care Fee Assistance scheme, which allows eligible lower-income families to pay as low as $5 per month, and the Ministry regularly reviews the scheme.
All registered centres must comply with supervision, safety, and hygiene requirements, and school-based centres undergo stringent procurement and oversight to maintain quality.
In response to feedback on capacity prioritisation, the Ministry works with operators to expand facilities where demand is high, without compromising quality.
A 40-hour training programme for student care staff was introduced in 2015 to uphold standards, with over 600 staff trained to date.

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5 Feb 2018

Reasons for Scrapping Off-peak Monthly Travel Pass for Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens

The Off-peak Monthly Travel Pass for persons with disabilities and senior citizens was scrapped after a trial showed it shifted fewer than 200 users to off-peak travel, making it ineffective.
The government replaced the pass with a new scheme offering all commuters a fare discount of up to 50 cents for early morning rail travel, which senior citizens and persons with disabilities can use on top of their existing 25% concession.
Over half of the previous off-peak pass users have switched to the monthly concession pass, but some MPs raised concerns about potential adverse effects and requested further studies or assistance for affected individuals.
The Minister clarified that the decision was made to use public funds efficiently for broader benefit, and local MPs can address individual cases of hardship, while future scheme refinements will be monitored.
The Minister discouraged reintroducing the off-peak pass, citing its proven inefficacy, but committed to ongoing analysis of the new scheme’s impact.

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10 Jan 2018

Review Minimum Age for Lease Buyback Scheme for Flat owners With Serious Medical Conditions

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked whether HDB could lower the minimum age for the Lease Buyback Scheme for flat owners with serious medical conditions that reduce life expectancy.
The Minister for National Development explained that the age 65 requirement aligns with the CPF Payout Eligibility Age for monthly CPF payouts.
He noted that HDB already exercises flexibility on a case-by-case basis for households with exceptional medical or financial circumstances.

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10 Jan 2018

Potential for Economically Disadvantaged Students in Singapore to Under-perform

Sylvia Lim questioned the government on a reported OECD finding that economically disadvantaged students in Singapore are more likely to under-perform in science compared to their OECD counterparts, citing data on equity gaps.
The Senior Minister of State refuted the claim, stating that Singapore’s disadvantaged students actually have higher average PISA 2015 scores than their OECD peers, and highlighted that Singapore has a higher proportion of "resilient students" who outperform expectations based on their socioeconomic background.
The Minister outlined various MOE support programmes for disadvantaged students but acknowledged that Singapore is one of only three high-performing countries with below-average equity in educational outcomes, as indicated by a larger performance gap between socio-economic groups.
He explained that the equity gap arises because Singapore’s higher-SES students outperform their OECD peers by a wider margin, not because disadvantaged students are under-performing, and committed to ongoing efforts to support all students.
In a follow-up, Lim asked for indicators MOE tracks on social mobility in education, and the Minister agreed to provide internal data on this in a separate response.

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9 Jan 2018

Wheelchair Transport Assistance for Low-income Families

The Ministry of Health provides funding through the Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF) for wheelchairs and transport services, with 23,000 seniors receiving wheelchair subsidies and 6,000 receiving transport subsidies over the past five years.
Low-income families receive higher subsidies under the SMF and the Medical Escort and Transport (MET) service, which provides accompanied transport for medical appointments.
The Ministry is working with transport providers, including taxi companies and ride-hailing services like Uber, to train drivers and increase wheelchair-accessible transport options for seniors.

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9 Jan 2018

Residents who have benefited from Enhancement for Active Seniors Programme

Close to 149,000 households have benefited from the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme since its launch in July 2012.
The programme partners with healthcare professionals to provide modifications such as ramps, grab bars, and slip-resistant bathroom floors to reduce fall risks for seniors.
HDB regularly reviews EASE with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to enhance the package, including trials for smart sensors and alarms in Yuhua estate.

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9 Jan 2018

Charities (Amendment) Bill

The Charities (Amendment) Bill aims to strengthen governance and transparency in Singapore’s charity sector by updating disqualification and removal rules for key personnel and expanding regulatory powers for the Commissioner of Charities.
Key changes include disqualifying individuals convicted of terrorism, money laundering, or serious misconduct, and allowing the Commissioner to suspend fundraising appeals for up to two years during investigations.
The Bill also mandates electronic filing for charities, clarifies the definition of fundraising appeals to cover online and offline activities, and introduces measures to support smaller charities while ensuring accountability.

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9 Jan 2018

Couples Supported by One Person's CPF LIFE Payout

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked how many couples aged 65 and above are supported by one CPF LIFE payout and how many non-receiving spouses are women, noting data limitations.
The Second Minister for Manpower explained that CPF LIFE is mandatory only for cohorts turning 65 from 2023, with most older cohorts under the Retirement Sum Scheme, and individual account data prevents couple-level analysis, highlighting gender disparities in CPF balances.
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh proposed future schemes to allow CPF LIFE ownership transfer to spouses to prevent income loss if the primary earner passes away early.
The Minister responded that current rules already allow transfers and cash top-ups to spouses, with such actions quadrupling from $50 million in 2012 to over $200 million in 2016, benefiting about 15,000 spouses.
The Minister added that transferring remaining stream-outs is actuarially challenging due to couple lifespan complexities, but the government will review rules to enhance family support for retirement adequacy.

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