Social welfare — Topics

12 Feb 2015

Full Childcare and Kindergarten Subsidies for Stay-at-home Mothers

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked if the Ministry will extend full childcare and kindergarten subsidies to children of mothers not working full-time.
Chan Chun Sing stated that all parents of Singaporean children are eligible for basic subsidies, with additional support based on household income, and that working mothers receive extra childcare subsidies.
The Ministry recognizes the needs of non-working mothers in certain circumstances and assesses cases individually for higher subsidies, with 190 such mothers granted assistance in 2014.

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12 Feb 2015

Opening Bank Accounts for Soon-to-be-released Prisoners

Irene Ng asked if the Ministry could collaborate with banks to help soon-to-be-released prisoners open bank accounts, noting that accounts are essential for job-seeking, salary receipt, and reducing re-offending rates.
Teo Chee Hean acknowledged that some ex-offenders face difficulties opening accounts due to minimum deposit requirements or being deemed credit risks, and SCORE helps by arranging alternative salary payments like cash or cheques to help them save and build credit.
Teo Chee Hean agreed with Ms Ng's suggestion and stated that the Singapore Prison Service and SCORE will work with banks to consider temporarily waiving minimum deposit requirements and other measures to facilitate account opening post-release.

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12 Feb 2015

Extending More Government Benefits to Single Parents and Single Male Parents

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked for statistics on the gender ratio of single parents with custody, details on which tax benefits and assistance schemes are available to single male parents, and whether more support schemes can be extended to single parents.
Minister Chan Chun Sing noted that in 2013, 47% of civil divorces and 63% of Muslim divorces involved dependent children, but the Ministry lacks detailed custody data; joint custody is commonly awarded to prioritize children’s interests.
Divorced parents, including fathers with custody and care control, continue to receive benefits like tax relief, healthcare and education subsidies, Medisave grants, Baby Bonus, preschool subsidies, and childcare leave.
For housing, a divorced parent with custody and care control is treated like a married household, though within three years of divorce, only one party can own a subsidised flat unless the ex-spouse consents or the divorcee has full custody of all children under 18.

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12 Feb 2015

Unused Senior Activity Centre Space

David Ong asked why some Senior Activity Centres (SACs) at HDB rental flats and Studio Apartments were delayed last year, and the Minister of State explained that three out of 11 SACs faced operator delays due to manpower and resource constraints, with openings planned for April or May 2015.
The Ministry emphasized close coordination between HDB and MSF to ensure timely handovers and operational SACs, with assurances that delays are addressed to maintain social engagement and safety for seniors.
Baey Yam Keng raised concerns about outreach challenges in rental blocks, and the Minister agreed to explore HDB-facilitated communication to residents while protecting confidentiality, in collaboration with MSF.

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29 Jan 2015

MediShield Life Scheme Bill

The MediShield Life Scheme Bill establishes a mandatory, universal insurance scheme providing lifelong coverage for all Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, including those with pre-existing conditions, with enhanced benefits such as no lifetime claim limit and higher annual claim limits.
To ensure affordability, the government introduced permanent premium subsidies for lower- to middle-income households, additional subsidies for the Pioneer Generation, transitional subsidies for all citizens, and a self-sustaining fund supported by premiums with government support, while penalties and recovery measures are reserved for wilful defaulters.
The debate highlighted ongoing concerns about premium sustainability, the handling of pre-existing conditions, data privacy safeguards, and the need for continued public education and compassionate implementation to support vulnerable groups.

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29 Jan 2015

Usage of Zakat Collections

Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs about the total zakat collected by MUIS in 2014, its allocation breakdown, and whether any is used for MUIS operating expenses.
The Minister clarified that zakat is not used for MUIS operating expenditure, which is funded by the General Endowment Fund, and reported that $28.4 million was collected in 2013, with funds allocated across eight beneficiary categories, including direct financial assistance, mosque and madrasah support, dakwah, and administration.
Zainal Sapari inquired about reasons for increased zakat collection and whether review of income criteria or quantum would occur, with the Minister citing rising community affluence and awareness, and committing to ongoing reviews to support needy families.
Other members asked about zakat recipients' access to national schemes and whether zakat funds are fully disbursed annually, with the Minister confirming that zakat complements national assistance and that while some funds may be retained, all remain within zakat accounts.

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29 Jan 2015

Setting Medisave Minimum Sum by Cohort

The Medisave Minimum Sum is adjusted yearly to account for healthcare inflation, longer life expectancies, and expanded Medisave uses, unlike the CPF Minimum Sum which is fixed at age 55 to provide a constant retirement payout stream.
Members do not need to top up their Medisave Minimum Sum to use funds for approved healthcare expenses, but they must top it up to the prevailing sum before withdrawing excess CPF savings after age 55.
The government will not waive the Medisave Minimum Sum even for those with comprehensive health insurance, as it ensures adequate savings for future healthcare expenses, including premiums, and will not be reduced despite the implementation of MediShield Life.

