Courage Fund Eligibility for COVID-19-positive Lower-income Persons Recovering at Home
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the eligibility of lower-income individuals who self-isolate after a positive antigen rapid test result for The Courage Fund (TCF). Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked whether those not subjected to official isolation orders or hospitalization remain eligible for this financial assistance. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that these individuals are currently ineligible as TCF targets protracted income loss. He clarified that eligibility is maintained for those under mandatory isolation for 10 or 14 days, which more significantly impacts their earnings. Households failing to qualify but requiring financial support are encouraged to contact Social Service Offices or the ComCare hotline for assistance.
Transcript
61 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Social and Family Development in view of the updated COVID-19 protocols to self-test and recover at home, whether individuals who are self-isolated and unable to work after receiving a positive antigen rapid test result but are not subjected to an Isolation Order, Quarantine Order, mandatory Leave of Absence, Stay-Home Notice or hospitalisation, are still eligible to apply for the Courage Fund for lower-income households.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Courage Fund (TCF) scheme for lower-income households assists lower-income households which experienced protracted income loss due to COVID-19. Under the current eligibility criteria, individuals who are self-isolated after receiving a positive Antigen Rapid Test (ART) result but are not subjected to an Isolation Order (IO), Quarantine Order (QO), mandatory Leave of Absence (LOA), Stay-Home Notice (SHN) or hospitalisation due to contracting COVID-19, are not eligible for assistance.
Based on the current COVID-19 protocols, these individuals are required to self-isolate for at least 72 hours and can leave their homes once they have a negative ART result. They are not eligible for assistance under TCF as their self-isolation period is likely to be short and they are unlikely to experience protracted income loss, which the TCF is intended to provide assistance for. On the other hand, individuals who have contracted COVID-19 and are placed on the Home Recovery Programme or brought to a care facility will be eligible for assistance under TCF. These individuals need to serve a mandatory isolation period of 10 or 14 days under an IO, which could affect their income more.
We understand that there may be households who are unable to qualify for TCF assistance under the current eligibility criteria but are in need of financial support. These groups can reach out to us via the ComCare hotline at 1800-222-0000 or approach our Social Service Offices for assistance.