I have been following the discussion in Voices about the Silver Support Scheme with interest (“Reassess Silver Support to benefit those left out” and “Payout for needy elderly should be based on present situation”; both Aug 1).

One should not assume, however, that the Silver Support is the only social safety scheme for our seniors besides the Pioneer Generation Package. It is one of many support schemes.

The unique aspect of the scheme is that it targets the bottom 20 per cent of the elderly, who may not have a family network and who would have held low-paying jobs throughout their life. It supplements their meagre income and helps with their daily expenses.

There are also other assistance schemes that help reduce seniors’ financial burden. For example, besides the Goods and Services Tax vouchers, there are service and conservancy rebates, transport vouchers and Medisave top-ups.

There is MediShield Life to cover hospitalisation fees, while the Community Health Assist Scheme and Pioneer Generation Package cards cover expenses for clinic visits and medical treatment. Perhaps more can be done to let Singaporeans know about the schemes available for the elderly.

Let us not obsess over one scheme, but rather look at the breadth and depth of our present social safety system and view the Silver Support in perspective.