Social welfare — Topics

29 Feb 2016

Implementation of Reverse Mortgages for HDB Flats

Dr. Lee Bee Wah asked about the progress and benefits of a reverse mortgage scheme for HDB flats and whether it could be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Ministry of National Development completed its study, noting that reverse mortgages are complex with risks like growing loan balances and potential property value shortfalls, and past offerings had low uptake.
The Ministry highlighted existing alternatives like the enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme, Silver Housing Bonus, and subletting options, which are better suited for elderly flat owners.
Consequently, the Ministry has no plans to introduce reverse mortgages for HDB flats and will continue reviewing existing schemes.

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29 Feb 2016

Disbursements from Open Door Fund

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Social and Family Development about the number of awards, average quantum, and results of the Open Door Fund since its launch.
The Open Door Fund was enhanced and renamed the Open Door Programme in 2014, supported by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency and administered by SG Enable.
Since 2014, 140 companies have applied for Open Door Programme support, with an average claim of $3,000 per company.
Through the Open Door Programme and other initiatives, about 650 persons with disabilities have been placed in employment over the past two years.
The Open Door Programme includes initiatives like apprenticeships, training, and job redesign to encourage employment of persons with disabilities.

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29 Feb 2016

Efficacy of Social Service Offices

Since their inception in 2013, Social Service Offices (SSOs) have improved accessibility, with 95% of beneficiaries in HDB towns living within two kilometres of an SSO and nine in ten reporting satisfaction with location and service quality.
SSOs provide top support schemes including short-to-medium-term assistance for those seeking work, long-term assistance for those permanently unable to work, and interim assistance for immediate or one-off needs, coordinated with community partners like Family Service Centres.
The number of households receiving ComCare financial assistance increased from 23,992 in FY2012 to 31,307 in FY2014, indicating a stable upward trend in social assistance sought.
SSOs are piloting integrated service models, such as combining financial, employment, and family services under one roof in locations like Taman Jurong and Kreta Ayer, to better coordinate help for families with complex needs.

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29 Feb 2016

Update on Dependants' Protection Scheme

The Dependants' Protection Scheme approved about 2,800 claims annually over the last five years, with payouts averaging $141 million per year, and less than 1% of eligible CPF members opted out each year since 1989.
About half of those who opted out were aged 30 or below, possibly without dependants, with the rest split between non-working members, those earning over $2,000 monthly, and those earning under $2,000.
The scheme currently caps coverage at age 60, and extending it to 67 would raise premiums significantly due to higher mortality risks; a periodic review will balance protection needs with preserving CPF savings for retirement.
Members seeking coverage beyond age 60 are advised to consider private insurance options.

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29 Feb 2016

Support for Retrenched Workers and Their Families

The government provides a range of assistance for retrenched workers and their families, including employment support, financial aid, and help with housing, healthcare, and education costs during an economic downturn.
Employment measures include scaled-up training programmes, career coaching, job search workshops, and initiatives like the Career Support Programme and the Jobs Bank to help workers re-skill and find new jobs.
Financial and social assistance can be accessed quickly through Social Service Offices, with increased capacity and flexibility in schemes like ComCare, while Family Service Centres offer support for stress and family issues.

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29 Feb 2016

Application Rate for Additional Childcare Subsidy for Non-working Mothers

Ms Sun Xueling asked for 2015 data on the number of applications and approvals for additional childcare subsidies from non-working mothers, and whether the criteria could be liberalised for those caring for multiple children and the elderly.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin noted that while all parents receive basic subsidies, additional childcare subsidies are prioritised for working mothers due to their greater need, but flexibility exists for non-working mothers in extenuating circumstances like illness or caregiving duties.
In 2015, 760 non-working mothers applied for the additional subsidy, and 660 were approved, reflecting case-by-case consideration for qualifying circumstances.

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29 Feb 2016

Impact of Recent CPF Changes on Number and Amount of CPF Top-ups

The CPF change allowing transfers to a spouse’s Special or Retirement Account above the Basic Retirement Sum led to over 400 transfers totalling $12 million in January 2016, about 2.5 times the previous year.
About one in 20 of these spouse transfers was made by members with CPF savings above the Basic but below the Full Retirement Sum.
Since January 2016, CPF members above 55 can top-up their Retirement Account to the Enhanced Retirement Sum, resulting in 1,700 top-ups totalling $80 million in that month.

