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SINGAPORE — Online applications for the Temporary Relief Fund opened on Monday (April 6), with more than 100,000 people having already signed up at the social services offices (SSOs) and community centres (CCs). 

The fund provides a one-off S$500 financial aid for lower- to middle-income Singaporeans and permanent residents facing difficulties during the Covid-19 crisis due to job or income loss.

Writing on Facebook, Social and Family Development Minister Desmond Lee announced the start of the online applications at go.gov.sg/temporary-relief-fund. 

For a start, the online system is operational from 9am to 6pm, “as it is new and my Ministry of Social and Family Development colleagues are carefully testing and monitoring its load”, said Mr Lee.

Online applicants will require their SingPass, supporting documents and a PayNow account. If they are eligible, the money will be credited to them via PayNow. 

The fund, which was rolled out on April 1, supports those who have lost their jobs or at least 30 per cent of their income due to the Covid-19 crisis. 

Applications are open until April 30. “There is no need to rush,” Mr Lee reiterated. 

From Tuesday, the authorities have put in place “circuit breaker” measures to minimise physical contact in response to Covid-19 pandemic. Among other things, non-essential workplaces will be closed and people are urged to stay at home. 

Mr Lee said: “If you or someone you know is financially impacted by the COVID-19 situation and need assistance with living expenses, please apply online. It is a more convenient option and can help reduce queues at our SSOs and CCs as the ‘circuit breaker’ kicks in tomorrow.”

For those who require the physical forms, counters at the SSOs and CCs will be open on weekdays.