Work Support Programme, COMCARE Transitions Scheme and Guidelines for Social Assistance Extended by Community Development Councils (CDCs)

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports with regard to the Work Support Programme for each of the years from 2006 to 2011 (a) what was the number of applications to the Programme; (b) what was the percentage of applications that were rejected; (c) what were the reasons for rejection and their percentages; (d) what kinds of follow-up checks or assistance were provided to rejected applicants; (e) what was the average household income and average household size of all applicants; and (f) what was the average household income and average household size of rejected applicants.

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports with regard to the ComCare Transitions Scheme for each of the years from 2008 to 2011 (a) what was the total number of applications to the Scheme; (b) what was the percentage of applications that were rejected; (c) what were the reasons for rejection and their percentages; (d) what kinds of follow-up checks or assistance were provided to rejected applicants; (e) what was the average household income and average household size of all applicants; and (f) what was the average household income and average household size of rejected applicants.

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Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports what principles and guidelines are used by Community Development Council (CDC) officers to determine the applicant's willingness to take steps to become self-reliant, the maximum period of assistance to be given and the inadequacy of family and community support for the applicant.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: Implemented in 2006, the Work Support Programme (WSP) provides short-term financial assistance to help those who are unemployed or low wage workers who need additional help to meet the needs of their families. The number of applications and the rejection rate for each year from 2007 to 2011 are as follows:

Among the rejected applications, about 36% were due to the applicants having sufficient available income sources or other resources which they could tap on for support 8 . Another 35% could not be processed because the applicants did not provide the necessary information for a proper assessment or they could not be contacted. The remaining 29% were rejected due to other reasons, such as the applicants not agreeing to the terms of assistance or them not meeting other eligibility criteria.

The ComCare Transitions (CCT) scheme was implemented in July 2008 to provide medium-term help to persons who are unable to work for an extended period due to illness, temporary disability or care-giving responsibilities. The number of applications and the rejection rate for each year from 2008 to 2011 are as follows:

The main reasons for rejection of CCT applications are similar to those for the WSP. 46% of rejected applicants had a stable and sufficient source of income, financial support or savings. 11% did not respond to CDCs' attempt to contact them and another 11% of applicants did not agree to the terms of assistance. The remaining 32% were rejected due to other reasons, including the applicants not being able to submit supporting documentation, withdrawal of application or them not meeting other eligibility criteria.

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As a sizable proportion of the rejected cases are those who could not be contacted or who did not provide sufficient information, household income information on all applicants and rejected applicants would not be comprehensive. However, the CDCs have sufficient data on approved cases. As at 31 December 2011, among Work Support Programme recipients, 32% did not have any household income while another 40% had household income of $1,000 or lower per month, and 27% had household income of more than $1,000 per month. For ComCare Transition recipients, 59% did not have any household income while another 33% had household income of less than $500 per month. The median household size for approved WSP recipients is three. Over 50% of CCT beneficiaries are from single person households.

Applicants who are not eligible for national ComCare assistance can still receive help through the CDCs' local schemes. Assistance may be rendered in cash or in kind. The CDC officer may also refer them to other agencies like Voluntary Welfare Organisations, foundations, religious organisations or self-help groups for additional assistance that can be in the form of cash, kind or services.

Those who approach the CDCs for help come with varying levels of needs and abilities to cope with their situations. The duration of assistance is dependent on the assessed needs and circumstances. Short- to medium-term assistance may be rendered for periods ranging from three months to 24 months.

We recognise that some applicants cannot realistically achieve self-reliance, or at least not in the short term. For these groups, the CDCs would offer medium to long-term assistance. A small number has no other means of supporting themselves. For the Public Assistance scheme, offered to those with no means of supporting themselves, clients remain on the scheme so long as their circumstances have not changed.

For those who are able to work, the CDC may offer shorter-term financial assistance to provide temporary relief. The clients are generally required to sign an undertaking agreeing to work closely with the CDC officer to develop and adhere to a plan of action. Specific steps, such as job search, training, better financial management, alternative childcare arrangements etc, are developed to help them and their family work towards self-sufficiency. If social work intervention is required, they will also be referred to professional social workers for appropriate help.

The CDC would track the progress of the clients and families in working towards self-reliance through regular contact. If the latter fall behind their plans, the CDC officer may provide the necessary support to move them along. Special attention will be given to families with younger children, where CDC officers may offer greater hand-holding.