Channel NewsAsia, 10 Sep 2014
In its press release on Wednesday (Sep 10), Ministry of Social and Family Development said S$56 million was disbursed to those needing short- to medium-term assistance. This was an increase of 33 per cent from the S$42 million provided in the previous financial year.
In terms of people who received assistance in this group, MSF said close to 26,000 were recipients of the financial aid - an increase of 19 per cent from FY 2012, it added.
"The increases are due to changes made in FY 2013 to widen the coverage of ComCare support to more Singaporeans," MSF stated.
IMPROVING DELIVERY OF ASSISTANCE
IMPROVING DELIVERY OF ASSISTANCE
The ministry also highlighted in the annual report efforts to streamline and improve the delivery of assistance to those in need.
For instance, administration of pre-school subsidies for low income families have been transferred to the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), which now serves as the main point for disbursement of both basic and additional pre-school subsidies.
Additionally, 14 Social Services Offices (SSOs) have been established in housing estates since July 2013 to bring services - financial and otherwise - closer to those in need. Nine more SSOs will be opened by June 2015, it stated.
Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing said: "We continue to enhance our support for vulnerable and needy Singaporeans. The new network of Social Service Offices in the hearts of our HDB estates enables citizens in need to have easier and quicker access to social assistance.
"We will continue to review the policies under ComCare and improve the delivery of social assistance and services to build a stronger social safety net for Singaporeans," Mr Chan added.
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