Disability Assessments for ElderShield Payouts

34 Mr Don Wee asked the Minister for Health regarding disability assessments for ElderShield payouts (a) under what conditions will the need for an assessment be waived for a claimant; and (b) whether the frequency of such assessments for very severe cases can be reduced.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Our general policy is that ElderShield (ESH) claimants who have been assessed to be permanently severely disabled would not need to be reassessed regularly, unless it is found that there has been a change in their condition.

With the transfer of ESH administration from private insurers to the Government in November 2021, we are performing a once-off disability status refresh. Once ESH claimants are assessed to be permanently severely disabled during this disability status refresh, they would not be required to go for regular reassessment in the future.

In view of the healthcare manpower crunch caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry will extend the deadline for claimants to undergo their disability reassessments by three months. Claimants will continue receiving payouts during this period.