Social welfare — Topics

8 May 2017

Applications for Shelter for the Homeless

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the most common reason for rejecting shelter applications and the waiting time for placement, to which the Ministry explained that rejections occur when applicants have alternative accommodation options or are not suitable due to health conditions, and that waiting times are typically three days to a week with same-day admissions possible for urgent cases.
The Ministry outlined that homeless individuals and families are assisted through coordination between government agencies and social service centers, with transitional shelters admitting those who have exhausted all other housing options and crisis shelters temporarily housing women and children when interim accommodation is unavailable.
The Ministry highlighted that the public can help by offering assistance to those in need or referring them to hotlines and social service offices, while case workers continue to support families in securing long-term housing and improving their situations.

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8 May 2017

Redundancy Insurance

The Workers' Party proposed a redundancy insurance scheme with a 0.1% monthly salary contribution from employees and employers, offering payouts of up to 40% of last drawn salary for six months to help workers during job loss, arguing it reduces financial pressure and complements existing retraining programs.
The Government rejected the proposal, citing concerns that such insurance could reduce the incentive to find work, increase costs for businesses, and potentially lower retrenchment benefits, preferring to focus on employment support programs like job matching and training subsidies.
Patrick Tay raised questions about whether the insurance would undermine union-negotiated retrenchment benefits and exclude workers unemployed for reasons other than redundancy, with Assoc Prof Goh clarifying that retrenchment benefits would not be replaced and the scheme targets job loss due to redundancy as defined by MOM.

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8 May 2017

Fair Pricing for Milk Powder

The government acknowledges public concern over the high and rising price of infant milk powder in Singapore, which exceeds inflation, and is committed to addressing it through increased consumer education, better information to dispel myths about price equating to quality, and support for breastfeeding.
Measures will be taken to enhance market competition and consumer protection, including simplifying import rules to allow more formula brands by year-end, tightening advertising and labelling regulations to prevent misleading claims, and ensuring hospitals support breastfeeding and avoid conflicts of interest with formula companies.
The government will provide financial support to low-income families for infant formula costs through ComCare and other assistance schemes, while also monitoring the market for anti-competitive behavior and reminding businesses to price fairly.

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4 Apr 2017

Funding Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Pursuing University Studies

Leon Perera asked about funding help for persons with disabilities pursuing their first degree who are ineligible for scholarships or grants due to age.
The government provides subsidies, bursaries, loans, and allows use of Post-Secondary Education Account funds to ensure no student is denied education due to financial constraints.
Additional targeted measures include the SkillsFuture Study Award for Persons with Disabilities and financial assistance for assistive technology and support services at universities.
SPD scholarships are merit-based and not age-restricted, though they are managed independently of the Ministry of Education.

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3 Apr 2017

Usage of MediSave Funds

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for Health for the number of applicants and successful approvals under the Flexi MediSave scheme since its implementation.
Gan Kim Yong explained that the Flexi-MediSave scheme allows Singaporeans aged 65 and older to use up to $200 of MediSave annually for outpatient treatments at public clinics without needing to apply.
In 2016, over 260,000 Singaporeans, or about half of those aged 65 or older, benefited from the scheme.
The scheme was introduced in April 2015 to cover outpatient care at public sector clinics and those under the Community Health Assist Scheme.
Eligibility is automatic for all Singaporeans aged 65 and older, with no separate application required for approval.

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10 Mar 2017

Utilisation of CHAS Blue Card Subsidies

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about the number of CHAS Blue Card holders who used up their maximum subsidies and whether the $480 annual cap for chronic conditions would be increased.
The Minister of State replied that about 2% of the 550,000 annual CHAS Blue Cardholders used the maximum subsidies, noting additional support through MediSave and other healthcare initiatives.
Dr Lee followed up by asking if there are other ways to assist residents whose children’s MediSave accounts are inadequate.
The Minister responded that patients can seek help from medical social workers in public healthcare institutions if family MediSave is insufficient.
The debate concluded without a direct answer on raising the subsidy cap, focusing instead on existing support mechanisms.

