2 October 2018
Mr Murali Pillai
MP for Bukit Batok SMC
Question
To ask the Minister for Social and Family Development what approach will the Ministry take in respect of seniors who are eligible for but refuse to participate in the Lease Buyback Scheme that would have otherwise supplemented their payouts under CPF Life but in turn seek financial assistance from the Ministry's help schemes which may be available to them on the basis of their low household income.
Answer
1 ComCare is part of our multiple layers of assistance to support low-income individuals and families. It is intended to provide for basic needs, enable self-reliance, and complement family and community support.
2 ComCare applicants with assets that can be monetised are encouraged to tap on them first. There is a referral process in place for the Social Service Offices (SSOs) to refer ComCare applicants who are assessed to qualify for the Lease Buyback Scheme to the Housing Development Board for further advice. Low-income seniors who are in financial need, and are in the process of applying for the Lease Buyback Scheme or need time to deliberate their options, may receive ComCare support to tide over their difficult circumstances in the interim.
3 We recognise that some seniors may have good reasons for not taking up the Lease Buyback Scheme. For example, they may prefer to sublet a room to generate additional income, or keep the unit for their children who are permanently unable to work. In such cases, the SSOs will continue to provide the seniors with financial assistance for basic needs under ComCare, and link them with other relevant assistance and social services.