Applications for Caregiver Respite Programme

59 Mr Foo Cexiang asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) since the implementation of the Take-A-Break (TAB) caregiver respite programme, how many applications have been received for respite care service; (b) of the number of applications received, what are the numbers of those approved and rejected; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider extending TAB beyond 31 March 2026 and enhancing it to provide for overnight respite care service.

Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Take-A-Break (TAB) is a pilot administered by a social service agency, SPD, and supported by SG Enable since 2020. The service provides respite to caregivers by providing assistance for personal care, escort or social engagement of persons with disabilities. Since 2020, 576 applications have been received. Around 84% of these applications were approved, while 13% were subsequently withdrawn by the applicants. The remaining 3% were rejected as the requests were outside the scope of TAB.

Overnight respite care is available under TAB. Interested caregivers may request for this service through their service provider.

We are in the midst of reviewing TAB and its plan beyond 31 March 2026.