|
PEOPLE who are old and poor, and who have children who cannot support them, will finally receive long-term government aid from July.
That is when the Public Assistance (PA) scheme will be extended to them after repeated calls from Members of Parliament.
Most of the 2,928 PA recipients are old folk. Among them are those from 41 families with children who are young or not of working age.
Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports Yu-Foo Yee Shoon explained the extension of the scheme to old folk whose children are also poor: 'We recognise that although some needy elderly have working children, their children live from hand to mouth supporting their own families and children. They often do not have much left to give to their aged parents.'
The change will benefit about 600 households of poor people who are permanently unable to work and whose children have to support their own offspring on a household income of less than $1,000 a month.
Another new scheme announced yesterday will help those who are temporarily unable to work but do not qualify for PA funds.
They include people on medical leave or those with heavy care-giving responsibilities.
The new ComCare Transitions Scheme will provide aid that is 'flexible and calibrated to their needs' on a case-by-case basis.
The help could be in the form of subsistence allowances or rebates for rent and utilities.
Now, people in desperate situations get help on a short-term basis of between three and six months.
The Transitions Scheme will provide medium-term help for up to one year, which can be extended if necessary.
The ministry expects to spend around $4 million this year to support about 1,400 households.
Speaking during the debate on his ministry's budget yesterday, MCYS Minister Vivian Balakrishnan noted: 'In terms of housing, education, health care and opportunity, Singapore is still the best place in the world to be poor.'
Apart from government cash, PA recipients also get free medical care and rental and other rebates, plus help from charitable groups, he noted.
Madam Ong Pek Choo is one such beneficiary. She will get $330 in PA money, up from $290 now.
The childless widow, 76, said: '$290 is a very tight budget to balance and any extra money is very good.'
theresat@sph.com.sg
|
