By Jonathan Tan
What is Silver Support?
It is a quarterly payout to supplement the livelihoods, and ease the cost of living of low-income elderly with less retirement support.
Who will receive Silver Support?
Singapore citizens aged 65 and above who meet the following criteria:
• Total CPF contributions of not more than $70,000 by age 55.
• An average annual net trade income of not more than $22,800 for self-employed persons when they were between the ages of 45 and 54.
• Stay in a HDB flat that is 5-room or smaller.
• Not in ownership of, or have a spouse who owns a 5-room or larger HDB flat or private property.
• Live in a household with a monthly income per person of not more than $1,100.
No registration needed
Singaporeans will be automatically assessed on their eligibility.
How much is the payout?
The payout amount is based on the type of HDB housing the eligible recipient lives in. The segments are as follows:
|
HDB flat type |
Payout per quarter |
|---|---|
|
1-room and 2-room |
$750 |
|
3-room |
$600 |
|
4-room |
$450 |
|
5-room |
$300 |
ComCare Long Term Assistance Scheme:
Elderly Singaporeans (aged 65 and above) on this social support scheme will receive a Silver Support Payout of $300 per quarter, regardless of their type of residence. This is on top of the monthly cash assistance provided by the ComCare Long Term Assistance Scheme to cover their daily living expenses.
Additionally, recipients on ComCare Long Term Assistance will also receive free medical treatment and free or highly subsidised social services, if needed.
Taken together, the total Government cash assistance for a single elderly person on the ComCare Long Term Assistance Scheme and the Silver Support Scheme is $1,800 per quarter (or $600 a month).
Payout Periods
The first Silver Support payout will be made in end July 2016 to eligible elderly Singaporeans. The payment schedule for 2016 is as follows:
|
Payment at the end of |
For the following quarter |
|---|---|
|
July 2016 |
April — June 2016 |
|
September 2016 |
October — December 2016 |
|
December 2016 |
January — March 2017 |
Knowing My Eligibility
Assessed automatically on an annual basis, those eligible will receive a notification letter.
|
Year of eligibility |
Notification letter |
|---|---|
|
2016 |
Received in mid July 2016 |
|
2017 onwards |
To receive in December of the preceding year |
Eligible elderly will begin receiving their Silver Support in advance of the quarter in which they turn 65.
How will I Receive my Payouts?
Payouts will be made directly into recipients’ bank accounts or through a cheque, which will be mailed to the address registered in the NRICs.
For more information, visit www.mom.gov.sg/employment-practices/silver-support-scheme or email contactus@silversupport.gov.sg.
