SINGAPORE – Nearly 1,600 families have signed up for the ComLink+ initiative, designed to provide financial support and other resources to low-income households making efforts to improve their circumstances. This includes taking steps like securing stable employment with Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions.
A new phase of the program, which will address the health needs of participating families, is set to launch in late 2025.
“We are integrating health and social support. Good health is essential for us to live fully, work, and achieve our goals,” said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, Eric Chua, on March 10 during the debate on the Ministry’s budget.
He noted, however, that families facing financial challenges may struggle to keep track of medical appointments or identify appropriate healthcare services.
To address this, family coaches will assist these households in adopting healthier lifestyles, including encouraging nutritious diets, regular physical activity, and routine health check-ups. For families with complex health conditions, these coaches, alongside healthcare professionals, will work to develop personalized health plans, ensuring adherence to medical treatments and lifestyle changes.
For instance, individuals dealing with chronic asthma will be reminded to take medications and attend scheduled doctor visits, while also receiving guidance on necessary lifestyle adjustments.
Additionally, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will collaborate with the Housing Development Board (HDB) to help families work toward homeownership. Families moving into subsidized public rental flats will receive support in understanding the financial requirements for purchasing their own homes. Family coaches will also assist them in meeting their savings and income goals.
The expansion of the ComLink+ scheme, first launched in 2023, aims to enhance social mobility. A standout feature of the program is the involvement of family coaches, who provide tailored support and motivation to help families achieve their aspirations.
Initially available to families with children residing in public rental flats, the scheme now supports about 10,000 families in such housing. In March 2024, it was extended to low-income households not living in public rental flats, provided they meet specific criteria, such as eligibility for the KidStart program or concerns about their children’s potential long-term school absenteeism.
In August 2024, the first of four support packages under ComLink+ was introduced. The pre-school package encourages families to enroll their children in early education by the age of three. This includes a one-time $500 top-up to the Child Development Account (CDA) for children turning three, with an additional $200 top-up every three months for children aged three to six who attend pre-school regularly.
The employment package, launched in December 2024, offers financial incentives to families whose members secure jobs with monthly gross salaries of at least $1,400 and make CPF contributions. Adults in qualifying jobs will receive quarterly top-ups ranging from $450 to $550 in cash and CPF. Households with two adults meeting these criteria will receive an additional $50 every three months.
Chua stated that nearly 1,600 families are currently benefitting from the pre-school and employment packages.
Two more packages aimed at helping families save for HDB flats and manage debt are expected to roll out in the coming months.
During the Budget announcement on February 18, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong revealed that financial aid for recipients of the Government’s ComCare scheme will be increased from April.
Chua further explained on March 10 that MSF has enhanced the ComCare program to reflect the evolving cost of living and address what residents now consider basic needs. Recent studies from Singapore Management University and the Institute of Policy Studies highlighted the importance of social activities and the ability to manage minor emergencies as key elements of support.
As part of these adjustments, the MSF has increased ComCare rates to better meet the essential needs of low-income families.
An MSF spokesperson emphasized that regular reviews of ComCare incorporate inflation and other factors to ensure the assistance remains adequate for the changing needs of recipients.
For individuals on the ComCare Long-Term Assistance scheme, which provides for the permanently destitute, monthly support will rise by $120, bringing the amount for a one-person household to $760 from the current $640.
Families receiving aid through the ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance (SMTA) scheme will also see increased financial help, tailored to their specific needs. The SMTA provides temporary support to bridge income gaps, helping families cover essential living costs.
According to the latest data from MSF, the median monthly support for SMTA beneficiaries in 2023 was $370. Last year, 22,960 families were on the SMTA, while 3,479 families received Long-Term Assistance.
This continued support marks a significant effort by the Government to empower low-income households and help them achieve greater social and financial stability.
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