How to Get Financial Help From the Government in Singapore

These programmes work to provide a safety net for those who need it most. Eligibility is typically determined based on income levels and other criteria, with a focus on assisting low-income families and vulnerable groups. This article looks at how you can get financial assistance from the government in Singapore.

There are several avenues for assistance with utility bills and internet costs in Singapore:

• GST Voucher: HDB households can benefit from U-Save rebates, which help offset utility expenses. 

• DigitalAccess@Home programme: This initiative provides subsidised broadband and devices to eligible low-income households, improving digital access.

• Mobile Access for Seniors (MAS): Offers assistance to seniors to help with mobile data costs.

• Public Transport Voucher (PTV): Provides eligible households with vouchers to help with public transport costs.

» Read more: 5 Clever ways to spend less on groceries in Singapore

As food costs rise, several programmes and resources in Singapore can help alleviate the financial burden:

• Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers: These vouchers can be used at participating hawker centers, supermarkets, and other food establishments, providing direct support for food expenses.

• Food distribution programmes: Organisations like Food from the Heart and The Food Bank Singapore collect and distribute food to those in need. Additionally, free meals are often provided by various religious and community groups, such as the Singapore Buddhist Welfare Services (SBWS).

Child care expenses can be hefty, but various schemes in Singapore offer assistance to parents. For example, the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) helps students with education-related costs, while the Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) provides subsidies for kindergarten fees. 

Basic and Additional Subsidies, administered by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), also help offset childcare costs, especially for low-income families. 

The Start-Up Grant (SUG) assists new preschool enrollees. These schemes collectively help low-income families manage childcare expenses.

Unclaimed money in Singapore refers to funds owed to individuals or entities that have not been claimed. While it may seem like receiving free money from the government, it is more accurately described as money you rightfully own. 

If you’re wondering how to claim these monies, you can refer to MAS’ Register of Unclaimed Money for published unclaimed amounts to find out who to contact. In turn, you can make your claim by producing the relevant documents proving you are the rightful owner of the monies published.

Those looking to buy a home in Singapore can explore down payment assistance through various channels:

• Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): Provides eligible first-time homebuyers with substantial housing grants, helping to reduce the upfront costs of purchasing a flat.

• Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): Offers additional grants to those who choose to live near or with their parents or married child, easing the financial burden of homeownership.

• Staggered Downpayment Scheme (HDB): Allows eligible buyers to pay the down payment for their flat in installments, making homeownership more accessible.

» Read more: The 5-step approach to shaving 50% off your monthly expenses

Healthcare costs can be a significant concern, but Singaporeans can look to several options for healthcare assistance. 

For instance, MediShield Life, a universal basic health insurance, provides some relief by helping to cover large hospital bills and selected costly outpatient treatments. The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) also offers subsidised care at participating clinics. 

Additionally, Medifund provides further assistance for those unable to afford their medical treatments, offering an extra safety net. Free childhood vaccinations are also available under the National Childhood Immunisation Programme.

» Read more: Understanding life insurance policies – what types are available, and who are they for

The MOE Higher Education Bursary helps to ease the financial burden of post-secondary education in Singapore. This government-funded bursary provides financial assistance to Singaporean students from lower to middle-income groups, ensuring that eligible students can pursue higher education.

» Read more: Ways to make money online, offline and even at home

Other schemes students can look towards for help include:

• Higher Education Community Bursary (formerly CDC/CCC-University Bursary): Provides financial assistance to undergraduates from lower-income families.

• Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) Bursary: Offers financial aid to students enrolled in the Polytechnic Foundation Programme.

• SkillsFuture Credits: Helps adult Singaporeans defray the costs of skills development courses, promoting lifelong learning.

» Read more: 5 Habits of super frugal people you should follow if you want to save money

Be cautious of unsolicited messages via SMS or WhatsApp claiming to offer "government payouts." These are often scams. 

Always refer to official sources like gov.sg and the LifeSG app for accurate information on government assistance. Real government schemes in Singapore never require a fee to claim assistance.

If you're seeking additional financial resources, here are some helpful options to shave your monthly expenses:

• LifeSG App: Provides centralised access to information on various government benefits and eligibility criteria in Singapore.

• Social Service Offices (SSOs): These offices allow you to apply for ComCare assistance and receive holistic support for your social and financial needs.

• MSF’s SupportGoWhere portal: Offers a comprehensive directory of social service agencies and financial assistance schemes in Singapore.

• Financial literacy tools: Enhance your financial management skills with resources like those provided by SingSaver, empowering you to adopt more frugal habits and make extra money. For example, find out how to spend less on groceries to save cash.