Parliament introduces Bill to provide for Silver Support Scheme
TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — A new Bill to provide for the Silver Support Scheme was today (July 13) introduced in Parliament, paving the way for the plan to be implemented around the first quarter of next year.
First proposed during last year’s National Day Rally, the scheme offers permanent payouts to the bottom 20 per cent of low-income Singaporeans aged 65 and above. A smaller degree of support will cover up to 30 per cent of the elderly. In all, about 150,000 seniors will receive quarterly payouts ranging from S$300 to S$750.
Under the Bill, the Central Provident Fund Board will be appointed the administrator of the Silver Support Scheme, and the acting Manpower Minister will be able to appoint a commissioner for the scheme.
Public officers will be granted access to government records to carry out means-testing automatically, although an opt-out clause is also included. Eligibility for the scheme will be based on the following factors: Lifetime wages, household support, and housing type.
