In light of the improving life expectancy and health of Singaporeans, we will raise the qualifying age for the levy concession under the aged person scheme from 65 to 67 years. All households with persons aged 65 and 66, which are enjoying or have enjoyed the levy concession under the aged person scheme before 1 April 2019, will continue to pay the monthly levy rate of $60. For employers who do not qualify for the levy concession or employ multiple FDWs, we will raise the FDW levy. For the first and second FDW employed without levy concession, the monthly levy will be raised from $265 today to $300 and $450 respectively. These changes will take effect from 1 April 2019, to give employers time to adjust. To help meet demand for part-time household services, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is also piloting the Household Services Scheme. (Refer to Annex C-3.) Strengthening Partnerships between the Government and the Community to Support our Seniors and Those in Need I just spoke about how the Government will support our people to prepare for their future and care for one another. Let me now speak about how we will strengthen the Government’s partnership with the community to better care for our seniors and those in need. Our community partners play an important role in this. Being on the ground, they are more attuned to the specific needs of local communities, and can respond more nimbly and quickly. At the same time, the efforts of the Government and our community partners need to be well coordinated. Our “many helping hands” need to work “hand-in-hand”. Community Networks for Seniors In 2016, I announced the pilot of the Community Networks for Seniors (CNS). CNS brings together Government agencies and community partners to do ABC. A is for Active Ageing, to encourage seniors to remain active and stay healthy. B is for Befriending, to link up lonely seniors with new friends. And C is for Care, for frail and vulnerable seniors. The CNS has helped many seniors, including Mr Willie Fox and Mrs Lena Fox. Mr and Mrs Fox, who are in their 80s, told our Pioneer Generation (PG) Ambassadors that Mr Fox tired easily and had to use a wheelchair frequently.
In light of the improving life expectancy and health of Singaporeans, we will raise the qualifying age for the levy concession under the aged person scheme from 65 to 67 years. All households with persons aged 65 and 66, which are enjoying or have enjoyed the levy concession under the aged person scheme before 1 April 2019, will continue to pay the monthly levy rate of $60. For employers who do not qualify for the levy concession or employ multiple FDWs, we will raise the FDW levy. For the first and second FDW employed without levy concession, the monthly levy will be raised from $265 today to $300 and $450 respectively. These changes will take effect from 1 April 2019, to give employers time to adjust. To help meet demand for part-time household services, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is also piloting the Household Services Scheme. (Refer to Annex C-3.) Strengthening Partnerships between the Government and the Community to Support our Seniors and Those in Need I just spoke about how the Government will support our people to prepare for their future and care for one another. Let me now speak about how we will strengthen the Government’s partnership with the community to better care for our seniors and those in need. Our community partners play an important role in this. Being on the ground, they are more attuned to the specific needs of local communities, and can respond more nimbly and quickly. At the same time, the efforts of the Government and our community partners need to be well coordinated. Our “many helping hands” need to work “hand-in-hand”. Community Networks for Seniors In 2016, I announced the pilot of the Community Networks for Seniors (CNS). CNS brings together Government agencies and community partners to do ABC. A is for Active Ageing, to encourage seniors to remain active and stay healthy. B is for Befriending, to link up lonely seniors with new friends. And C is for Care, for frail and vulnerable seniors. The CNS has helped many seniors, including Mr Willie Fox and Mrs Lena Fox. Mr and Mrs Fox, who are in their 80s, told our Pioneer Generation (PG) Ambassadors that Mr Fox tired easily and had to use a wheelchair frequently.
FY2018_Budget_Statement.docx