Computation of Increment for Public Assistance (PA)

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Acting Minister for Social and Family Development how is the scale of the increment for Public Assistance (PA), ranging from $50 per month for a one-person household to $130 per month for a four-person household, considered, tabulated and arrived at.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: The assistance provided to beneficiaries on the Public Assistance (PA) scheme is reviewed regularly to keep pace with their specific needs and cost of living. PA households with school-going children receive additional cash assistance per child. Those with healthcare needs would receive additional assistance for medical consumables and dietary supplements. Other forms of assistance include free medical treatment in polyclinics and restructured hospitals, free or highly subsidised social services, and supplementary assistance in cash or kind.