Social welfare — Topics

1 Aug 2017

Reach and Effectiveness of Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme

Mr Leon Perera asked for statistics on the Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme, including current recipients, annual applications, success rates, uncompleted applications, and its effectiveness.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained the scheme's introduction in 2014 as part of broader government support for seniors, with about 95% of applications approved annually.
Application numbers were around 6,700 in 2014, 9,000 in 2015, and 8,600 in 2016, with automatic inclusion extended to certain recipients, benefiting an additional 15,000 Pioneers.

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1 Aug 2017

Extension of Child Development Account Government Dollar-for-dollar Matching Benefit

Kok Heng Leun proposed extending the Child Development Account dollar-for-dollar matching benefit to children of unwed parents born between 1 January 2005 and 2016 to support their families and reduce disadvantages from birth.
Tan Chuan-Jin stated that the CDA benefits were already extended last year to children of unwed parents born or with an estimated delivery date from 1 September 2016, noting that policy enhancements typically have a prospective start date.
He added that unwed parents requiring further support can seek financial assistance from Social Service Offices or socio-emotional support from Family Service Centres.

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4 Jul 2017

Applicants for Sale of Tissue Packs under Street Hawking Scheme

Mr. Leon Perera asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources for the number of applications to sell tissue packs under the Street Hawking Scheme from 2011 to 2016, the number of successful applications, and the reasons for rejections.
The Minister stated that about 200 applications were received from Singaporeans since 2011, with 24 approved; most rejections were due to applicants failing to demonstrate financial need or requesting multiple locations, which is not allowed.
The Street Hawking Scheme is intended to help needy Singaporeans and Permanent Residents temporarily, and those in financial hardship are encouraged to seek assistance through other government support and job placement programs.

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4 Jul 2017

Residents on HDB Public Rental Scheme

Leon Perera asked how long the sale of a previous HDB flat is considered in appeals for lower rentals due to income changes, and whether divorcees' share of sale proceeds is factored into such decisions.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB’s rental rates are highly subsidized and sales proceeds are considered when assessing eligibility for public rental flats, but not when evaluating appeals for lower rentals.
For rental appeals, HDB looks at current household income, expenses, and dependents, and may reduce rents or refer households to social agencies if they face genuine financial hardship.

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4 Jul 2017

Protection and Rehabilitation of Women of Domestic Abuse

The Ministry for Social and Family Development collaborates with agencies like the Police, Prisons, Courts, and NGOs through the National Family Violence Networking System to protect victims of domestic abuse.
Victims can access support services including counselling, therapy, safety planning, temporary shelter, financial or housing assistance, and legal protection orders.
A public campaign, "Break the Silence | Against Family Violence," was launched to raise awareness and empower bystanders to safely intervene.
Rehabilitation efforts aim to help victims re-integrate into society, school, and work through coordinated community and NGO support.
Domestic violence is treated as a public issue, with all community members encouraged to report abuse and assist affected individuals.

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3 Jul 2017

Cases of Homeless Persons Who Choose to Remain Homeless Instead of Going to a Shelter

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked for the number of homeless persons who choose to remain homeless instead of going to shelters from 2011 to 2016 and the procedure for handling such cases.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) does not track the number of people who decline shelter and choose to remain homeless.
MSF and community partners contact homeless persons to offer assistance, provide immediate shelter if needed, and refer them to support services, though some decline help or have alternative arrangements.
The Ministry continues to identify and support homeless persons where necessary.

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3 Jul 2017

CPF Education Scheme for Part-time Diploma or Degree Courses at Approved Educational Institutions

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked whether the CPF Education Scheme could be expanded to cover part-time diploma or degree courses at approved institutions.
The Ministry of Manpower explained that CPF is primarily for retirement, with limited uses for housing and healthcare, and the current scheme only covers full-time subsidised courses.
The Ministry highlighted concerns about expanding CPF usage to part-time courses due to the need to protect retirement savings, given increasing life expectancy.
For financial support with part-time studies, alternatives such as Tuition Fee Loans, Study Loans, and MOE subsidies or bursaries are available to cover tuition fees.

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3 Jul 2017

Singaporeans who are Eligible for Workfare Income Supplement but Who are Left Out

Ms K Thanaletchimi asked about Singaporean workers who meet the eligibility criteria for Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) but have been omitted from payouts, where to appeal, and how the Ministry ensures all eligible workers receive WIS.
Minister Lim Swee Say stated that eligible workers are not omitted, but some may not have received payouts due to changes in circumstances after data cut-off dates, and they can appeal to the Central Provident Fund Board for reassessment within two years.
The Ministry has enhanced WIS since January 2017 by paying monthly instead of quarterly and raising the income ceiling, expecting about 460,000 Singaporeans to receive support for the year.

