Clarification by Minister of State for Social and Family Development
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This clarification concerns factual corrections made by Minister of State Sam Tan Chin Siong regarding the Temporary Relief Fund (TRF) for COVID-19. The scheme provided financial assistance to lower- and middle-income citizens and Permanent Residents facing job or income loss prior to the launch of other grants. Minister of State Sam Tan Chin Siong updated the total applications received as of 30 April 2020 to a corrected figure of 594,206. He also clarified that 3,951 individuals returned their payouts, replacing the lower statistics previously provided during the 4 May 2020 Parliamentary sitting. These revisions ensure an accurate record of the fund's reach and the subsequent voluntary return of assistance by some recipients.
Transcript
The following statements were in the speech given by the Minister of State for Social and Family Development (Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong) during Question Time for the Parliamentary Question "Number of Singaporeans and PRs who have applied for Temporary Relief Fund for COVID-19 Situation" at the Sitting of 4 May 2020:
The Minister of State for Social and Family Development (Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong): Sir, the Temporary Relief Fund was set up to provide timely financial assistance to lower- and middle-income Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who lost their jobs or faced significant income loss due to the economic impact of COVID-19. It was made available during the month of April 2020, and prior to the start of other assistance schemes including the COVID-19 Support Grant and Self-Employed Person (SEP) Income Relief Scheme (SIRS).
As at 30 April 2020, MSF has received a total 537,080 applications for the Temporary Relief Fund. Of this figure, 3,171 individuals have returned their payouts from the Fund. [Please refer to "Number of Singaporeans and PRs who have applied for Temporary Relief Fund for COVID-19 Situation", Official Report, 4 May 2020, Vol 94, Issue No 131, Oral Answers to Questions section.]
Written statement by Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong with leave of the Speaker in accordance with Standing Order No 29 (5):
After my statement during Question Time for the Parliamentary Question “Number of Singaporeans and PRs who have applied for Temporary Relief Fund for COVID-19 Situation" at the Sitting of 4 May 2020, I wish to make the following factual corrections. My reply should read as follows:
The Minister of State for Social and Family Development (Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong): Sir, the Temporary Relief Fund was set up to provide timely financial assistance to lower- and middle-income Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who lost their jobs or faced significant income loss due to the economic impact of COVID-19. It was made available during the month of April 2020, and prior to the start of other assistance schemes including the COVID-19 Support Grant and Self-Employed Person (SEP) Income Relief Scheme (SIRS).
As at 30 April 2020, MSF has received a total 594,206 applications for the Temporary Relief Fund. Of this figure, 3,951 individuals have returned their payouts from the Fund.