Per Capita Value of Household-based Cost-of-living Support Across Households of Different Sizes
Ministry of FinanceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the per-capita value of household-based cost-of-living support across different household sizes and whether future support schemes can incorporate a household-size component. Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked if larger households receive proportionately less support per member and whether schemes like Community Development Council vouchers and utilities support could be adjusted while retaining administrative simplicity. In response, Mr Jeffrey Siow clarified that total Government assistance comprises both household-based support and individual-based schemes, which naturally increase with the number of eligible members. He noted that larger households do not receive less support per capita, as households with six or more members received an average of $8,700 per member in 2025 compared to the $8,400 overall household average. Finally, he stated that schemes are regularly reviewed to maintain relevance, including raising the 2025 GST Voucher – Cash Assessable Income threshold from $34,000 to $39,000.
Transcript
110 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the Government has studied the per-capita value of household-based cost-of-living support across households of different sizes; (b) whether larger households receive proportionately less support per household member; and (c) whether future CDC vouchers, utilities support or similar schemes can incorporate a household-size component while retaining administrative simplicity.
Mr Jeffrey Siow: Government support for cost of living extends beyond immediate household assistance. It includes broader support for childcare, education, employment support, housing and healthcare.
Different schemes are designed differently depending on the nature of the expenses they are intended to support. Household-based schemes, such as the Community Development Council Vouchers and the U-Save rebates, help with household expenses like groceries and utilities. Other schemes are provided on an individual-basis, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Voucher – Cash, the Assurance Package Cash and the Cost-of-Living Special Payment in this year's Budget. The support under these schemes naturally increases with the number of eligible household members.
Taking all Government support together, larger households do not receive less Government support per household member. In 2025, large households with six or more members received an average of $8,700 in total Government transfers per member, compared to the average of $8,400 per member across all households.
We regularly review our schemes to ensure they remain relevant and effective. For example, in 2025, we increased the Assessable Income threshold for the GST Voucher – Cash from $34,000 to $39,000, to keep pace with rising incomes. We will continue to review our schemes, including their design and eligibility criteria, to ensure that Government support remains effective and responsive to the needs of Singaporeans.