Public Assistance Scheme (PA) / Other Financial Schemes 1) If I am jobless and have a family to feed, can I qualify for PA or other financial schemes? No, it is meant for needy Singapore citizens who are unfit for work and have no means of support as well as no one to depend on. South West District would also consider applicants for short-term financial schemes that give out monthly grants depending on the needs. On a case-to-case basis, NTUC vouchers are also given to genuinely needy families to supplement their food supplies. Other financial schemes are further elaborated below. 2) Is Public Assistance only for the single elderly? How much is the Assistance?
No, it can be extended to people and families who fit into the said criteria - they can receive between $230 and $670 a month, depending on the household size and hardships experienced. Small Families Improvement Scheme (SFIS) 3) Is SFIS extended to widows?
Yes. 4) If I am divorced or separated while on SFIS, can I still continue to receive aid from SFIS?
No. The housing grant paid out to your CPF will be recovered on a gradual scale. 5) What is considered a 'Small Family'?
An intact family with parents who have less than two children. The only exception is captured in 3). 6) What grants can my children receive in SFIS?
Each child receives educational grant of $400 to $1,200 a year depending on their education level. Beneficiaries also receive conditional housing grant of $1,200 per year. 7) If I am 35 years old, have O levels' qualification and my husband and I earn $1,800 in total and have 2 children, do we qualify?
You do not qualify. The wife must be 40 years of age and below. The educational criteria is that both husband and wife must not have any N or O level passes and the total family income has to be less than $1,500. Rent and Utilities Assistance Scheme (RUAS) 8) Is it true that RUAS only covers rent?
No, it pays rent, utilities, and conservancy charges for eligible needy families. Centre-based Financial Assistance Scheme for Child Care (CFAC) 9) How does CDC help with childcare? In the form of subsidy?
Residents have to approach the Childcare Centres directly for application of CFAC, funded by CDC. The subsidy ranges from $50 - 250. Fee Assistance for Student Care 10) How much subsidy do you give for Student Care?
It depends on the combined income of the parents which must fall below $2500. The subsidy ranges from $52 - 150 per student. 11) Can I approach CDC directly for help in paying for my child who is in Whispering Hearts Student Care Centre?
No. You have to apply through the Student Care Centre itself which will conduct the necessary interview / application with you. 12) My child is 12 years old - can I apply for Student Care?
Yes, the Assistance is for students 7 - 14 years of age. Medifund 13) If I have problems paying my medical bills, can you help me? You can apply through the medical social workers at the government / restructured hospitals or polyclinics for Medifund assistance. They will liaise with CDC for payment. E-Dental Service 14) What causes the jaw to have the clicking sound? There is a moveable cartilage disc between the head of the condyle of the lower jaw, and the fossa of the skull, which together form the jaw joint. Sometimes the disc is displaced and so may click when the jaw moves. This is a very simplistic explanation for a very complicated joint.
Many people have clicks in their jaw joint without problems, but if there are symptoms e.g. pain, check with your dentist if further treatment is recommended.
15) What can be done for gum disease? Gum disease can be broadly divided into reversible gingivitis and irreversible periodontitis. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum and can be reversed by a simply cleaning by your dentist. Periodontitis is when the surrounding gums and bone have been stripped from the tooth/teeth, and then deeper cleaning and/or gum surgery may be required. 16) What is bad breath? How to prevent it? To whom to consult for this? Bad breath can be caused by a variety of reasons, for example from the mouth it can be from decay in teeth or from food stuck between teeth or in a decayed tooth. Bad oral hygiene and plaque, tartar or the tongue surface that needs cleaning can also contribute to bad breath. Very often it is due to inflamed gums around the teeth. Sometimes a dry mouth e.g. from talking for a long time and having drying saliva may cause it too. Other causes not from the mouth include smoker's breath, onion or garlic smells which come from the lungs. Some medical conditions can also produce smells. Simple prevention consists of cleaning the teeth, both at home and professionally by the dentist, and also frequent rinsing with plain water. If there are oral causes due to decay etc they should be dealt with too. Otherwise ask your dentist for advice. | 
