ComCare Public Assistance Scheme (II)

Based on the criteria set, one can safely assume that the majority of the beneficiaries are elderly and disabled Singaporeans who do not have family or kin to readily support them.

In Singapore, where cost of living is much higher now, the costs involved in taking care of the disadvantaged group would also be high. Costs for food and medical bills are one big concern for someone without monetary support. The Public Assistance (PA) scheme helps alleviate some of these pressing needs through cash assistance and free medical treatments.

The PA scheme has been around since the end of World War Two (July 1946) and the monthly cash payout has increased to meet the cost of living. When the scheme just started, monthly cash payouts for one person ranged from $2 to $5. Subsequently, the assistance for a one person household has risen to $40 (1976), $60 (1980), $120 (1988), $200 (1997) and $360 (2009).

(Source: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1613_2009-11-30.html?v=1&utm_expid=85360850-6.qNOOYF40RhKK6gXsQEaAJA.1&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com.sg%2F)

The cash assistance has been the hallmark of PA scheme, and this was enhanced in 2013. The inclusion of secondary and discretionary tiers of assistance aims to better meet the needs of beneficiaries who have difficulties with costs of essential items that the cash assistance is not able to cover for.

(Source: http://app.msf.gov.sg/Press-Room/Public-Assistance-PA-Scheme-Enhanced)

Looking at the enhancements to the PA scheme, the Government probably have recognized that (i) the elderly group are getting older and their needs in healthcare has increased, and (ii) people with special needs and disabilities have more community support for them to lead a better, meaningful life. All these would need the Government to step in with additional support so that the beneficiaries can achieve a decent lifestyle without compromising on their basic need (i.e. using cash assistance to pay for food, accommodation and transport etc).

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big