Social welfare

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked about the exclusion of children of unwed mothers from Baby Bonus and Working Mother's Child Relief, as well as the potential annual costs of extending these benefits and comparisons to other support programs. Indranee Rajah stated that there were about 745 non-marital live births per year from 2020 to 2024, and that the benefits in question were not extended to single unwed parents as they were meant to encourage marriage. The government does not track the costs of potentially extending these benefits, but unwed parents are eligible for various forms of support including childcare subsidies and financial assistance. Additional support options are available through platforms like SupportGoWhere and family service centres.

The Singapore Parliament debate focused on various key issues pertaining to the recent budget and policies supporting different segments of society. Key points from the discussions include:

• There is an emphasis on ensuring that seniors, especially those living alone or with retirement concerns, receive targeted support amidst rising living costs, and discussion on refining means testing criteria for subsidies.
• The government aims to balance rapid technological changes, particularly through the integration of AI in various sectors, while ensuring that economic growth translates to job security and upskilling for vulnerable workers.
• The importance of holistic care and integration of social services for seniors and vulnerable populations was highlighted, emphasizing the need for personalized support systems.
• Discussions on enhancing education systems to better prepare the workforce for future challenges, especially in the face of AI and other technological advancements.
• The budget reflects significant investments in social support and healthcare, aiming to maintain fiscal responsibility while addressing the needs of the community in a changing economic landscape.

The Minister of State for Health, Rahayu Mahzam, clarified that Pioneer Generation and CHAS subsidies are available at National Dental Centres for patients with complicated conditions, contrary to previous concerns raised by Dennis Tan. Complex cases are referred to specialist centres like the National Dental Centre Singapore, which provide subsidies for such referrals. Rahayu addressed a specific case involving a private patient who did not receive subsidies and indicated that the Ministry of Health would reach out to explain the situation. Kenneth Tiong inquired about the extent of MediSave coverage for dental subsidies, to which Rahayu noted that recent increases in subsidies for certain treatments are being continuously reviewed to better support patients.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about financial assistance options for parents in the Early Childhood Development Agency's Childminding Pilot in addition to using Child Development Account funds. Goh Pei Ming stated that the government provides subsidies to make childminding services affordable, resulting in lower out-of-pocket expenses for parents. Over 80% of families enrolled are using CDA funds to cover costs, but the minister acknowledged concerns about lower-income families facing barriers to participation. Current support for low-income households includes more substantial subsidies in government-supported preschools, allowing costs to be as low as $40 per month.

Yeo Wan Ling asked how SG Enable can support ITE graduates with disabilities in finding suitable host companies for the Work-Study Diploma programme. Eric Chua responded that SG Enable provides trained job coaches who assist with workplace integration and job redesign, and connects inclusive employers with ITE. Yeo expressed concerns about the need for a centralized repository of inclusive employers and suggested extending program deadlines for students with disabilities who struggle to find suitable hosts. Chua acknowledged the importance of customized support for students and will consider the suggestions regarding a centralized list and deadline flexibility.

Elysa Chen asked how the Ministry of Education supports students from lower-income families in accessing training, preparation, and exposure opportunities for the Direct School Admission (DSA) scheme. Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry invests resources like Opportunity Fund grants to schools for subsidizing co-curricular activities and runs the Junior Sports Academy for students with potential, regardless of prior training. The main goal is to help these students discover their strengths rather than specifically prepare them for DSA, which considers a holistic view of student potential and personal qualities. The approach acknowledges that talent development can be influenced by a student's background and available opportunities.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about the application and success rates for Special Approval for Additional subsidies for childcare by non-working applicants since 2023. Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that non-working applicants can receive equivalent subsidies under certain circumstances, with common reasons including caregiving, job seeking, training, pregnancy, and illness. From 2023 to 2025, about 3% of Basic and Additional Subsidy recipients applied for Special Approval, with a high approval rate of around 90%. Full childcare subsidies have been extended to families with a monthly income of $6,000 or below, regardless of working status, and families under specific social assistance schemes automatically qualify for maximum subsidies.

Christopher de Souza asked if the Government would expand Day Activity Centre capacity and subsidies for young adults with autism and provide more support for long-term caregiving. Masagos Zulkifli announced an increase of 500 places in Day Activity Centres and enhanced subsidies for long-term care starting July 2026, aimed at families using various disability services. The Government provides tiered funding based on care needs, focusing on those with moderate to severe autism. SG Enable helps individuals on waitlists find suitable alternatives and offers subsidised respite services for caregivers through the Take-A-Break programme.

Elysa Chen asked about the impact of shifting to household market income reporting on the targeting of major social transfers like ComCare and Silver Support. Jeffrey Siow responded that current government schemes primarily rely on employment income for means-testing and there are no immediate plans for major changes. ComCare already uses a holistic assessment of financial circumstances, including all income sources, to ensure assistance reaches those in genuine need. The Government will continually review the parameters of social support schemes to maintain their effectiveness.

Elysa Chen posed questions to the Deputy Prime Minister about the government's annual household income trends report, specifically regarding the availability of disaggregated market income statistics for various vulnerable groups. Gan Kim Yong explained that changes to the report reflect Singapore's demographic shifts, including a rising number of retiree households with non-employment income. The updated report now includes data on households with only non-employed seniors, which helps the government understand their financial resources and offer support. While disaggregated data for retiree households is available, information for lone-parent households and those with members facing difficulties is only reported every five years in the Census and General Household Survey.

