News snippets from how Budget 2013 helps the needy

Those earning up to S$1,900 a month will now be covered under the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS) scheme, up from the previous cap of S$1,700.

WIS payouts will also be raised by between 25 and 50 per cent, depending on age.

For someone who is earning S$1,000 and aged 45 and above, his payout will increase by S$700.

The cash component will also be higher. Workers will now get 40 per cent of Workfare in cash, up from 29 per cent.

(Source: channelnewsasia.com, Dylan Loh 25 February 2013)

The public assistance scheme, which provides a basic level of financial assistance to those who are unable to work, will be enhanced.

A couple will now receive S$90 more per month for a total of $790 in cash assistance while a recipient in a single-person household will receive S$450 in cash.

About 20 Social Service Offices in HDB towns will be rolled out over the next few years.

Eldercare services will also be integrated.

Aged care services of the Centre for Enabled Living and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) will be integrated under one roof at AIC.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development will strengthen its focus on persons with disabilities with an agency dedicated to the disabled.

(Source: channelnewsasia.com, Vimita Mohandas 25 February 2013)