Assessment of Appeals by Seniors Excluded from Silver Support Scheme and Possible Review on Criteria

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Manpower (a) how does the Ministry assess appeals on the actual support received by seniors who are excluded from the Silver Support Scheme (SSS) due to household income levels from residing with their working children; and (b) whether the Ministry will review the SSS criteria to better reflect individual seniors' financial means so that disadvantaged individuals are not deprived of support.

Dr Tan See Leng: The Silver Support Scheme is targeted at seniors who had lower incomes during their working years and now have little or no family support and resources in their retirement. The household monthly income per person is indicative of the level of household support and remains a relevant consideration in ensuring the Silver Support Scheme is targeted at seniors with less means.

However, we understand that individual circumstances may vary. For example, despite residing together, some seniors may be estranged from their working children and therefore not receive financial support from them. Seniors facing unique situations such as this can appeal to the Central Provident Fund Board. Each appeal will be reviewed holistically on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the circumstances of the senior.

We also enhanced Silver Support this year and raised the qualifying per capita household income threshold from $1,800 to $2,300. This enabled more seniors, some of whom do live together with their children, to qualify for Silver Support. We will continue to review Silver Support periodically so that it targets seniors who need it most.