Self-help group Sinda has tweaked the criteria for fee waivers of its programmes.

Families with a per capita income of $650 and below will enjoy a full fee waiver when they enrol in any of Sinda's programmes, the group said yesterday.

The new rules will apply to all pre-school, educational, youth and family programmes organised by Sinda, and are applicable only to Singaporeans and permanent residents of Indian origin.

The changes will take effect from next year.

Sinda last revised the income criteria for subsidies in 2014, from $450 to $650.

The group is also extending its support to families whose per capita incomes fall above $650 but below $1,000. These families will now have to pay only a nominal commitment fee when they join Sinda's programmes.

Households with a per capita income that is above $1,000 will continue to enjoy subsidised rates of between $10 and $30.

With the latest changes, more participants enrolled in education, youth and family programmes will be able to enjoy greater subsidies and can continue to benefit from Sinda's programmes, the group said.

When changing the subsidy criteria, Sinda said it took into account the current financial landscape.

It added that it aims to ensure that its programmes and services continue to remain affordable for all participants.