Parliament: Over 152,000 seniors received Silver Support payouts last year

The Silver Support Scheme was launched in 2016 to top-up the retirement incomes of the bottom 20 per cent of Singaporeans aged 65 and above. ST PHOTO: ALVIN HO

SINGAPORE - More than 152,000 seniors received Silver Support payouts last year, Second Manpower Minister Josephine Teo said on Monday (Feb 5).

This is an increase from the 140,000 reported to have received help in 2016.

About 6,100 of the beneficiaries last year also received ComCare financial assistance, said Mrs Teo.

She was responding to a question from MP Png Eng Huat (Hougang) on the Silver Support Scheme, which was launched in 2016 to top-up the retirement incomes of the bottom 20 per cent of Singaporeans aged 65 and above.

The scheme gives beneficiaries a cash supplement of between $300 and $750 every three months based on their Housing Board flat type. A smaller degree of support is provided for the next 10 per cent of seniors.

The Manpower Ministry said over $330 million was disbursed in 2017.

Mr Png noted that some residents receiving help from Social Service Offices (SSO) found their financial aid reduced by an amount equal to the Silver Support payouts. He asked if the officers administering both forms of support work together to determine the total amount paid out to these residents.

Mrs Teo said ComCare long-term assistance is not affected by Silver Support payouts. But for residents on short-term or interim ComCare support, the SSO will take into account all the incomes they receive, which may include Silver Support, she added.

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