Annual Amount in Maintenance Orders Issued by Tribunal for Maintenance of Parents from 2016 to 2020
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Seah Kian Peng’s inquiry on the yearly breakdown of maintenance orders issued by the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents between 2016 and 2020. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that two-thirds of nearly 200 applications were granted, with 82% of awards under $500 and annual proportions remaining stable. Award amounts depend on parents' needs and children's financial capacity, though the Tribunal may dismiss or reduce claims in cases of past parental abuse or neglect. Parents are referred to Social Service Offices if maintenance is not awarded or is insufficient to meet basic needs, ensuring a safety net for those requiring assistance. Between 2016 and 2020, 13% of orders were in the $500–$999 band, 4% were in the $1,000–$1,499 band, and 1% received $1,500 or more per month.
Transcript
144 Mr Seah Kian Peng asked the Minister for Social and Family Development from 2016 to 2020, what is the yearly breakdown of the maintenance orders made by the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents by quantum awarded in the bands of (i) less than $500 and (ii) each subsequent band of $500.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents allows parents to file for a maintenance order against their children who are not supporting them financially, if conciliation by the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents does not work out.
From 2016 to 2020, the Tribunal received close to 200 applications, of which about two-thirds were granted maintenance. Of these, 82% of the parents were awarded a monthly quantum of less than $500. Thirteen percent were in the $500 to $999 band, 4% were in the $1,000 to $1,499 band and 1% received $1,500 or more per month. On a yearly basis, the proportions based on the various bands remain generally similar. Please refer to Tables 1 and 2.
The Maintenance of Parents Act allows for parents to claim for their basic needs. The amount ordered varies depending on the parents’ needs and circumstances, and what their children are able to afford. The Tribunal may dismiss claims or reduce the quantum ordered if the parent had abused, neglected or abandoned his or her children. The Tribunal may also refer the parents to the Social Service Office for financial assistance, if they are not awarded any maintenance, or if the maintenance awarded is insufficient to meet their basic needs.
