Gan: I think we can afford to be more flexible so that the "severely disabled" SGs withdraw money from CPF

It was reported in the news today (July 4) that PCF members can now withdraw money from their own CPF, but only if they are "severely disabled" and are at least 30 years old.

disabled, "they are now allowed to withdraw money from their Medisave account in CPF, from 2 years old in 2020. However, it depends on their or their spouse having at least 5000 $ in their accounts.

the first time members will be allowed to withdraw money from Medisave since its creation in 1984 as part of Central Provident Fund contributions to help defray hospital bills.

Those with at least $ 5,000 in their Medisave accounts will be able to withdraw $ 50 a month while those with $ 20,000 or more will be allowed to withdraw $ 200 a month. Fifty dollars a month is roughly equivalent to buying 20 packets of rice a month at $ 2.50 a pack.

The magnanimous Minister of Health, Gan Kim Yong, explained: "When a Singaporean faces a serious handicap, with the PCF rules now relaxed by the minister and with the extra $ 50 a month from from its own savings, "severely disabled people" can now afford financial hardship to buy, say, an extra 20 packets of chicken rice per month.

Chia Shi Lu, MP, head of the Government's Parliamentary Committee for Health, also added: "I am happy that these Medisave funds are disbursed in cash for better"

By 2020, the CareShield Life mandatory insurance plan will also come into effect. It is mandatory for people 40 years and under. Under this scheme, people with severe disabilities will receive a minimum of $ 600 per month for life

Will those who withdraw money be turned down their claim for social assistance?

Attorney and politician, Jose Raymond recounted the story of a 59-year-old Singaporean, visually impaired and suffering from kidney failure, who saw his request for a medical examination. long-term financial assistance rejected by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF)

A letter from MSF revealed that the reason for the rejection of the application is due to the monthly payment that the blind male receives from his Central Provident Fund ( CPF) because of his state of health. [19659002] "The MSF must explain its reason for using the rate of public assistance in force to reject someone like the resident above, who is visually impaired and who can not gain any other income because of his state of health. " wrote Mr. Raymond and added, "Our citizens need to lead a dignified life."

In response to the story, MSF said in a Facebook post that the Social Service Office (SSO) had assessed the resident's needs. "To determine the additional help he needed, the SSO considered his sources of income, the money received, and the support of family, friends, and the community."

In response to the mission of MSF not answered the basic question. "Why is the Fund treated as income when it assesses welfare needs, as indicated by its letter of refusal?"

Given the study of In the above case, one may wonder if the welfare claim will be allowed to withdraw up to $ 200, such withdrawals being considered a source of income by MSF.