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3 Jul 2017

Update on Review of MediSave Limit

Miss Cheryl Chan asked for an update on the review of the $400 MediSave withdrawal limit for chronic illnesses and long-term unsubsidised medication.
The $400 limit under the Chronic Disease Management Programme covers 19 chronic conditions and fully covers post-subsidy bills for most subsidised patients, with elderly patients able to access an additional $200 Flexi-MediSave.
Patients can tap on MediSave accounts of family members (up to $400 each per year) and apply for MediFund or the Medication Assistance Fund if needed.
The Ministry of Health will continue monitoring affordability and regularly review MediSave withdrawal limits.

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3 Jul 2017

Proposal for Insurance Coverage for Mental Illnesses

Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for Health about the possibility of introducing insurance coverage for mental illnesses and the financial support available for patients who cannot work due to prolonged mental health conditions.
Gan Kim Yong stated that mental illnesses are already supported through MediShield Life coverage for inpatient psychiatric treatment, government subsidies for both inpatient and outpatient care, and the use of MediSave for outpatient treatment of conditions like depression and anxiety under the Chronic Disease Management Programme.
He added that patients facing financial difficulties can seek assistance through MediFund, ComCare, and early CPF withdrawals under the Medical Grounds Scheme, which provide support beyond medical treatment.

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3 Jul 2017

Minimum Lease Period Left on a Property for Withdrawal of CPF Monies for Mortgage

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Manpower whether the CPF Board would review the minimum lease period left on a property for CPF withdrawal for mortgage purposes.
Lim Swee Say explained that the current policy sets a 30-year minimum lease to balance retirement adequacy and housing needs, as short-lease properties depreciate quickly and may not yield enough proceeds to refund CPF withdrawals.
For properties with 30 to 60 years lease remaining, CPF can be used if the lease covers the buyer until age 80 and the withdrawal amount is prorated based on the Valuation Limit, with an example given for a 35-year-old buyer.
These safeguards are intended to ensure the lease covers retirement years, increase the likelihood of CPF refunds upon sale, and prevent over-consumption of savings on properties that may be outlived.
The Ministry of Manpower will continue monitoring CPF housing withdrawal rules, considering life expectancy and market changes, to help Singaporeans make prudent housing choices while safeguarding retirement adequacy.

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3 Jul 2017

Plans for More Social Service Offices

Seah Kian Peng asked about plans for new Social Service Offices (SSOs), their performance, and consistency in operating procedures and hours.
Tan Chuan-Jin replied that the network of 24 SSOs was completed in 2015, with 95% of ComCare beneficiaries within two kilometres, and no immediate plans for more SSOs.
The SSOs have successfully improved accessibility and awareness, with standard procedures in place but flexibility for individual cases, and operating hours vary slightly for standalone versus co-located offices.

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3 Jul 2017

Help for Vendors Displaced by Closing of Sungei Road Hawking Zone

The government explained that the Sungei Road Hawking Zone is closing due to public health and disamenity issues, and will not be relocated, but has offered vendors lock-up stalls at hawker centres and flea markets with rental rebates and training to help them transition.
Agencies have engaged over 200 vendors, providing financial aid, job placement, and community support, with more than 60 receiving assistance; some vendors have already moved to new locations while others plan to decide after the closure.
Despite calls from MPs to consider relocation or alternative sites, the government maintains that sustainable alternatives are being provided and that the community can continue to support vendors through patronage at their new stalls.

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8 May 2017

Reasons for Increasing Number of Families Receiving ComCare Help

Dr Lim Wee Kiak raised concerns about the rising number of families receiving ComCare assistance despite increasing incomes, questioning if it signals widening income gaps and asking for measures to address this trend.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin explained that enhanced ComCare coverage, accessibility, and revised income criteria, along with demographic shifts like smaller families and an ageing population, have led to more households receiving help.
The Minister clarified that the increase does not necessarily indicate a widening income gap, citing stable Gini coefficients and additional government transfers like Silver Support and MediShield Life subsidies.
The government collaborates with various agencies and community partners to provide holistic support, including employment assistance, social services for seniors, and upstream interventions to strengthen family resilience.
Measures include expanding early support for vulnerable children, promoting work and skills upgrading, and continuing to review financial planning efforts for low-income groups.

