There was an article in the newspapers yesterday about various schemes provided by the government to help the needy.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness, many needy people might not be tapping on the funds available in the schemes. For example, out of the $6.25 million set aside for the ComCare fund for this current financial year (which ends in March 2009), only $1.6 million had been disbursed as of December 2008.
I thought it would be useful to highlight some of the schemes available to increase public awareness.
ComCare SelfReliance (helping the needy to achieve self-reliance)
ComCare Enterprise Fund (CEF) – Gives seed funding of up to $300k to social enterprise start-ups that provides employment and training opportunities to disadvantaged Singapore Citizens.
Work Support (WS) – Financial assistance for families undergoing difficulties with a household income of less than $1500/month.
ComCare Transitions (CCT) – Financial asssitance for families which have household members who are unable to work temporarily.
ComCare Grow (caters to the development needs of children from needy families)
Centre-based Financial Assistance Scheme for Childcare (CFAC) – Grant of up to $340/month to help pay for the fees of childcare center. Families with household income of less than $1800/month and working mothers are eligible.
Kindergarten Financial Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) – Pays up to 90% of kindergarden fees. Families with household income of less than $1800 are eligible.
Student Care Fee Assistance Scheme (SCFA) – Subsidies for student (age 7-14) care fee. Families with household income of less than $2500 or with disabled children are eligible.
Healthy Start Programme (HSP) – Teaches parenting skills to parents and provides subsidies for preschool education. Family must have household income of less than $1500/month.
ComCare EnAble (focus on helping people who require long term assistance)
Public Assistance (PA) – Provides cash grant and medical assistance to people who are unable to work due to old age, illness or disability.
Assistive Technology Fund (ATF) – Provides financial assistance to persons with disabilities with so that they can purchase assistive technology (AT) devices to pursue mainstream education or gain open employment.
For additional information on any of these programs and how to apply, the ComCare hotline number is at 1800-2220000.