Helping the needy is not just about giving them a sum of money to solve all their problems. This is because their needs typically extend beyond just financial assistance.

Solving a needy person's problems requires him and his family to exercise personal and family responsibility.

It requires the involvement of the many strands of our social safety net, which include community groups such as voluntary welfare organisations and grassroots organisations.

The active care and concern shown by the community as well as professional interventions by social workers complement government assistance, and help the needy to overcome their difficulties. This 'Many Helping Hands' approach has served us well all these years.

Public assistance (PA) recipients receive three types of assistance. In addition to the monthly PA allowance, they hold a PA Card which makes them eligible for free medical treatment and heavily subsidised rental housing. They also receive utilities and services and conservancy charges rebates.

Together, this should be sufficient to maintain a basic standard of living for most PA recipients.

On top of this, PA recipients also receive extensive community support, such as befriending programmes, daily activities at senior activity centres, food rations, free meals, hongbao, and cash allowances.

My ministry carries out regular reviews of the PA scheme, and will ensure that the provisions of the scheme remain appropriate in today's context.

A needy person only needs to approach his Community Development Council, grassroots leaders or family service centres for help. He can also call ComCare Call on 1800-222 0000.

Just as a patient need only let his doctor know what his symptoms are, it is not necessary for a needy person to ask for any specific scheme. The agency he approaches will help him to apply for the relevant assistance.

Our social safety net is robust. The Government has the necessary assistance schemes in place, and the community actively supplements these with various programmes.

For those who are truly unable to cope on their own, there are always the welfare homes that will provide shelter and food. No one needs to go hungry in Singapore.

Kevin Shum
Director (ComCare and Social Support Division)
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports