Title: A Five-Year Low: An Examination of the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance Scheme in Singapore
Abstract: The ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term Assistance (SMTA) scheme, a key government financial aid program in Singapore, has seen a significant decline in the number of families receiving assistance, with a five-year low of 20,825 families in 2024. This represents a 9% decrease from the previous year and a 40% decrease from 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic first impacted the global economy. This paper examines the trends and factors contributing to this decline, including the improvement in the economy and job market, as well as the expansion of other government support schemes. Additionally, the paper highlights the complexities of long-term financial issues faced by lower-income families and the need for sustained support.
Introduction: The ComCare SMTA scheme is a vital social safety net for lower-income families in Singapore, providing temporary financial aid to meet basic living expenses. The scheme is designed to support families in need, with the goal of helping them achieve financial stability and independence. In recent years, the scheme has seen a significant decline in the number of families receiving assistance, with a five-year low of 20,825 families in 2024. This paper examines the trends and factors contributing to this decline, as well as the implications for lower-income families in Singapore.
Methodology: This paper is based on an analysis of data from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and other relevant sources. The data includes the number of families receiving assistance under the ComCare SMTA scheme, as well as demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of these families. The paper also draws on existing research and literature on poverty and inequality in Singapore.
Results: The data show a significant decline in the number of families receiving assistance under the ComCare SMTA scheme, with a five-year low of 20,825 families in 2024. This represents a 9% decrease from the previous year and a 40% decrease from 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic first impacted the global economy. The median period of assistance received by families under the SMTA scheme was six months, with a median monthly sum of $380.
Discussion: The decline in the number of families receiving assistance under the ComCare SMTA scheme can be attributed to several factors, including improvements in the economy and the job market. The expansion of other government support schemes, such as the Assurance Package, has also contributed to the decline. However, the data also highlights the complexities of long-term financial issues faced by lower-income families. About half of the families who left the SMTA scheme in 2021 received further assistance within three years, indicating that financial instability can be a persistent issue for these families.
Conclusion: The decline in the number of families receiving assistance under the ComCare SMTA scheme is a positive trend, indicating that the economy and job market are improving. However, the data also highlights the need for sustained support for lower-income families, who may face ongoing financial challenges. The government and social service agencies must continue to work together to provide comprehensive support and resources to help these families achieve financial stability and independence.
Recommendations: Based on the findings of this paper, several recommendations can be made:
Continued support for lower-income families: The government and social service agencies must continue to provide comprehensive support and resources to help lower-income families achieve financial stability and independence.
Expansion of job training and education programs: These programs can help lower-income families acquire new skills and improve their employability, reducing their reliance on financial assistance.
Enhanced support for families with complex needs: Families with complex needs, such as those experiencing family violence or mental health issues, require specialised support and resources. The government and social service agencies must work together to provide these families with comprehensive support and services.
Limitations: This paper has several limitations, including the reliance on secondary data sources and the lack of longitudinal data on the outcomes of families receiving assistance under the ComCare SMTA scheme. Future research should seek to address these limitations by collecting primary data and conducting longitudinal studies.
Future Research: Future research should examine the outcomes of families receiving assistance under the ComCare SMTA scheme, including their employment and income trajectories, as well as their overall well-being. Additionally, research should examine the effectiveness of various support and services in helping lower-income families achieve financial stability and independence.