Parliamentary Replies

Parliamentary Question by Mr Murali Pillai:

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in respect of the payment of $300 to Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) Plus holders who are spouses of Singaporeans, whether such a payment may also be extended to LTVP holders who are spouses of Singaporeans. 

Parliamentary Reply by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Mr Heng Swee Keat:

1. The Solidarity Payment is aimed at providing timely support to Singaporean households during this challenging period of heightened safe distancing. 

2. Arising from concerns over some Singaporean families with non-citizen members, we decided to extend the one-off $300 payment to Permanent Residents and LTVP+ holders who have a Singaporean parent, spouse or child.  

3. While Long-Term visit pass (LTVP) holders who are spouses of Singaporeans are not eligible for the Solidarity Payment, they are able to take up employment to support their families.  They also receive benefits as part of a Singaporean household, such as GST Voucher - U-Save rebates and Special Payment, and Service and Conservancy Charges Rebate. 

4. If they or their Singaporean family need further financial support during this challenging period, they may seek help through the MSF Social Service Offices, which provide assistance to those who fall into financial hardship. The assistance provided includes the COVID-19 Support Grant. We will exercise more flexibility when considering ComCare applications during this period, to ensure affected Singaporean families can get help.  

5. There are also many Social Service Agencies and those in the community providing support to families in need. SSO officers will be able to help direct LTVP holders and their families to the appropriate community support if they are in need.