Expansion of Legal Aid Scheme for Persons With Special Needs Ineligible for Pro Bono Legal Services

38 Mr Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked the Minister for Law whether the Ministry will consider expanding existing legal aid schemes or introducing new targeted legal support initiatives for persons with special needs who do not currently qualify for pro bono legal services.

Mr Edwin Tong Chun Fai: The Legal Aid Bureau and the Public Defender's Office provide legal aid to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, including those with special needs, who satisfy the means and merits tests.

Applicants with special needs who do not meet the means test criteria but have extenuating circumstances will also have their applications reviewed by an independent Means Test Panel for possible support.

Pro Bono SG provides legal assistance at their Community Law Centres and various legal clinics across Singapore. They run schemes, such as the Ad Hoc Pro Bono Scheme, which accepts referrals for needy or vulnerable individuals who do not qualify for other legal aid schemes but require legal help due to exceptional circumstances.