Number of Successful Applications for Home Caregiving Grant
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG), specifically its total beneficiaries, payout amounts, and potential eligibility for recipients in properties with higher annual values. Ms He Ting Ru inquired about these statistics and suggested a tiered grant for properties with annual values between $13,000 and $21,000. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong reported that over 31,000 beneficiaries have received the $200 monthly grant, with more than $75 million paid out as of February 2021. He noted that the grant is means-tested, currently using a $13,000 property annual value threshold which covers all HDB flats, or a $2,800 per-capita household income limit. The Ministry of Health continually reviews its schemes, and families needing additional support are encouraged to contact AIC Links or Social Service Offices.
Transcript
102 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health (a) to date, what is the total number of successful applications for the Home Caregiving Grant; (b) how much in total has been paid out of the grant to date; and (c) whether the Ministry will consider a lower grant for care recipients living in properties with annual value of more than $13,000 to $21,000.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: In October 2019, the Ministry of Health (MOH) introduced the Home Caregiving Grant (HCG) to provide additional support for long-term caregiving needs. The HCG provides a monthly $200 cash grant to eligible individuals with permanent moderate disability and can be used flexibly for different caregiving expenses.
Since its launch, more than 31,000 beneficiaries have received the HCG. The Government has paid out more than $75 million to eligible care recipients and their families as at end-February 2021.
The HCG, like other MOH schemes, is means-tested to ensure that it is given to households who most need the support. Care recipients in households receiving income will qualify for HCG if their per-capita household income is no more than $2,800. Care recipients in households with no income will qualify for the HCG if they are living in properties with an annual value of no more than $13,000. This annual value criterion of $13,000 covers all HDB flats today.
MOH continually reviews our schemes to ensure that they meet the needs of our seniors. Families who need further help with caregiving expenses can approach the AIC Links or the Social Service Offices for further assistance.