Reach and Effectiveness of Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the reach and effectiveness of the Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PioneerDAS) as raised by Mr Leon Perera regarding application volumes and success rates. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong reported that annual applications ranged from approximately 6,700 to 9,000 between 2014 and 2016, with an approval rate of about 95%. He detailed that the Agency for Integrated Care auto-included 15,000 additional Pioneers who were already receiving related disability payouts or grants. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong noted that PioneerDAS integrates with broader supports like the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund and MediFund to assist those with financial difficulties. These measures ensure comprehensive coverage for the special generation of Singaporeans requiring long-term care assistance.
Transcript
42 Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health (a) how many Pioneers currently receive payouts under the Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme; (b) what has been the number of applications each year since the scheme was introduced; (c) what percentage has been successful each year; (d) what has been the number of uncompleted applications each year; and (e) whether the Ministry assesses that the scheme has been effective in addressing the needs of Pioneers with disabilities.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme (PioneerDAS) was introduced in September 2014 as part of the Pioneer Generation (PG) Package for a special generation of Singaporeans. PioneerDAS is one of the measures amongst broader Government support for long-term care, which includes means-tested subsidies at senior care centres and nursing homes, the Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund and the Foreign Domestic Worker Grant. The Government also provides public assistance, Comcare and MediFund for those who face financial difficulties and need more help.
From its launch in September 2014 to end 2014, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) received around 6,700 applications. The application numbers in 2015 and 2016 were about 9,000 and 8,600 respectively. About 95% of applications have been approved.
To help more Pioneers, AIC has extended automatic PioneerDAS inclusion to Pioneers receiving payouts under ElderShield or the Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly, or those who qualify for the Foreign Domestic Worker Grant. This auto-inclusion has benefited an additional 15,000 Pioneers.