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29 Feb 2016

Central Provident Fund (Amendment) Bill

The bill amends the CPF Act to implement policy changes from the CPF Advisory Panel, allowing members aged 55 and above who have set aside the Basic Retirement Sum to transfer savings to their spouses and deferring the CPF LIFE plan selection until the Payout Eligibility Age instead of age 55.
It enhances insurance coverage under the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) and Dependants' Protection Scheme (DPS) by expanding the definition of incapacity to include terminal illness and total permanent disability, and allows non-spouse co-owners to pay HPS premiums to prevent lapses.
The amendments strengthen safeguards for MediSave monies by allowing the CPF Board to impose administrative penalties on medical institutions and insurers for wrongful claims and mandate recovery of unauthorised deductions.

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29 Jan 2016

Inconsistent MRT Fare-pricing along Downtown Line

Liang Eng Hwa raised concerns about inconsistent and high MRT fares for Downtown Line journeys between Bukit Panjang and Newton/Bugis, questioning their fairness and logic.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained that fares are based on the shortest travel time route, and with DTL2, a faster route is available but using it would raise fares for seniors and the disabled due to concessionary fare caps and higher operating costs.
The Public Transport Council uses the old NSEW route for certain station pairs to ensure no commuter pays more, benefiting seniors and the disabled in Bukit Panjang without increasing costs for others.
This approach creates some fare inconsistencies but is intended to protect vulnerable groups, while most commuters still enjoy faster and cheaper travel with DTL2.
The Minister emphasized that 99% of DTL2 journeys use the distance-based fare calculation, resulting in lower fares and time savings for the majority of commuters.

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29 Jan 2016

Construction of Ramps at Main Entrances of Selected HDB flats

Patrick Tay asked if HDB can include constructing ramps at main entrances with multiple steps under the EASE funding scheme.
The Minister explained that EASE already covers ramps for single-step entrances but multi-step entrances require customised solutions due to technical and space challenges.
HDB allows flat owners to choose from commercial ramp options and assists with implementation through agencies and VWOs.
Financial aid for ramps is available through ComCare, SG Enable, and other voluntary welfare organisations.

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29 Jan 2016

Waiting Time for Professional Assessment of Persons with Disabilities

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about waiting times for disability assessments by psychologists, speech therapists, and other trained personnel for children and adults.
The Parliamentary Secretary responded that waiting times have improved, with median initial assessment waits of 6–19 days for school-aged children and 7–17 days for preschoolers, while specific programs like EIPIC average three months for assessment.
The government is working to reduce waiting times further, with plans to increase EIPIC places to 3,200 by 2018 through new centres and expanded capacity.

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28 Jan 2016

Disbursements of ComCare Interim Assistance and Short-to-Medium Term Assistance

Leon Perera asked the Minister for Social and Family Development for the percentage, number, and dollar value of ComCare Interim Assistance and Short-to-Medium Term Assistance disbursements from 2010 to 2015 to recipients who sought assistance due to retrenchment or early termination of contract employment.
Tan Chuan-Jin stated that MSF does not have a breakdown of how many unemployed ComCare applicants were retrenched or had early contract termination, though it can provide data on households receiving Short-to-Medium Term Assistance where the main applicant is unemployed and seeking work.
The Minister explained that ComCare Interim Assistance is urgent and temporary support for immediate needs, distributed through agencies like Social Service Offices and Family Service Centres, and MSF does not track detailed reasons for seeking such assistance.

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28 Jan 2016

Appointment of Deputies for Individuals No Longer Capable of Decisions

Ms Tin Pei Ling inquired about the effectiveness of the 2014 pilot programme that appointed volunteer panels as deputies for individuals unable to make decisions.
The Minister explained the need for such deputies due to a growing number of mentally incapacitated individuals without family or friends to act as proxies.
The Mental Capacity Act will be amended to allow professional donees and deputies, with a panel of 18 professionals already established to serve as deputies.
Feedback on the pilot has been positive, with examples showing improved quality of care and life for vulnerable individuals through better management of assets and activities.
The government is refining processes and encouraging more volunteers to step forward to help this vulnerable group.

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26 Jan 2016

Pioneer Generation Fund (Amendment) Bill

The Pioneer Generation Fund (Amendment) Bill was presented by Senior Minister of State Ms Sim Ann to amend the Pioneer Generation Fund Act 2014, with the bill read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading in the next parliamentary sitting.
The amendment aims to refine the fund's operations, ensuring continued support for pioneers through updated legislative provisions and administrative adjustments.
The debate centered on the need to maintain the fund's effectiveness in providing healthcare and financial assistance to Singapore's pioneer generation.
MPs emphasized the importance of upholding the fund's original intent while adapting to current fiscal and demographic challenges.
The bill was ultimately supported as a necessary update to sustain the well-being of pioneers, reflecting the government's commitment to their welfare.

