Singapore Budget 2014: 1,800 more families to benefit from ComCare assistance

Singapore Budget 2014: 1,800 more families to benefit from ComCare assistance

The household income cap for ComCare assistance will be raised from $1,700 to $1,900, said Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing in Parliament on Thursday.


Get the full story from The Straits Times.

Read the statement from the Ministry for Social and Family Development (MSF) here:

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will reach out to more families who require short- to medium- term assistance.

ComCare provides assistance to households who require temporary help because their members are either looking for work, temporarily unable to work due to illness and care giving duties, or earning insufficient incomes to provide for their families.

Revised Income Criteria

With effect from 1 July 2014, the household income cap for families seeking short- to medium-term assistance will be increased from the current $1,700 to $1,900. The income per person cap will also be raised from $550 to $650, to cater to families with more dependents.

The revised criteria will enable MSF to help more low-income families. About 1,800 additional households are expected to benefit from the change.

Improved Flexibility

In addition, families with complex needs can look forward to more tailored assistance and longer duration of assistance to help them stabilise their families. There will be increased flexibility to respond to the differing needs of families. The assistance rendered can include a combination of employment assistance, cash allowance, rental, utilities, medical, as well as referrals to other help agencies for further assistance.

The Government will spend an additional $15.4 million on the enhancements each year. Needy families can apply for the ComCare at any MSF Social Service Office.

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