FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEMES

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SCHEMES: * * *

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6.

Assoc. Prof. Kalyani K Mehta asked the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports in view of the current squeeze on the middle and lower-income groups of Singaporeans due to increases in cost of food and other necessities (a) whether the Ministry (in partnership with Community Development Councils (CDCs) and other private foundations) will consider publicising on TV, radio and posters in various languages, the availability of food/grocery vouchers and temporary financial help for financially strapped families in these hard times; and (b) whether the Ministry will streamline the different schemes by different CDCs for easy utilisation.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: The Government mitigates the impact of rising prices on Singaporeans by providing subsidies for healthcare, housing and education, as well as rebates for utilities, service and conservancy charges. Families also received payouts from last year’s GST Offset Package as well as this year’s Growth dividends. Low-income families also received the Workfare Income Supplement.

Our social safety net is targeted at those in greatest need.

We will continue to simplify and streamline our assistance schemes. Nonetheless, a person in financial difficulty need not know specifically what scheme he should apply for. He only needs to approach his Community Development Council (CDC), Family Service Centre (FSC) or Grassroots Leader for help. They will then assess his needs and prescribe an assistance package that best meets his needs.

For those who do not know where to go to for help, they can call the ComCare helpline (1800-222-0000). This new call service was launched in January this year and helps link people to the right assistance. Concerned Singaporeans who come across needy Singaporeans can also help to call this number, to refer the needy for help. As of end March 2008, ComCare Call has received 8,600 calls, the bulk of which were for financial assistance.

We had publicised ComCare Call and availability of ComCare assistance through the major dailies, radio, Community Development Council newsletters, and posters at polyclinics, childcare centres, Town Councils and police posts. We have also distributed posters to be put up at the Residents’ Committee notice boards at the void decks of all HDB blocks. On top of this, we also work with the newspapers to carry stories on how needy families receive help and where needy Singaporeans can turn to for assistance.

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