PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
Parliament of Singapore · 23 March 2009
Official Report, 23 March 2009, Vol 85, Issue 18 · Open in the reader (summaries, search, filters)
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE: * * *
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Assoc. Prof. Kalyani K Mehta asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (a) how many applications for Public Assistance were approved annually from 2000 to February 2009; (b) what was the rejection rate and what were the main reasons for rejection; and (c) how many of the approved cases have adult children above 40 years.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The Public Assistance Scheme is one component of the overall system of 'many helping hands' that provide a social safety net for needy Singaporeans. Around 200 applications for Public Assistance are approved annually.
Around 50% of applicants do not qualify for Public Assistance. This is usually because they have a regular income, personal savings or support from families and friends.
Nevertheless, applicants who do not qualify for Public Assistance may receive support from the other ComCare schemes. In addition, the voluntary welfare organisations, charities and Community Development Councils also provide further assistance customised to the specific needs of the applicant.
In 2008, six of the approved cases had adult children above the age of 40 years.
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Source: Singapore Parliament Official Report (Hansard) for 23 March 2009. Republished on SGParliament.