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15 Jan 2016

Ministry of Social and Family Development

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will strengthen family and marriage support, provide quality and affordable childcare, and expand early intervention for disadvantaged children and youths-at-risk.
MSF will enhance integrated social services through the completed Social Service Offices network and expanded Social Service Net to offer holistic help for vulnerable individuals and families, including persons with disabilities and the elderly.
The Ministry aims to foster a caring community by partnering with government agencies, businesses, VWOs, and the public to nurture a culture of giving and support for those in need.

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15 Jan 2016

Ministry of Manpower

The Ministry of Manpower aims to help Singaporeans secure good jobs, build fulfilling careers, and achieve financial security, transitioning the economy to be more manpower-lean and inclusive while strengthening the Singaporean core in the workforce.
MOM will enhance support for workers through protection measures like expanding the Employment Act and raising the re-employment age, progression initiatives such as Sectoral Manpower Plans and skills upgrading, and promoting pride in work through progressive HR practices.
The ministry will improve retirement adequacy by enhancing the CPF system and implementing the Silver Support Scheme for elderly Singaporeans with lesser means, ensuring long-term sustainability and support for all ages.

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15 Jan 2016

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health has expanded healthcare capacity and services, adding hospital beds, community facilities, and subsidies through schemes like CHAS and MediShield Life, while also enhancing workforce development and care standards for seniors.
MOH is focused on making healthcare more affordable and sustainable, particularly for lower- to middle-income patients and pioneers, through subsidy enhancements, flexible Medisave use, and plans for standardised private insurance.
The ministry aims to shift healthcare delivery towards preventive and integrated care, promoting the “One Singaporean, One Family Doctor” vision and strengthening Regional Health Systems to provide seamless, cost-effective care.
Efforts are underway to build a future-ready healthcare workforce, improve productivity through technology like telehealth and robotics, and invest in research to support an ageing population.
MOH is implementing the Action Plan for Successful Ageing, working with communities and agencies to create senior-friendly environments and promote active, healthy lifestyles for all Singaporeans.

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15 Jan 2016

Ministry of Finance

The Ministry of Finance aims to sustain Singapore's growth through prudent public finance, targeting subsidies to those in need, and shifting the economy toward innovation and value creation by supporting businesses in restructuring and internationalizing.
Over the long term, the government will build revenues to meet higher spending needs from an ageing population while maintaining a progressive tax system and promoting economic vibrancy through SkillsFuture and partnerships with unions and employers.
Initiatives include enhancing care support for families, improving retirement adequacy through CPF reforms, and investing in community infrastructure to foster social cohesion and inclusivity.
The public sector will transform using digital technologies to deliver integrated services, improve operations with data analytics, and encourage innovative procurement to support productivity and innovation.

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18 Aug 2015

Profile of Transport Concession Card Applications

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Transport about the number of applications for transport concession cards since 2014 across various groups including seniors, students, and people with disabilities.
The Parliamentary Secretary replied that from January 2014 to July 2015, around 760,000 people applied for concession cards, and about 1.6 million people currently hold such cards.
Gan Thiam Poh inquired about further outreach efforts by the Land Transport Authority to those who have not yet applied.
The Parliamentary Secretary stated that the government is encouraged by the uptake of concession schemes and will continue to reach out to agencies, organizations, and the public to enable more commuters to benefit.

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18 Aug 2015

Medisave Contribution Ceilings and Retaining Overflows for Medical Expenses

Baey Yam Keng asked whether CPF members who have reached their MediSave contribution ceiling can keep the overflows to pay for medical expenses instead of channelling them to other accounts, with the Ministry noting that overflows go to the Special or Retirement Account to improve retirement adequacy and that exceptional cases can be reviewed individually.
The Ministry explained that the MediSave Contribution Ceiling is being replaced by the Basic Healthcare Sum to reflect longer working lives, and CPF LIFE payouts can supplement healthcare needs, with flexibility considered for exceptional circumstances.
Dr Lee Bee Wah suggested allowing overflow funds to be channelled to the Ordinary Account for housing purchases for those who have not bought an HDB flat, but the Ministry of Manpower emphasized that retirement savings must take precedence, especially for the self-employed.
Minister Lim Swee Say clarified that for the self-employed, MediSave overflows are directed to the Special Account to ensure retirement adequacy, arguing that prioritizing housing over retirement savings for all workers would not be wise.

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