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Solidarity Budget: All adult S'poreans to receive extra one-off cash payment of S$300, taking total to at least S$600

SINGAPORE — All Singaporeans above the age of 21 will receive a one-off cash payment of S$600 to tide them over the heightened safe-distancing measures against the Covid-19 pandemic, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced on Monday (April 6).

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced in Parliament on April 6, 2020, that all adult Singaporeans will receive a one-off cash payment of S$600.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced in Parliament on April 6, 2020, that all adult Singaporeans will receive a one-off cash payment of S$600.

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SINGAPORE — All Singaporeans above the age of 21 will receive a one-off cash payment of S$600 to tide them over the heightened safe-distancing measures against the Covid-19 pandemic, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced on Monday (April 6).

The move, estimated to cost the Government an extra S$1.1 billion, brings forward a S$300 cash payout announced earlier for all adult Singaporeans, with the Government providing another S$300. 

Most Singaporeans who have provided the Government with their bank account information will receive the payout by April 14, Mr Heng said, as he unveiled the third round of stimulus measures to help businesses, workers and households cope with the pandemic.

The rest will receive the sum by cheque, which will be issued in stages from April 30, Mr Heng, who is also Finance Minister, told Parliament.

Eligible citizens will be notified of the payment via SMS (short message service) from April 15.

Other cash payouts under a “care and support” package — unveiled during February’s Budget — will also be brought forward from August to June: 

  • Lower- and middle-income adult Singaporeans will receive an extra S$300 to S$600 in cash. Those who earned between S$28,001 and S$100,000 of assessable income in the 2019 year of assessment will receive an extra S$300. Citizens who received up to S$28,000 in wages will get an additional S$600.

  • Each parent with at least one child aged 20 and below this year will receive an extra S$300.

  • Singaporeans aged 50 and older will get a S$100 top-up to their PAssion Cards, which are issued by the People’s Association and offer various promotions and benefits. This will be given in cash. 

Noting that not everyone would need these cash payouts, Mr Heng said that he was very encouraged by many who have written to him, his ministerial colleagues and fellow Members of Parliament suggesting that the money be given to those who need it more.

“I thank fellow Singaporeans for your thoughtfulness,” he said, as he urged them to donate the sum to charities via the Giving.sg portal, the Community Chest’s Courage Fund, or to share it with others.

But he said that those who still need more support should approach the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF’s) social service offices and community centres to apply for government schemes such as the Temporary Relief Fund and the upcoming Covid-19 Support Grant, which is available from May. 

The Temporary Relief Fund allows lower- to middle-income Singaporeans and permanent residents facing difficulties during the pandemic — due to job or income loss — to get a one-off cash payout of S$500 to support basic living expenses. Residents who continue to struggle finding employment may also apply for the Covid-19 Support Grant, which will give successful applicants S$800 monthly for three months.

Acknowledging that some Singaporeans would be “emotionally affected or distressed” during this period, Mr Heng said that community mental health support services would continue to offer care and support to clients via phone consultations or home visits.

MSF has also announced that a 24/7 national care hotline would be set up to support those who face stress and anxiety due to the pandemic, Mr Heng said. The hotline number has not been disclosed. 

Mr Heng added: “In this time of need, I am glad that mental health professionals and trained volunteers have stepped forward to offer their help in setting up the new hotline.”

Related topics

Solidarity Budget Heng Swee Keat Budget 2020

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