The Jobs Support Scheme
As Singapore crosses the halfway point of its extended ‘circuit breaker period’, the government has provided more than S$16 billion worth of assistance to Singaporeans and Singaporean companies so far, said Second Minister for finance Indranee Rajah. This support was provided between March and May under the Unity, Resilience and Solidarity budgets. It includes S$7 billion under the Job Support Scheme to help companies retain and pay local workers.
Furthermore, another S$4 billion will be paid out in May. A total of 32 companies have returned their Job Support Scheme payouts worth a combined S$35 million as of May 9. “I would like to acknowledge and thank those companies which did not need money for donating it to charity or returning it so that it can be used for other good purposes,” said Mr. Indranee.
Assistance for Individuals and Households
Additionally, S$2 billion has been distributed to individuals and households to help with their daily expenses. This includes the S$600 solidarity payment to all adult Singaporeans and GST voucher-utilities-save and S&CC rebates to eligible households. Around 450,000 people in need of immediate financial help due to COVID-19 have also received one-off cash assistance of S$500 under the temporary relief fund, with a total of S$200 million given out.
“In May, we will also pay out S$300m for first tranche of automatic payment under the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme. This will benefit over 100,000 self-employed people,” said Mr. Indranee. For people who have lost their jobs and those who are on a compulsory no-pay leave, or who have had their salaries cut for at least three consecutive months, the COVID-19 Support Grant is also available. This Grant provides support of up to S$800 per month for three months. According to the Ministry of Social and Family Department, about 20,000 applications for COVID-19 Support Grant have been received as of May 10.
