Social welfare — Topics

6 Feb 2017

Total Subsidised and Private Nursing Home Capacity

The Ministry of Health reported about 12,800 nursing home beds as of end-December 2016, with 11,000 being subsidised.
Between 2012 and 2016, an average of 3,400 applications for subsidised nursing home beds were received annually, with a typical wait time of about four months.
Very few nursing home residents are ambulant, as placements are prioritised for those needing significant daily care support; many ambulant seniors are instead referred to home or community-based care services.

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6 Feb 2017

Breakdown of CPF Life Payments from 2011 to 2015

From 2011 to 2015, 99.98% of CPF LIFE payments were disbursed by the fourth working day of each month, with delays only in exceptional cases requiring further verification.
The timing is fixed to allow interest crediting and bank clearing, so payments cannot be made earlier even if the fourth working day falls late in the month.
The Ministry is not considering earlier payments, as the current system ensures seniors' cash flow needs are met while maintaining operational efficiency.

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6 Feb 2017

Additional Help for People Seeking Social Assistance Given Sluggish Economy

Seah Kian Peng asked if the Ministry has seen more people seeking social assistance due to the sluggish economy and what additional relief measures are planned.
Tan Chuan-Jin noted that ComCare application numbers remained stable around 14,000–15,000 per quarter in 2016, with no clear upward trend, and the Ministry is monitoring the situation closely.
The Ministry is prepared to provide additional support, including greater flexibility in ComCare assistance, temporary increases in manpower at Social Service Offices, and collaboration with Family Service Centres for counselling and support.

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6 Feb 2017

Efforts to Reintegrate Destitute Persons with Their Families and Society

Murali Pillai asked for statistics on destitute persons admitted, discharged, and re-admitted to the Director of Social Welfare's custody over the past three years, and the steps taken to reintegrate them with their families and society.
The Minister provided numbers: 250, 251, and 207 admissions in 2014, 2015, and 2016; 182, 172, and 163 discharges; and 39, 42, and 27 re-admissions for those years.
Destitute persons in Welfare Homes undergo rehabilitation to build social, work, and life skills for independent living, with some placed on external employment, home leave, and pre-discharge programs.
High-potential individuals are linked to community resources, and Welfare Homes focus on family reconciliation while volunteers and community agencies support rehabilitative efforts.
The overall goal is to prepare destitute persons for reintegration into the community and strengthen family relationships through coordinated support.

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6 Feb 2017

Care Options for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Whose Parents or Care-givers Have Passed Away

Darryl David asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about long-term care options for adults with intellectual disabilities when their parents or caregivers pass away or can no longer care for them.
Tan Chuan-Jin encouraged families to plan ahead, suggesting they seek support from other family members who can apply to the Courts to become deputies for decision-making, enabling the adult to remain in the community.
The Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) offers case management to develop care plans covering accommodation, daily living, and medical needs, along with trust accounts and the Special Needs Savings Scheme using CPF funds for future care.
Community-based programmes like Day Activity Centres and home-based care are available, with Adult Disability Homes (ADHs) serving as a last resort, currently offering 690 places and planned to increase to 870 by year-end.

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6 Feb 2017

Offset from Government Rebates for Utility Bills

Miss Cheryl Chan inquired about the effectiveness of the GST Voucher – Utilities-Save rebate in offsetting rising electricity tariffs for rental flats and whether households on the Pay-As-You-Use scheme could have the rebate directly credited to their prepaid accounts.
The Minister explained that the permanent GST Voucher – U-Save scheme provides support equivalent to about three to four months of utilities bills for 1- and 2-room HDB households, and one to two months for 3- and 4-room households.
For households on the Pay-As-You-Use scheme, the U-Save rebate is already credited to their utilities account to reduce arrears, and after arrears are cleared, it offsets water and gas components if they remain on the scheme.

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10 Jan 2017

Number of Foreign Domestic Workers who have Undergone Basic Eldercare Course

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked for the number of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) who have undergone the Agency for Integrated Care's Basic Eldercare Course, the percentage of FDWs subsidized by the FDW grant who have taken the course, and the number trained under the eldercarer training scheme and deployed.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that the Caregiver's Training Grant (CTG) has supported about 20,000 FDWs, with 6,800 households receiving the FDW grant, of which 4,400 used the CTG for training; 167 FDWs have taken the Basic Eldercare Course since 2015, with 52 from FDW grant households.
The Eldercarer FDW Scheme, launched in November 2016, has trained about 30 FDWs in eldercare, with 25 placed with families, and efforts are ongoing to raise awareness of this scheme.

