Meaningful help with individual responsibility is Silver Support’s aim
Mr Tharman said the scheme is to add to what seniors have earned and what their families provide for them. TODAY file photo
Singapore — The Silver Support scheme is designed such that it will provide meaningful support without eroding individual responsibility and family support, said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the dialogue, in response to concerns over the sustainability of the scheme.
He also provided assurance that the Government would work out a way to balance the three eligibility criteria of lifetime wages, household support and housing type, and would provide avenues for those facing unique circumstances to appeal.
“If we get generous too quickly, we find that it erodes values that are important,” said Mr Tharman, who reiterated that the scheme, which will give quarterly cash payouts of S$300 to S$750 to eligible seniors from early next year, is meant as a supplement to what they have earned in their lifetimes and what their families are providing for them.
Often, people who receive help will be more motivated to improve their lives, which in turn sustains the spirit of community support, he said.
The Silver Support scheme is a permanent system to strengthen Singapore’s social security net and will be funded by the Budget. However, he added that infrastructure and emotional support are as crucial as the financial schemes in preparing for the Republic’s ageing population.
Addressing concerns that the payouts may be abused, Mr Tharman said while every social policy will have its “free riders”, the issue is not how to eliminate this, but how to minimise it.
“You can never eliminate, in any social programme, some group of people receiving support who are not really the target of the policy ... We have to first decide what is fair and helps create an inclusive society, and then try to design it well so it really reaches those you are trying to help,” he said. KELLY NG
