Give a man a fish, we feed them for a day, teach a man to fish, we feed them for a lifetime.

This is a concept in which Singapore adopts when helping the lower income group. And one of the most sensible and effective way is to ensure that our lower income group are assisted to be able to compete with other people who has greater advantages academically. By providing them with assistance for education would in most cases put them in a better position to get a decent job in future. Hence, the government is generous when giving out financial assistance to students from a lower income family.

Item School Fees

Academic Level Primary Not applicable

Secondary Full waiver of $5.00 per month Full waiver of $10.00 per month Free textbooks Free school attire

Junior College / Pre-U Full waiver of $6.00 per month Full waiver of $13.50 per month Not applicable Not applicable

Standard Miscellaneous Fees

Full waiver of $6.50 per month Free textbooks Free school attire

Textbooks School Attire Bursary Examination Fees

Not applicable Not applicable $750.00 75% waiver of National Examination Fees (100% waiver for students under MCYS Public Assistance Scheme)

Fig 1.1.1 MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (MOE FAS) for Government and
Government-Aided Schools

This is one of the examples in which financial assistance has been given to lighten the load of lower income families. Such schemes are also used in other countries as it is essential for students to have a good educational background for them to contribute to our society in future. Also, from 1 April 2013, Public Assistance (PA) recipients will be having higher level of assistance that is suited specifically to their needs. The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) will be providing additional tiers of assistance, and also increasing the cash assistance rates in the primary tier.

PA Tiered Assistance Framework

Tiers of Assistance Primary (current) Secondary (new) Discretionary (new)

Forms of Assistance Cash allowance

Examples Daily living expenses (e.g. food, rental, utilities, transport, and communications) Adult diapers, stoma bags, diabetic consumables, dietary supplements Commode, oxygen respirator and essential household appliances

Frequency Monthly

Recurring essentials Once-off/ varied needs

Monthly Annual/ Once Off

PA Cash Allowance Rates (Primary Tier)

Household Type Household Size 4 Persons 3 Persons 2 Persons 1 Person Per child

Current Rates $1,050 $880 $700 $400 $150 additional

Additional assistance for children

Revised Rates wef 1 Apr 13 $1,180 $990 $790 $450 $150 additional

Change ($) $130 $110 $90 $50 unchanged

(http://app.msf.gov.sg/PressRoom/PublicAssistancePASchemeEnhanced.aspx) With such form of direct assistance to the financially challenged, this group of people will be able to purchase more daily necessities to support their family. Providing such supports are an easy way to assist the lower income group as we do require need much human resources to give assistance