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10 Mar 2017

MediSave Withdrawal Limit

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about the frequency and approval rate of requests for MediSave withdrawals above the capped limit and asked if the cap would be reviewed in light of rising medical costs.
The Minister of State for Health responded that about 200 such appeals are received annually, with roughly half approved based on case-by-case assessments, and highlighted existing safeguards like government subsidies, MediShield Life, and Flexi-MediSave for those aged 65 and above.
Er Dr Lee gave an example of a resident with a rejected MRI request and asked for advice, to which the Minister suggested submitting the case for review and noted that MediSave limits are periodically assessed for affordability.

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8 Mar 2017

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

Several MPs called for stronger, proactive support for vulnerable families, including those with low or unstable incomes, single parents, and children from non-traditional family structures, emphasizing early intervention and holistic assistance.
The debate highlighted the need to expand and improve early childhood services, including increasing infant and childcare capacity, addressing manpower shortages, and enhancing the quality and accessibility of programs like KidSTART.
Ministers outlined initiatives to build an inclusive society and strengthen families, such as new training schemes for infant educarers, enhanced caregiver support, and community-driven efforts to foster family values and assist persons with disabilities.

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3 Mar 2017

Abandonment of Nursing Home Residents

Mr Leon Perera asked about the number of nursing home residents abandoned or unable to pay bills from 2011 to 2016, the procedures nursing homes follow in such cases, and government support for operators.
The Minister of State for Health responded that the government does not specifically track abandonment cases, nursing homes attempt to contact families, and financial assistance is provided through subsidies, MediFund, and charitable support.
The Minister added that nursing homes may help residents seek legal recourse under the Maintenance of Parents Act, but the government cannot replace family warmth despite providing financial aid.
Mr Perera asked follow-up questions about cases where residents could not continue due to non-payment and the procedures for unpaid bills, which the Minister addressed by explaining contact efforts and available financial support.

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1 Mar 2017

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

The debate focused on long-term economic transformation, urging support for industry shifts and workforce upskilling to adapt to global disruptions, while calling for proactive assistance to vulnerable groups like retrenched workers and low-income families.
Speakers highlighted challenges in eldercare, advocating for technology-driven solutions, community volunteering, and policy changes to help seniors age independently and reduce future healthcare costs.
Concerns were raised about healthcare affordability and potential overconsumption due to insurance coverage, suggesting better cost control, patient education, and systemic reforms to ensure sustainability.
The importance of public trust and empathetic communication was emphasized, with calls for more inclusive policies and community engagement to support the working poor and prevent social inequality.
Fiscal prudence was discussed, including suggestions for progressive revenue measures like property tax adjustments, to address aging population costs without overburdening lower-income households.

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1 Mar 2017

Income Eligibility Criterion for Rental Housing

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the Ministry of National Development would review rental housing eligibility criteria to consider household or per capita income, possibly setting per capita income at $650 similar to ComCare standards.
The Minister for National Development, Lawrence Wong, stated that HDB regularly reviews eligibility criteria and exercises flexibility to assist families who do not meet income ceilings, especially larger households.
Louis Ng further inquired whether HDB officers proactively inform applicants about waiver options and suggested tying future rental flat supply to demand projections based on ComCare recipients.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that appeals for rental flat rejections are publicly known and accepted, and noted that the supply of rental flats is being increased to meet demand.

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1 Mar 2017

Support for Single-parent Families Including for Single Fathers

The Government provides equal financial and emotional support to both single fathers and single mothers, including child development benefits, childcare subsidies, and elderly care services, with additional tiers of subsidies available for low- and middle-income families.
Community agencies, self-help groups, and corporate partners offer workshops, counselling, and financial aid programs, while peer support networks help single-parent families through shared experiences and bonding activities.
Proactive assistance is provided through initiatives like KidSTART for early childhood support and partnerships with Community Development Councils and FairPrice for essentials like milk powder, reducing reliance on moneylenders.

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20 Feb 2017

Income Generated by Grassroots Organisations from Community Trade Fairs

Png Eng Huat asked for details on income from community trade fairs, the percentage of that income used for welfare, scholarships, and bursaries, and sponsorship amounts collected by grassroots organisations (GROs) in FY2015/16.
Chan Chun Sing, representing the Minister, stated that GROs raised $7 million from community trade fairs and $27 million in sponsorships and donations in FY2015/16.
GROs distributed $10 million in direct financial help, such as welfare assistance, scholarships, and bursaries, in the same financial year.

