Ever since the SERS announcement, many have jumped in to exp | Singapore Matters
Ever since the SERS announcement, many have jumped in to exploit the concerns of senior home owners in order to make people angry with the government.
Seniors who have fully paid up their mortgage and looking forward to a commitment-free retirement have a genuine concern. This concern is to be addressed, not exploited without evidence or basis, by people who pretend to be concerned.
Our seniors are taken care of by the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation packages. Their medical care is heavily subsidised. In, fact the most senior amongst them will receive a Medisave top up of up to $1200 this month. In addition, they will also receive up to $500 in GST cash this year and $600 for next year. This is a permanent scheme.
Seniors with little CPF savings receive silver support of up to $3600 a year or $300 a month.
This is in addition to financial support they may receive under Comcare (for eligible seniors) at $600/mth for a person.
These are just some of the more familiar schemes among a host of schemes to help seniors.
Sunsidised education for foreigners?
The facts say otherwise. Formal education is almost free for Singaporeans. For the school and miscellaneous fees a Singaporean student pays each month, they also receive Edusave ($230 for primary and $290 for secondary).
As for higher education, it is heavily subsidised for Singaporeans, with tuition grants of up to 80% of course fees depending on the course of study.
Foreign students do not automatically get this grant. They have to apply for it, subject to approval. They get a smaller grant. They also need to serve a bond.
Singaporeans studying overseas also receive some subsidies from foreign governments.
Giving a smaller grant to some foreign students studying here is playing our part as a responsible member of the international community. The presence of foreign students here also benefits our students through exposure to different cultures and perspectives, and networking.
