In view of the current economic crisis, the South West CDC, in collaboration with our corporate partners, has rolled out our very own localised help package, entitled iCOPE ( I nterim CO ping P ackage for E conomic Downturn) to complement National ComCare and Employment Assistance schemes to help residents who are affected by the current economic recession.

iCOPE comprises the South West CDC's existing but expanded local help schemes and some new ones to provide the much needed support to needy and retrenched residents in need. Below are some information for your easy reference and dissemination to your ComCare helpers should they encounter residents who require assistance under iCOPE .

Aim of iCOPE

2) The aim of iCOPE is to fulfil the 3Rs objectives of bringing interim Relief to affected residents and households who meet the qualifying criteria for the help schemes, help them build Resilience and be ready and able to Rebound from the impact of the downturn.

Target Beneficiaries

3) iCOPE seeks not just to help low-income residents under existing local help schemes but our expanded schemes and new local schemes also reach out to lower middle-income retrenched workers who are the key breadwinner and whose gross household income drops to $2,500 per month and below, and who do not qualify for help under the National ComCare Schemes .

Eligibility Criteria

4) To qualify for iCOPE assistance, Retrenched Workers must fulfil the following criteria:

• Singaporeans who are South West District residents
• Proof of Retrenchment
• Display positive attitude towards employment
• Gross household income < $2,500
• Assessed to be in need of some interim assistance

Assistance under iCOPE

5) iCOPE assistance is divided into those that help the Retrenched Worker towards employment and those that help them cope with their household and children's educational expenses. A Retrenched Worker living in South West District who needs some interim support can receive an immediate one-off $50 worth of transport subsidies to help him/her defray transport costs in going for job interviews or if needed, another $50 worth of food vouchers/rations to help him/her with daily meals. If the Retrenched Worker requires longer-term assistance as they have children to support, upon some means-testing, they will be helped with further items such as food rations, utilities assistance and education assistance. However, the actual quantum of financial assistance is subject to our assessment of the needs of the retrenched resident and his or her household.

Duration & Application for iCOPE

6) iCOPE will be in place for one year from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009 . Those who fulfil the above criteria can apply for iCOPE when they register as a job seeker with the South West CDC from 1 January 2009 onwards.

The South West Community Development Council
(Service Centre)
The JTC Summit , 8 Jurong Town Hall Road
#03-11
Singapore 609474
Mainline: 6316 1616
Email: Southwest_CDC@pa.gov.sg

Documents to bring

For Interim Assistance under iCOPE :

• Proof of Retrenchment

If assessed to be in need of further assistance under iCOPE , retrenched residents will be asked to come back with the application form for further disbursements of assistance. The documents to bring with the application form are:

• Identify cards(s) of client and family member(s) within the same households
• Birth Certificate(s) of children (Below 15 yrs old)
• Bank Account passbook(s)
• Latest Power Supply bill