• The Budget debate focused on urgent issues concerning Singaporean workers, particularly regarding the impact of AI on job security, cost of living, and the need for better support systems for various groups, including young graduates, mid-career workers, and seniors.
• The Labour Movement highlighted the need for initiatives that empower workers to become AI-ready, emphasizing the importance of structured training, early engagement during transitions, and building confidence among workers, especially in the face of economic uncertainties.
• Concerns were raised regarding wealth inequality and the necessity of implementing more progressive tax measures, alongside calls for long-term structural changes in the education system to better align with future workforce needs influenced by AI.
• Various members expressed the importance of enhancing family support systems, proposing adjustments to existing financial aid structures and increasing accessibility for older children and vulnerable families, especially those impacted by cost-of-living pressures.
• The need for a cohesive national strategy that combines government, businesses, and unions to ensure equitable outcomes for all workers and evolve practices to accommodate the demands of an AI-driven future was stressed throughout the debate.

Assoc Prof Kenneth Goh raised questions about the differentiation of wealth in public versus private housing in measuring household wealth inequality and its impact on economic resilience. Mariam Jaafar inquired about measures to sustain upward mobility for children from lower-income households, referencing findings that a significant portion of these children moved to higher income tiers. The Senior Minister of State for Finance, Jeffrey Siow, addressed ongoing improvements to wealth data measurement and emphasized that the Gini coefficient does not differentiate between asset types or housing ownership in its calculations, as it represents a stock measure rather than liquidity. He outlined various government strategies aimed at supporting lower-income families, enhancing education access, and adapting to technological changes impacting job availability to ensure sustained social mobility. Finally, there was discussion on the balance of property taxation and its progressive nature, with considerations for asset-rich, income-poor seniors, as well as openness to exploring future shifts in tax burdens.

Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for National Development about the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) regarding participation and average payouts from 2009 to 2025. Chee Hong Tat responded that approximately 16,000 households have participated in LBS, with around 6,000 being single-person households and 7,000 two-person households. Homeowners must retain a lease that lasts until the youngest owner is at least 95 years old, and the payouts vary greatly based on factors like flat type and market conditions. About 90% of participants received between $100,000 and $300,000, with potential cash bonuses for topping up their CPF Retirement Accounts.

Christopher de Souza asked if the government would consider expanding MediSave funds for purchasing hearing aids due to their impact on quality of life and mental wellness in Singapore’s ageing population. Ong Ye Kung responded that seniors and persons with disabilities can currently use the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund and the Assistive Technology Fund for hearing aids, which provide up to 90% subsidies based on income eligibility criteria. The eligibility cap for these subsidies has been raised to $4,800 to benefit more individuals, and additional support for severe hearing loss can be accessed through subsidies and enhanced MediSave and MediShield Life limits. For further financial assistance, Singaporeans can contact relevant agencies and social workers for support, ensuring no one is denied healthcare due to financial constraints.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked about the number of seniors ineligible for the Silver Support Scheme due to exceeding the household income per capita threshold and how many live with adult children. Tan See Leng explained that eligibility is based on multiple criteria including lifetime wages and household income, ensuring the scheme targets those with fewer financial means. The qualifying income threshold has recently increased from $1,800 to $2,300, allowing more seniors to qualify, although about 10% of those ineligible in 2026 are solely due to exceeding this limit. The Ministry does not keep records on how many ineligible seniors live with adult children but encourages those with unique situations to seek a review of their eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis inquired whether the Value Meals @ South West initiative is funded by the Community Development Council (CDC) and requested details on costs and plans for expansion to all HDB towns. Edwin Tong Chun Fai clarified that the programme is funded by the Select Group as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, with no costs incurred by the South West CDC. The initiative aims to provide affordable meal options for low-income residents through vending machines in community locations. CDCs collaborate with various partners to meet local needs while offering similar benefits to residents across different districts.

Cai Yinzhou asked for data on HDB public rental households with primary schoolers, including breakdowns by grade levels and average occupancy rates for 1-room and 2-room flats. Chee Hong Tat reported that by the end of 2025, around 5,300 rental households (10%) will have primary school-aged children, with nearly equal distribution among different grade levels. The median occupancy is two for 1-room flats and four for 2-room flats. The Government has implemented initiatives like ComLink+ to support lower-income families and help them eventually buy their own flats.

Assoc Prof Terence Ho raised concerns about the expected faster growth of non-domestic water demand and questioned how the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment would ensure water affordability for households and whether industrial users should cover more costs. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that water pricing reflects supply costs and scarcity, with heavier users, including industries, paying larger bills. The Government also offers targeted support for lower- and middle-income households, including U-save rebates and initiatives to promote water-efficient appliances, and provides Climate Vouchers to assist with these purchases.

Fadli Fawzi questioned when the CPF unconditional withdrawal limit of $5,000 for Singaporeans at age 55 was last increased and if the Government has reviewed this limit since 2023. Tan See Leng responded that the CPF withdrawal rules should be considered holistically and noted the $5,000 limit has been in place since 1995, highlighting other flexibilities for those aged 55 and above. He stated that while some members can withdraw excess savings above their Full Retirement Sum and others have flexibility in property and cash, the intent of the CPF system is to balance immediate needs with long-term retirement income sustainability. He cautioned that increasing withdrawal options may reduce monthly retirement payouts.

Edward Chia focused on three key areas: enhancing support for seniors and young families, addressing anxieties of workers and employers due to economic transformation, and promoting preventive and precision healthcare as a growth strategy. He raised concerns about the unintended consequences of the Silver Support Scheme that can discourage intergenerational living, and highlighted the need for stronger support systems for both workers and SMEs adapting to technological changes. Ang Wei Neng emphasized the importance of prudently using the $15.1 billion budget surplus to address immediate needs by investing in AI training, improving ageing estates, and providing additional support for families through enhanced CDC vouchers. He also called for better resources for adults with special needs to ensure they receive ongoing support and care.