SINGAPORE : More recession-hit Singaporeans have turned to the government for assistance.
The first quarter of this year saw 10 per cent more applications for assistance at the Community Development Councils, compared to the last quarter in 2008.
This is 66 per cent more year-on-year.
The number of people on the ComCare Work Support Scheme also jumped 66 per cent in the first quarter of this year, compared to the last quarter of last year, to reach almost 4,000.
The Work Support Scheme provides the unemployed with financial, medical and educational assistance while they upgrade their skills and find a job. Many of the people on the Work Support Scheme also received training subsidies under the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) and job-matching assistance from the Workforce Development Agency.
24,000 cases received aid under the government social assistance fund ComCare in the first quarter of this year - an increase of 485 cases, compared to the last quarter of 2008.
The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports said it is closely monitoring the situation on the ground to relieve the burden of needy Singaporeans.
Some S$77 million of the ComCare fund has been set aside in the current financial year for this purpose.
The funds will be spent on increased Public Assistance allowance for destitute Singaporeans. - CNA
The first quarter of this year saw 10 per cent more applications for assistance at the Community Development Councils, compared to the last quarter in 2008.
This is 66 per cent more year-on-year.
The number of people on the ComCare Work Support Scheme also jumped 66 per cent in the first quarter of this year, compared to the last quarter of last year, to reach almost 4,000.
The Work Support Scheme provides the unemployed with financial, medical and educational assistance while they upgrade their skills and find a job. Many of the people on the Work Support Scheme also received training subsidies under the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience (SPUR) and job-matching assistance from the Workforce Development Agency.
24,000 cases received aid under the government social assistance fund ComCare in the first quarter of this year - an increase of 485 cases, compared to the last quarter of 2008.
The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports said it is closely monitoring the situation on the ground to relieve the burden of needy Singaporeans.
Some S$77 million of the ComCare fund has been set aside in the current financial year for this purpose.
The funds will be spent on increased Public Assistance allowance for destitute Singaporeans. - CNA
