RENT AND UTILITIES ASSISTANCE SCHEME (Number of households and eligibility criteria)

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Acting Minister for Community Development if he will give the number of households who are on the Rent and Utilities Assistance Scheme and what are the criteria for eligibility.

Mr Abdullah Tarmugi: Since the inception of the Rent and Utilities Assistance Scheme, 710 households have received assistance. Of these, 388 households have been discharged as there has been an improvement to their financial and social circumstances. The income and eligibility criteria for the Scheme are set out below:- (i) Income Criteria 1-person household : $0 - $220 pm 2-person household : $0 - $410 pm 3-person household : $0 - $540 pm 4-person household or more : $0 - $640 pm (ii) Eligibility Criteria The principal wage earner: - is a single parent with dependent children and without other means of support; - is suffering from chronic illness, or physical, or intellectual or mental disability; - is an elderly person (above 60 years) and without means of support; - has passed away, abandoned or deserted the family, or is separated from them; - is detained or imprisoned.

A Review Committee set up by National Council of Social Service is responsible for approving cases for assistance under the Scheme as well as for the review and discharge of the cases. The Committee has the flexibility to take into consideration the special circumstances of the cases when assessing their suitability for approval or discharge.