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29 Jan 2015

Criteria for Usage of Funds under Flexi-Medisave Scheme

The government introduced the Flexi-Medisave Scheme allowing elderly aged 65 and above to use up to $200 of Medisave annually for outpatient treatment at public and CHAS-participating GP clinics, separate from other Medisave limits like the $400 Chronic Disease Management Programme and $300 outpatient scans.
The scheme covers consultation fees, tests, drugs, and other medical services for diagnosis or treatment but excludes non-medical or non-essential items such as cosmetic procedures or retail skincare products.
In response to a suggestion, the Minister of State noted that the scheme currently allows use from the patient’s own or spouse’s Medisave account but will consider expanding it to include children’s or other family members’ accounts in future reviews.

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29 Jan 2015

Allowing Middle-income Workers above Age 50 to Increase CPF Contributions to Reduce Tax Liability

Zaqy Mohamad asked about measures to help middle-income workers above 50 who face higher personal income tax and lower CPF interest due to reduced contributions, and whether they could voluntarily contribute more to CPF for tax relief and retirement income.
The Minister for Manpower explained that CPF rates for older workers were lowered to enhance employability but have been gradually increased since 2012, with further studies ongoing on future rate adjustments.
Voluntary CPF contributions through the Minimum Sum Topping Up Scheme allow members to top up their Special or Retirement Accounts with cash and receive tax relief up to $7,000 annually.

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20 Jan 2015

Cost of Providing Free Transport for Older Singaporeans

Seah Kian Peng asked the cost of providing free MRT and bus rides for Singaporeans aged 60, 65, and 67, and whether free transport could be considered for those 67 and older.
Lui Tuck Yew estimated annual costs at $200 million for all 580,000 senior cardholders aged 60+, $125 million for those 65+, and $95 million for those 67+, noting these are conservative as they exclude non-cardholders and could rise with increased travel demand.
Lui highlighted that seniors already receive discounts of 25–59% off adult fares and a monthly concession pass at $60, and expressed reservations about moving to completely free transport due to the significant additional cost to taxpayers and other commuters, though the issue would be revisited periodically.

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20 Jan 2015

Applications for and Enhancements to MUIS' Financial Assistance Schemes

MUIS received slightly over 5,000 applications for its Financial Assistance Scheme each year from 2012 to 2014, approving an average of 99% annually, with rejections typically due to requests outside its scope.
The per capita income cap for eligibility is set at $350 monthly, determined by MUIS considering scheme sustainability and its role in supplementing national assistance programs like ComCare.
Between 2011 and 2013, MUIS received an average of 125 monthly enquiries or feedback on its schemes, prompting reviews and the training of Mosque Befrienders for home visits to better support long-term recipients.
Reviews of financial assistance criteria are conducted annually, involving MUIS officers and Board members of the zakat committee, with the last review in July 2014.
Funding for MUIS assistance schemes comes from the zakat fund, and applicants meeting criteria are not denied assistance even if receiving help from other organizations; recent allegations of denial were investigated and found to be untrue.

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20 Jan 2015

Appeals Related to Pioneer Generation Package

As of December 2014, the Appeals Panel received about 2,900 appeals for the Pioneer Generation Package, evaluated 2,480 (85%), and approved 642, primarily focusing on citizenship criteria rather than age.
The Panel adopted a strict approach, rejecting age-related appeals to maintain fairness but considering citizenship appeals based on factors like early residency and contributions to Singapore.
Ministers emphasized that non-eligible Pioneers can access alternative support like MediSave top-ups and MediShield Life subsidies, while appealing for specific cases to be identified for further assistance.

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20 Jan 2015

Enhancing Availability of Corporate Retirement Plans

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked if corporate retirement plans could be expanded, noting Singapore’s low retirement adequacy score in the Mercer Index, while the Senior Minister of State for Finance highlighted Singapore’s overall strong ranking and emphasized that CPF contributions already provide substantial retirement savings for locals, with tax incentives available for corporate plans and the SRS for foreigners.
The Minister explained that the Mercer Index’s adequacy score for Singapore is below the global average, but this metric primarily reflects the lack of tax-advantaged private plans for foreigners, not Singaporeans, and questioned the index’s methodology for not accounting for CPF’s mandatory employer contributions and other government support.
Mr Yee pointed out that only about 20 companies use the existing corporate retirement plan tax scheme under Section 5 of the Income Tax Act despite its existence since 1994, asking for reasons for low uptake and whether studies have been done on its effectiveness or awareness.
The Minister clarified that the index’s focus on private plans overlooks the substantial retirement savings already contributed by employers through the CPF, which exceeds mandatory rates in countries like Australia and Denmark, and reiterated that the concern about corporate plans is mainly relevant for foreigners, not the majority of Singaporeans.
Both sides acknowledged the need to review and promote retirement options, with the government committed to ongoing reviews of schemes like the SRS and considering whether to enhance incentives or awareness for corporate retirement plans.