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10 Jan 2017

Medical House Calls on Home-bound Patients at Subsidised Rates

Dr. Tan Wu Meng raised concerns about home-bound elderly patients needing subsidised medical assessments and specialist referrals, which was addressed by Dr. Amy Khor who outlined that the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) provides home assessments and can arrange for home medical visits and transport services.
The government confirmed that medical and mobility assessments are shared among agencies like AIC and SG Enable to reduce redundant evaluations, though some schemes may still require additional assessments due to differing eligibility criteria.
Both speakers emphasized the ongoing efforts to monitor community care needs and ensure accessible services for home-bound patients, with AIC reporting over 1,300 cases handled by its Community Care Assessment Team by the end of 2016.

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9 Jan 2017

Raising Income Cap of $1,500 for Public Rental Housing

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the Ministry of National Development would raise the current $1,500 income cap for public rental housing, citing rising costs and higher income ceilings for other subsidies.
Lawrence Wong explained that income ceilings for government subsidies vary by purpose and that HDB periodically reviews eligibility criteria to prioritize rental flats for low-income families without support or other housing options.
Wong noted that HDB has exercised flexibility to allow some families with higher incomes to access rental flats if their circumstances warrant assistance.

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9 Jan 2017

Subsidies Received by CHAS Cardholders for Dental Services

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked about the average dental subsidies received by CHAS cardholders, particularly seniors, and whether these subsidies are adequate and should be increased.
The Minister for Health, Gan Kim Yong, stated that dental subsidies under CHAS vary by cardholder status and procedure, with examples provided for dentures and higher subsidies for Pioneer Generation cardholders.
In 2015, CHAS cardholders who made claims received an average of $320 in dental subsidies, with seniors aged 60 and above receiving about $370.
The Ministry of Health noted that existing subsidies cover close to 85% of the bill for most visits, including for seniors, and will continue to review CHAS to ensure accessible and affordable dental care.

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9 Jan 2017

Mendaki Educational Loans for Post-graduate Programmes

MENDAKI previously offered interest-free study loans for postgraduate programmes from 2011 to 2014, receiving 78 applications during that period.
The initiative was discontinued from 2015 to allow MENDAKI to focus resources on supporting students pursuing first-time degrees and diplomas.
The debate followed a query from MP Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap about the availability, reasons for non-provision, and number of requests for such loans over the past five years.

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9 Jan 2017

Collection and Disbursement of Zakat by MUIS

In 2015, MUIS collected $35.3 million in zakat and disbursed $36.3 million to the eight prescribed Asnaf categories, with figures reported annually.
Over 70% of zakat is collected during Ramadhan, but disbursements occur year-round, which can lead to minor yearly surpluses or deficits.
MUIS maintains a reserve to buffer against shortfalls and unforeseen situations, ensuring ongoing funding for zakat-supported programmes.

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8 Nov 2016

Housing and Flat Rental Assistance for Single Unwed Moms

Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin raised concerns about housing and financial trade-offs for single unwed mothers who are caught between qualifying for rental flats and affording home ownership.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin stated that HDB and MSF collaborate to provide tailored assistance, emphasizing home ownership as a long-term solution for stability and asset building, while offering public rental as temporary support.
He explained that rent in public rental flats is progressive based on income, and HDB provides flexibility by waiving rent increases for up to four years to allow tenants time to improve their income without immediate financial penalty.
The Minister highlighted that using CPF for mortgage payments is more beneficial than cash rentals, helping families manage cash flow while working toward eventual home ownership.
Residents facing difficulties are directed to seek help from Social Service Offices or Family Service Centres for comprehensive support.

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8 Nov 2016

Number of Citizens and Permanent Residents Unable to Pay MediShield Life Premiums

As of September 2016, about 51,000 residents, or 1% of MediShield Life members, had outstanding premiums totaling $12.8 million, with reasons including living overseas and being uncontactable.
The government provides subsidies and Additional Premium Support to help lower- and middle-income households, including Pioneer Generation members, pay their premiums.
The Minister noted that the non-payment trend's direction is unclear as it is the first year of MediShield Life, but efforts to reach out and assist payers will continue.

