PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME

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(Statistics): **

5.

Assoc. Prof. Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) how many people do we have on the Public Assistance scheme over the last three years; (b) on average, how many cases can be weaned off the list annually and how many new cases are added on; and (c) how many of them are chronic or long-term recipients.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: As at end FY 2009, there were 2,930 cases on the Public Assistance (PA) scheme. This was slightly higher than the 2,886 cases as at end FY 2008. As at end FY 2007, the number of PA cases was 2,930.

In the past three years, about 340 cases on average exited the PA scheme annually, and an average of 350 new cases was admitted each year. Approximately three out of four (73%) of PA cases who exited the scheme each year are elderly persons who had passed away or were admitted into Government-funded welfare/nursing homes. A small number who exit from the scheme each year are orphans or children of PA families who have started working and can support themselves.

The majority of PA clients are supported on a long-term basis, as 85% are elderly persons and another 11% are unable to work due to illness or permanent incapacity.

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Besides the PA group, there is another 1,700 cases (as at mid-2010) residing in Government-funded welfare homes and receiving long-term care and support. They comprise mainly the frail elderly or those with chronic illnesses, disabilities or psychiatric conditions.

Cases who require temporary assistance are helped through other ComCare schemes like the ComCare Transitions or Work Support Programme.

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