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20 Feb 2017

Annual Budget Statement

The government introduced targeted economic support measures for sectors facing cyclical or structural challenges, including deferred foreign worker levies for marine and process sectors, the "Attach and Train" programme to help workers reskill, and enhanced corporate income tax rebates for businesses.
It announced a carbon tax of $10 to $20 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions to be implemented from 2019, alongside a restructuring of diesel taxes and new water pricing to reflect rising costs, while offering rebates and support to cushion the impact on households.
Social measures included increased housing grants for first-time resale flat buyers, higher bursaries for post-secondary students, expanded support for persons with disabilities and mental health conditions, and permanent increases in GST vouchers to help lower- and middle-income households manage cost-of-living pressures.

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7 Feb 2017

Number of Homeless Individuals

Seah Kian Peng asked about trends and locations of homeless individuals since 2015, and the Parliamentary Secretary responded that the number of homeless receiving support decreased from 199 in 2015 to 176 in 2016, with many being low-income, elderly, or facing family disputes, and that help is provided through welfare homes and transitional shelters.
Seah followed up asking if those with foreign spouses are covered and if there is a hotline for the public to report homeless cases, and the Ministry confirmed they assist all individuals regardless of nationality and that the public can call the ComCare hotline for help.

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7 Feb 2017

Impact of Growing Practice of Hiring Freelancers on Wages and Retirement Adequacy

The Ministry of Manpower noted that freelancers currently make up about 8% of the workforce, and while their numbers are stable overall, growth is sector-specific, prompting a new annual survey to better understand their profiles and trends.
Minister Lim Swee Say reported that median real wages have risen broadly across sectors from 2014 to 2016, with no significant deflationary impact observed yet, but the government remains concerned about future effects on wages and retirement adequacy.
In response to concerns, the Ministry plans to work with tripartite partners to develop best practices and outreach measures to help freelancers with financial planning, CPF contributions, and retirement savings, though concrete policies will depend on survey findings.

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7 Feb 2017

Allowance for ITE and Polytechnic Student Interns

The Ministry reported that 93.5% of ITE and Polytechnic interns receive an allowance, up from 90.9% in 2014, but some do not due to company policies, and the Ministry encourages more companies to provide allowances.
Financial assistance schemes are available at institutions for students in need, and the Ministry is working with companies to increase allowance coverage to ensure equitable access for disadvantaged students.
The Ministry acknowledged challenges for students with special needs in finding internships and will consider suggestions to provide more resources to help them secure placements.

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7 Feb 2017

Number of Occupants in Senior Group Homes

Denise Phua raised concerns about three occupants in Senior Group Home rental units compared to the standard two in typical HDB rentals, citing crowding issues, especially with wheelchairs and shared facilities.
The Minister explained that three occupants allow for better mutual support among frail seniors, but the model is new and open to review based on feedback and operational experience.
Phua suggested extending the Senior Group Home scheme to adults with special needs, and the Minister responded positively, noting willingness to explore such models while highlighting current limitations like lack of round-the-clock supervision.
Both speakers acknowledged the need for ongoing review of the scheme's popularity and effectiveness, with the Minister emphasizing flexibility and openness to adjustments as the population ages.

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6 Feb 2017

Nationwide Study on Employment for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong requested a nationwide study on the employment rates, conditions, salary comparisons, and difficulties faced by persons with disabilities and special needs.
Tan Chuan-Jin highlighted that SG Enable has placed over 1,000 persons with disabilities into employment in two years and supports internships and job integration.
Persons with disabilities comprise 0.55% of the resident labour force, with 60% using employment support schemes and median wages ranging from $1,000 to $2,800.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development plans to gather more comprehensive data to better understand and support the employment of persons with disabilities.

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6 Feb 2017

Criteria for Auto-renewal of Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Card

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong questioned if CHAS cards are auto-renewed for non-responding households, if they retain the same subsidy tier, and if auto-renewal applies to retired seniors with unchanged household situations.
Gan Kim Yong explained that CHAS eligibility and subsidy tiers are based on updated household income, property value, and composition, requiring renewal every two years to verify current circumstances.
MOH sends reminder letters and pre-filled forms to facilitate renewal, partners with agencies for outreach, and makes forms accessible online and at community locations to ensure convenience.
The ministry reviews the renewal process periodically to maintain public convenience and ensure households receive appropriate subsidies based on their latest circumstances.

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