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8 Nov 2016

Assistance for Lifelong Replacement of Aids for Persons with Special Needs

Denise Phua asked if the Ministry can provide further assistance for persons with special needs who require lifelong replacements of motorised wheelchairs and hearing aids.
The Parliamentary Secretary explained that the Assistive Technology Fund subsidizes up to 90% of equipment costs, with enhancements including broader criteria, a doubled lifetime cap, and higher income eligibility.
Phua suggested studying the total lifetime cost of assistive devices and exploring economies of scale to improve access and affordability for wheelchair users.
The Ministry acknowledged the suggestions and affirmed its commitment to enhancing support for persons with disabilities.
The debate highlighted the increased take-up of the Assistive Technology Fund since its enhancement and the ongoing monitoring of beneficiaries' needs.

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8 Nov 2016

Nationwide Awareness Promotion for Appointment of Deputies for Those who have Lost Mental Capacity

The Ministry for Social and Family Development is streamlining the deputyship application process, including simplified forms and a pilot project with Special Education schools, while encouraging Singaporeans to plan ahead with Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) applications before the fee waiver ends.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin emphasized the importance of judicial oversight for appointing deputies to protect vulnerable individuals, rejecting a proposal to allow parents to make LPAs on behalf of incapacitated adult children without court evaluation.
The Ministry is developing a standardized mental capacity assessment form and has a pro-bono panel of professionals to serve as deputies for those without family or friends, while also directing low-income families to legal aid for deputyship applications.

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7 Nov 2016

Lifts for Private Buildings More than Three Storeys in Height

Melvin Yong asked about the number of private buildings above three storeys without lifts and plans to encourage lift installation for accessibility, while Lawrence Wong explained that only buildings five storeys and above are required to have lifts, with about 370 low-rise private buildings currently without them, and the government offers incentives through an Accessibility Fund to co-pay up to 80% of lift installation costs, which has supported 79 developments and was extended until March 2022.

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7 Nov 2016

Ramps for HDB Flats with Steps at Entrances

Melvin Yong asked about the number of HDB flats with multi-step entrances, the possibility of subsidised ramps for accessibility, and the earliest timeline for installation given Singapore’s ageing population.
Lawrence Wong explained that over 100,000 older HDB flats built in the 1970s–80s had multi-step entrances for privacy and security, but these now pose challenges for elderly and wheelchair users.
He noted that any solution must be customised to each block’s configuration, corridor space, and fire safety requirements, and may be rolled out under the Enhancement for Active Seniors scheme or other programmes.
Wong said HDB is exploring financial assistance options with other agencies for low-income families and is working to streamline the application process for residents who want to install ramps privately.
In the meantime, residents can approach HDB branches for help with ramp installation and may seek financial aid from voluntary welfare organisations or community advisers.

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7 Nov 2016

Affordability of Childcare Services since 2008 Review

The government has increased affordable childcare through the Anchor Operator and Partner Operator schemes, which now cover almost half the market and have fee caps of $720 and $800 respectively, helping lower the industry median fee from $900 to $856.
Childcare subsidies include a basic $300 monthly subsidy for working mothers and additional subsidies of up to $440 for lower- and middle-income families, reducing costs significantly, with some low-income families paying as little as $3 per month.
The Child Development Account (CDA) First Step grant was introduced this year to help cover childcare and other child-related expenses, adding to the support framework.
The government is committed to ongoing reviews of childcare subsidies and policies to maintain affordability and quality for families.

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7 Nov 2016

Reducing Misuse of MediShield Claims by Allowing Claims for Some Outpatient Treatment

Mr Ong Teng Koon raised concerns about families unable to afford outpatient fees even after government subsidies and questioned if some might be forced to seek unnecessary hospital admissions to use inpatient insurance, leading to bed misallocation.
The Minister of State for Health outlined existing support mechanisms, including enhanced outpatient subsidies, expanded MediSave use, and MediShield Life coverage for specific treatments, while cautioning that broadening MediShield Life coverage could increase premiums and affect sustainability.
The Minister emphasized that MediFund serves as a safety net for low-income families after other subsidies and savings are applied, and stressed the importance of right-siting patients to appropriate care settings to ensure system sustainability.

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