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Covid-19 Support Grant extension: Applicants mustn’t own more than 1 property, must show proof of job search or training if unemployed

SINGAPORE — From Oct 1, Singaporeans and permanent residents applying for the Covid-19 Support Grant must not own more than one property.

The revised eligibility criteria for the Covid-19 Support Grant will take effect from 9am on Oct 1, 2020.

The revised eligibility criteria for the Covid-19 Support Grant will take effect from 9am on Oct 1, 2020.

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SINGAPORE — From Oct 1, Singaporeans and permanent residents applying for the Covid-19 Support Grant must not own more than one property.

Those who are unemployed must also show proof of job search or training efforts. They will have to submit supporting documents to demonstrate these efforts.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) on Tuesday (Sept 22) announced these two changes to the eligibility criteria for the grant, which was launched in May to help Singaporeans who are unemployed or have suffered significant income loss because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Applications were initially open until Sept 30. 

In August, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat announced that the scheme would be extended until Dec 31. Both existing recipients of the grant as well as new applicants may apply.

The grant disburses up to S$800 a month, for three months, to eligible workers.

MSF said on Tuesday that the new property ownership criterion is to ensure that the grant is “given to those with less means”.

All unemployed first-time and second-time applicants must also demonstrate job search or training efforts to qualify for help. 

MSF said that this is in line with the Government’s SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package, which helps workers caught in the pandemic-triggered economic fallout acquire job-related skills and capabilities, and seize expanded employment opportunities. 

Applicants who have lost their jobs and are presently unemployed must submit supporting documents. These include a record of having turned in at least one job application or having attended at least one interview two months before their application for the grant.

They may also provide a record of attendance for job search or training programmes under government agency Workforce Singapore or the Employment and Employability Institute, or records showing applications for or enrolment in courses supported by SkillsFuture Singapore, among other supporting documents. 

The Covid-19 Support Grant is open to Singaporeans and permanent residents aged 16 and older who have lost their jobs, were placed on involuntary unpaid leave, or sustained significant wage loss. 

Full-time national servicemen and interns do not qualify.

Applicants who have lost their jobs or are put on involuntary unpaid leave will receive up to S$800 a month for three months. Applicants who had their monthly wage cut by at least 30 per cent for at least three months in a row will qualify for up to S$500 monthly for three months. 

First-time applicants who meet the current eligibility criteria may continue applying for the grant until 6pm on Sept 30. 

The revised eligibility criteria will kick in from 9am on Oct 1.

Beneficiaries who have received the full grant or are in the final month of their assistance may apply for a further three months of support from Oct 1. They must meet the new eligibility criteria.

Applicants may file their applications online.

Related topics

MSF Covid-19 coronavirus Support Grant

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