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19 Jan 2015

HDB Rental Flats for Low-income Families Waiting for Their New BTO Flats

Gerald Giam asked if low-income families with a $1,500 monthly income who have booked a BTO flat and are waiting for its construction are eligible to rent an HDB flat under the Public Rental Scheme.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that such families can be considered for rental, but they must compete with other needy applicants.
Priority will be given to applicants with no other housing options and no family support.
Khaw suggested that one alternative is for them to rent under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme, especially if they do so jointly with another family to reduce rental costs.
The government's approach balances assistance with competition and prioritizes the most vulnerable applicants.

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19 Jan 2015

Review of Income Criteria for Subsidised Rental Flat from HDB

Ms Lee Li Lian asked about the review of income criteria for HDB rental flats and when the last review was conducted.
The Ministry reviews eligibility criteria periodically to ensure rental flats benefit low-income households without family support or other housing options.
The current income ceiling of $1,500 per month remains appropriate as it aligns with the 20th percentile of household income.
HDB exercises flexibility to assist families with higher incomes in deserving circumstances.
The last review timeframe was not specified in the response.

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19 Jan 2015

Pioneer Generation Package Take-up Rate at Polyclinics, Specialist Outpatient Clinics and Private Medical and Dental Clinics

The Pioneer Generation Package provides an additional 50% off subsidised services at polyclinics and specialist outpatient clinics (SOCs) since September 2014, and also includes special subsidies for private clinics under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).
From September to November 2014, about 300,000 unique Pioneer patients visited subsidised SOCs, polyclinics, or CHAS clinics, with individual visit figures of 250,000 to SOCs, 330,000 to polyclinics, and 340,000 to CHAS clinics.
Pioneers received a total of $27 million in additional special subsidies during this three-month period for these visits.

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19 Jan 2015

Continuing Education Plans for Special Needs Children

Heng Swee Keat outlined progress on the Enabling Masterplan 2012–2016, emphasizing curriculum reviews, teacher training, and infrastructure investments to enhance Special Education quality and accessibility.
While overall SPED schools have sufficient vacancies, the minister noted increased demand for Autism Spectrum Disorder placements, prompting capacity expansion and teacher recruitment efforts.
The government is introducing vocational education and post-school transition support, with SG Enable enhancing training and employment options for persons with disabilities beyond school years.

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19 Jan 2015

Voluntary Extension of Dependants' Protection Scheme

Ms Lee Li Lian asked if the Ministry for Manpower could allow voluntary extension of the Dependants' Protection Scheme (DPS) coverage up to age 65.
The current DPS scheme, introduced in 1989, provides affordable insurance for young CPF members but ceases at age 60 as the need for protection declines and members accumulate sufficient savings.
Extending DPS coverage beyond age 60 would lead to significantly higher premiums due to increased mortality rates and anti-selection risks, making it less cost-effective.
The current age limit of 60 is seen as balancing the need for dependant protection with the preservation of CPF savings for retirement, with private insurance being an alternative for those seeking coverage beyond 60.

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19 Jan 2015

Support for Single Mothers

Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin questioned the fairness of benefits for children of single mothers, noting they miss out on tax reliefs, Child Development Account, and Baby Bonus, and asked if maternity leave could be extended to 16 weeks.
Minister Chan Chun Sing affirmed that all mothers receive childcare subsidies, Foreign Domestic Worker levy concessions, and childcare leave regardless of marital status, and that education and special needs support are provided universally.
The Minister explained that some benefits like extended paid maternity leave and tax incentives are reserved for married mothers to support parenthood within marriage, reflecting Singapore's societal norms.
The debate highlighted the need to ensure equitable support for single mothers and their children while maintaining policy alignment with societal values.

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4 Nov 2014

Clarification by Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Finance

Mrs Josephine Teo clarified that the Government will not apply means-testing to the Pioneer Generation Package, confirming the intent behind the Pioneer Generation Fund Bill.
She acknowledged Ms Chia Yong Yong's proposed amendment to clause 3, which aimed to remove language about "needs" to avoid confusion on means-testing, and noted the amendment was not considered due to short notice.
Mrs Teo stated that the Government reviewed the Bill and agrees to refine clause 3 to better convey the package's intent and prevent any restriction to only the financially needy.
The amendment will be formulated and introduced in Parliament at an opportune time, likely alongside another appropriate Bill.
She thanked Ms Chia for her suggestion and support of the Bill.

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