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Raising of per capita Income Benchmark for ComCare Assistance

Type: Press Releases

Topic(s): Financial Assistance & Social Support

Published on 13 July 2023

1. From 17 July 2023, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will raise the per capita household income (PCHI) benchmark for ComCare from the current ≤ $650 to ≤ $800. 

2. ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) provides temporary financial assistance to lower-income households who are temporarily unable to work, or are earning a low income and require assistance. The PCHI benchmark indicates the approximate income level at which households could qualify, and is not a criterion that automatically qualifies a household for SMTA. Eligibility for SMTA is based on a holistic assessment by Social Service Offices (SSOs), and those with income below what they require for their basic needs may qualify. Households are also assessed on factors such as their savings level and availability of family support. The current household income benchmark for SMTA will be removed, and only the PCHI benchmark will be used as the latter more accurately reflects basic living expenses, which vary according to household size.

3. The revised PCHI benchmark of ≤ $800 will also apply to other ComCare schemes that take reference from the SMTA income benchmark, from 17 July 2023: 

a. ComCare Interim Assistance, which provides immediate financial assistance to those who require urgent and temporary financial relief.

b. ComCare Long-Term Assistance (LTA), which provides assistance over a longer period of time, to persons who are permanently unable to work due to old age, illness or disability, and have little or no means and family support. Elderly persons whose children have PCHI ≤ $800 may be eligible for LTA.

4. More information on ComCare schemes is available on https://msf.gov.sg/what-we-do/comcare. Households in need of assistance can apply for ComCare online via SupportGoWhere (go.gov.sg/SMTA) or in person at any SSO (go.gov.sg/ssolocator). Those who need help completing the online application form can call the ComCare call hotline (1800-222-0000), email Ask_SSO@msf.gov.sg, or approach their nearest SSO for assistance.

 

Raising of per capita Income Benchmark for ComCare Assistance.pdf