Needy families on public assistance scheme to get higher payouts

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From April, Public Assistance (PA) recipients can look forward to a higher level of assistance that is flexible and customised to their needs.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will enhance the PA scheme by providing additional assistance, other than a higher direct cash handout.

The change will mainly benefit those with special or once—off needs.

For example, additional assistance will be given to those who need healthcare and hygiene products such as adult diapers and nutritional milk supplements, or those who need once—off purchase or replacement of equipment such as a commode.

The ministry expects about one—third of existing PA households to benefit from the additional forms of assistance. In all, the government will set aside S$20 million for the scheme.

Households will be assessed to determine their needs.

There will be two more levels of assistance. Under the secondary tier, those who need healthcare essentials like adult diapers or milk supplements will be provided with the items every month.

The third tier is a discretionary one—off assistance to purchase or replace items like medical equipment.

The changes aim to provide a more flexible, customised and consistent level of help.

Even with the changes, households under Public Assistance will continue to receive free medical treatment at polyclinics and government or restructured hospitals. Those with dependent children will also continue to receive additional cash assistance of $150 per child.