Written by: Marissa Saini
On Tuesday, 18 February 2020, the Singapore Budget 2020 was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat. The Care and Support Package, meant to help Singaporeans with household and daily expenses, is budgeted at $1.6 billion.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Care and Support Package will provide about $1,300 in financial support for a young family and about $1,800 for a multi-generation family.
To support Singaporean households in alleviating the cost of living, Singapore citizens aged 21 and above will receive a one-time cash payout of $100, $200 or $300 depending on their income. An additional $100 will also be provided for each parent that has one child or more, all of whom must be aged 20 and below.
For Singaporeans aged 50 and above, they will be able to receive a $100 PAssion Card top-up on top of the cash pay-out.
More HDB Household Payouts in 2020
1. U-Save GST Voucher
In 2020, the GST Voucher (GSTV) U-Save is now doubled, known as the one-time GSTV U-Save Special Payment, depending on flat type. If eligible, households can receive up to $400 on top of the regular GSTV U-Save.
Large families (five or more members) can also enjoy an Additional GSTV U-Save rebate of up to $200 on top of the GSTV U-Save Special Payment.
2. Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) Rebate
Introduced in 2013 to help cushion household expenses, the S&CC Charges will be extended for one more year. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the rebates will be between 1.5 months to 3.5 months – depending on the flat type.
3. Workfare Transport Concession Scheme
Lower-wage workers are eligible for a 15% discount on adult fares under the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme. Singapore citizens on Workfare will also receive 20% more in cash for work done last year.
4. Grocery Voucher
In 2020 and 2021, Singaporean households living in one- and two-room flats will also receive $100 worth of grocery vouchers per year as a way to save on spending.