Impact of ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance Revisions on Number of Families Receiving Help and Proposal for Simplified Process in Determining Assistance Amount
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the impact of revised ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) rates and proposals to simplify the application process. Ms Mariam Jaafar inquired about the number of families not due for renewal by September 2022 and whether higher assistance rates could be extended to existing clients. Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli B M M shared that assistance for 1,800 households ends after September 2022 and noted that temporary measures already provide existing clients with increased support. He explained that applications were streamlined via the SupportGoWhere portal in May 2022 using MyInfo, while Social Service Offices can reassess cases if financial circumstances change. The Minister added that the community plays a vital role in referring those in need to available assistance channels.
Transcript
114 Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) what is the number of families on ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) that will not be due for renewal by September 2022; (b) whether the revision of assistance rates for ComCare SMTA can be extended to families already on assistance instead of only for new or renewal applicants in order to be more responsive to families’ immediate challenges; and (c) how will the Government ensure that the criteria and process for determining the amount of assistance to be provided can be simplified and expedited.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) provides temporary assistance to lower-income households that need financial support to meet basic needs. The assistance for about 1,800 households, or 12% of all households currently on SMTA, will end after September 2022. Some of these households will return to renew their assistance. Others will not, if their circumstances have improved and do not need more support. Reassessing the household’s circumstances when SMTA has ended ensures that ComCare resources are directed to where current needs are.
In April this year, to tackle the rising cost of living, MSF introduced temporary measures to provide existing ComCare clients with a longer period of assistance at a higher quantum. These levels of assistance are similar to the revised rates. On a related note, SMTA clients whose circumstances changed and need more support than what they are receiving can approach their nearest Social Service Office (SSO). The SSO will reassess their financial situation, and adjust the quantum and duration of SMTA, if needed.
MSF recognises the importance of making ComCare applications simpler and more convenient. Starting May 2022, applications for SMTA can be made more conveniently via the SupportGoWhere portal. Applicants can tap on “MyInfo” to fill in their personal information automatically and submit their documents and keep track of their application status online. Applicants who are unable to make online applications can continue to make their applications in person at the SSOs.
The community plays an important role in partnering the Government to help those in need. Other than helping on their own, members of the community can also refer someone in need of assistance to call the ComCare hotline at 1800-222-0000, or approach their nearest SSO or Family Service Centre for assistance.