Plugging the gaps

The Straits Times published an infographic (see table below) yesterday showing the type of aid the government gives to Singaporeans.

Old folks specifically get Medisave top-ups and Senior Citizens' Bonus. They may receive Workfare Income Supplement if they work, HDB rebates on rent and fees, and help through grassroots, self-help and welfare groups.

Is it sufficient? I say no -- for many at least. This is the generation that slogged to bring about the economic prosperity we see now but how much of it do they share? Meritocracy rewards abilities and gifts but what general is one if he has no good ground troops?

A family friend used up all his Medisave to treat a chronic condition and is now almost penniless. His children can hardly support themselves, he needs to see the doctor and he comes having to ask for a "loan". When given the money, he breaks into tears -- for? I believe the relief and the humiliation of it.

He gets Medisave top-ups, Senior Citizens Bonus which are not that much to begin with. He is sick and can hardly work, so no Workfare help for him. He is not well read, not Internet savvy, he doesn't even know what aid groups are there for him. And most who have earned their own keep all their lives don't like to ask for help, all the more so from strangers.

Where does that leave him?

Our government is known for its efficiency. The top-down approach has been applied for many issues; to name some recently highlighted ones: Environmental protection and civic consciousness.

Then for this crucial group of society who have given much to the nation, why not utilise a top-down approach more aggressively too? I believe the government has said that there should be more voluntary welfare organisations to help the down and out. But why not lead the way with a top-down approach? If the issue or the group is important enough, surely...

Regardless that the old folks worked for a living and likely not with the higher purpose of nation building, they contributed.

There is now some form of a one-stop contact point for all government related applications, (I don't have the correct terms now), so why not a one-stop contact point for social help? One that will cut through red tape and move with speed and compassion to help? One that can be publicised extensively so that the old folks know where they can go? Instead of sporadic efforts.

Yes it will take money and resources, and it shouldn't become just a lumbering giant of a social welfare scheme that drags down the country, but how much effort and priority has been even given to thinking this through by those in power?

How Government helps Singaporeans to cope*

Support schemes	Amount
Growth Dividends given to all Singaporeans following the large Budget surplus	$865 million
GST Credits given as cash to Singaporeans to offset the 2-point rise in GST and Senior Citizens’ Bonus for those 55 and older, and whose income is not beyond $100,000	$560 million
Post-Secondary Education Account top-ups for students from age 7 to 20 to fund their studies here	$500 million
Medisave top-ups to help older Singaporeans with medical bills	$226 million
Workfare Income Supplement for workers earning $1,500 or less a month	$300 million
Rebates on rent plus utilities, service and conservancy charges given to HDB homes	$200 million
Personal Income Tax rebates of 20 per cent but capped at $2,000	$380 million
Property Tax rebates	$100 million
Money given to grassroots and self-help groups, and voluntary welfare organisations to help needy Singaporeans over four years	$20 million
Total cost to Government	$3.15 billion

* Taken from The Straits Times on 14 Aug 2008.