The Singapore government has formulated various schemes for seniors who need financial help. These schemes can help to cover things like basic needs, assistive devices, home healthcare items, medical care, transportation, and more.
As a senior in Singapore, you should make use of schemes that provide assistance with care or daily expenses. For instance, the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) offers medical assistance for common ailments like flu, fever, coughs, and even dental issues.
To be eligible for most of these subsidies, you have to be a Singaporean citizen or a Permanent Resident who meets their admission criteria. Below are some helpful financial schemes that the Singapore government has put in place for you.
1. The Silver Support Scheme
The Silver Support scheme is meant to provide assistance through cash payments to low-income Singaporeans who are above 65 years old. This initiative is part of efforts by Singapore's government to help senior citizens like you cope with the rising cost of living in the country.
This is one of the financial schemes for elderly people that provide help and support to those who are in need. The Silver Support Scheme (SS) will only offer assistance to those citizens who qualify as income-eligible. And there's no need to apply because elders who qualify will receive a notification letter from the CPF Board in December of the preceding year.
2. ComCare Long Term Assistance
The Comcare Longterm Assistance scheme aims to provide temporary relief for needy men and women above 65 years old, who are citizens or permanent residents of Singapore. It helps low-income individuals and families meet their basic needs such as rent, utilities, and medical care.
Comcare, also known as Public Assistance, is targeted at those who have no family or social support network, or whose families are unable to provide financial assistance. You can apply by visiting the nearest Social Service Office (SSO) with necessary documents.
3. Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund (SMF)
There are financial schemes that provide subsidies for elderly people in Singapore who are permanently disabled. They help low-income individuals with disabilities who do not have any family members or social support networks to fall back on.
The Seniors' Mobility and Enabling Fund provides home health care items for seniors who are receiving government or community-funded home care. They also extend subsidies to Singaporean seniors who need mobility and assistance devices for daily independent living. If you're eligible, you can apply by sending the application form and other documents to the AIC office.
4. The Pioneer Generation Package
The Pioneer Generation Package allows access to many initiatives aimed at making healthcare affordable for seniors. It includes; Medicare Top-Ups, Outpatient Care Subsidies, CareShield Life Additional Participation Incentives, Special MediShield Life Premium Subsidies, and the Pioneer Generation Disability Assistance Scheme.
This scheme is specially for Singaporeans who were part of the pioneer generation, i.e., born on or before 31 December 1949. This package provides benefits to elders in the form of healthcare support, subsidies, and monthly cash payouts. If you're eligible and your residential address is updated with the ICA, you will receive a notification letter from them.
5. The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)
The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) in Singapore is a government aid program that offers discounts on medical treatments for poor and elderly citizens. It provides affordable outpatient medical care to Singaporeans from lower- to middle-income households.
The scheme is meant to assist those who cannot afford subsidized medical fees at private general practitioners, but it also provides help to the elderly. If you already have the Public Assistance (PA) card, you can use it to receive full CHAS subsidies. However, you can apply for your CHAS card online and your application would be processed within 15 working days.
6. The Public Transport Fare Concession Scheme
This scheme provides older Singaporeans with an alternative and cost-effective mode of transportation. It also allows you to remain mobile even if you have reached a certain age. When using this scheme, you will be asked to show your concession card when entering public transportation.
It allows for hassle-free concessionary travel on buses, the MRT and LRT. To qualify for the Senior Citizen Concession Card, you have to be above 60 years of age and a permanent resident in Singapore. You can apply online via the TL Simply Go App or visit any TransitLink Ticket Office.
Conclusion
As an elder, you should be able to access quality care and assistance regardless of whether you are from low-income, middle-income, or high-income household. And as you can see, the Singapore government has taken steps to ensure its older citizens live a good life in their golden years and grow old gracefully.
There are so many financial schemes available that there's something to cater to every senior's needs. You should check the official website of each scheme regularly for the most detailed and accurate information such as how to qualify and how to apply for these subsidies.
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1. The Silver Support Scheme
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