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8 May 2017

Demand for Residential Homes for Elderly

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked if there have been studies on demand for residential homes for the elderly as an alternative to nursing homes and whether there are plans to build such homes, particularly for seniors living alone.
The Ministry of Health engaged over 4,000 Singaporeans from 2014 to 2015, finding that seniors prefer to age in place in their own homes, leading to initiatives like 2-room flexi flats and integrated care services.
MOH is working to co-locate nursing homes and eldercare facilities in new housing estates and expand day care and home care places by 2020, while piloting flexible care packages.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development has established Senior Cluster Networks, Senior Activity Centres, and Senior Group Homes to support frail and vulnerable seniors in the community as an alternative to nursing homes.
Both ministries will continue to review and provide a range of home and community-based services to help seniors age gracefully in familiar surroundings.

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8 May 2017

Singaporeans Below 35 on Social Welfare in 2016

Sitoh Yih Pin asked about the number and trends of Singaporeans below 35 on social welfare in 2016 and the government's plans to address underlying issues.
Tan Chuan-Jin reported that households with main applicants under 35 receiving ComCare SMTA increased from 4,016 in FY2012 to 5,644 in FY2015, with a slight dip in proportion, attributed to revised income criteria and expanded access through Social Service Offices.
The government partners with agencies like Workforce Singapore and community organizations to provide employment assistance, family support, and preventive programs, including marriage preparation and financial literacy.
Upstream efforts are being expanded, such as the KidSTART pilot program for young children from low-income families to ensure they have a good start in life.
The response emphasizes a multi-faceted approach combining financial aid, employment support, family resilience programs, and preventive measures to address the needs of younger Singaporeans on welfare.

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8 May 2017

Criteria for Approval of COE/ARF Waivers for Drivers with Disabilities

The Disabled Persons Scheme (DPS) provides COE and ARF waivers for Singapore Citizens with permanent disabilities who are lower-income, employed, and require a vehicle for work but cannot use public transport without assistance.
Eligibility requires medical certification from Tan Tock Seng Rehabilitation Centre, proof of gainful employment with a demonstrated need for a vehicle, and meeting means-test criteria.
Additional support includes exemptions from motor vehicle loan restrictions and the Taxi Subsidy Scheme (TSS) as an alternative for those unable to use public transport.
Both DPS and TSS aim to complement public transport and promote independent living for persons with disabilities.

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8 May 2017

Long-term Plan to Help Lower-income Singaporean Families Defray High Cost of Infant Formula

Sitoh Yih Pin and Low Thia Khiang asked if the Ministry plans to provide permanent or long-term assistance to lower-income families to manage the high cost of infant formula, potentially expanding existing schemes like the NTUC FairPrice Foundation-CDC Milk Fund.
Tan Chuan-Jin highlighted that families can use the Baby Bonus Cash Gift, which provides up to $10,000 per child, disbursed over 18 months, to help cover child-raising costs including infant formula.
The Ministry directs low-income families facing difficulties to Social Service Offices for ComCare assistance, which includes monthly cash grants that can cover infant formula costs after a needs assessment.
The government acknowledges community efforts like the NTUC FairPrice Foundation-CDC Milk Fund and will continue monitoring infant formula costs and reviewing social assistance schemes as needed.

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8 May 2017

Review of Question in "Withdraw CPF Savings and Claim Home Protection Scheme Benefit on Medical Grounds" Form

Ong Teng Koon asked the Minister for Manpower to review the question on the form that requires certification of being "permanently incapacitated from ever continuing in any employment," as it may exclude applicants who genuinely need funds but do not meet the strict medical definition.
Lim Swee Say explained that the question focuses on employability to determine eligibility for early CPF withdrawal under the Medical Grounds Scheme or Home Protection Scheme claims, but other conditions like terminal illness or mental incapacitation can also qualify applicants.
The CPF Board will consider alternative medical certifications from different institutions and assess cases on an individual basis for those who do not meet the employability criterion.
The CPF Board will take into account the feedback and review the application form to address the concerns raised.

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8 May 2017

CPF Education Scheme for All Approved Educational Institutions

Patrick Tay asked to expand the CPF Education Scheme to all programmes at approved institutions, beyond full-time subsidised diploma and degree courses.
Lim Swee Say explained that the CPF scheme for education, introduced in 1989, is a loan limited to full-time subsidised diploma and degree courses to protect retirement savings.
The minister emphasized caution in expanding CPF use for education to ensure retirement adequacy, given increasing life expectancy.

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