Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in view of the challenges faced by some single parents and individuals with disabilities in renewing their financial assistance under Comcare schemes (a) whether the Ministry can provide details on the efforts to streamline the Social Service Offices' processes to ensure timelier responses for such renewal applications; and (b) whether there are plans to implement an automatic renewal system for cases with chronic or permanent medical conditions.
Answer
1 Through digitalisation, we have made ComCare applications simpler and more convenient especially for those who cannot easily leave their homes to apply for help. Applications for ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) can be made online on the SupportGoWhere portal. Applicants who need help with their online application can call our hotline and our call agents will walk them through the application. Our officers can make home visits to assist those who still cannot apply online despite the guidance and are home-bound, such as the elderly or people with disabilities.
2 The Social Service Officers would have to speak to applicants to find out more about their financial situations and needs. This can be done through phone calls, video conferencing calls or a home visit, if an applicant is unable to meet face-to-face at our office. For persons who are permanently unable to work and have little or no financial means or family support, we can provide ComCare Long Term Assistance (LTA) where the period between each renewal is longer. The renewal process is still important as it serves as important touchpoints for our officers to check on our clients' wellbeing and identify any new needs.