SINGAPORE - A $4 million fund has been set up to help Singaporean households that have family members who are unemployed amid the pandemic.
Each eligible household will receive a one-time payout of $500.
The Ngee Ann Kongsi-Community Development Council (CDC) Covid-19 Relief Fund was launched on Monday (Nov 2) by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and the five district mayors, who are also chairmen of the CDCs.
At the ceremony, Mr Jamie Teo, president of non-profit organisation Ngee Ang Kongsi, presented a $2 million cheque to the mayors. The CDCs also pledged $2 million to the fund.
It is targeted at Singaporeans aged 21 and above who are currently unemployed and have experienced income loss due to non-voluntary no-pay leave, retrenchment or termination for at least three months at the point of application.
The CDCs will work with community partners to identify eligible Singaporeans from Nov 15 onwards.
In a speech, Mr Heng said that the Government has committed close to $100 billion to support workers, businesses and families, most of which is disbursed through national-level schemes.
"But some Singaporeans and their families do face unique or urgent circumstances, which require more targeted solutions. This is where different parts of our society can come together to complement our national efforts to help," he added.
He encouraged more companies, community partners and individuals to come forward to support Singaporeans, in particular those who are vulnerable.
South West District mayor Low Yen Ling, who is also chairman of the Mayor's Committee, said the fund demonstrates the strength of community bonds to uplift Singaporeans who have lost their jobs.
"The CDCs are grateful for the scale of collaboration, cooperation and compassion shown by individuals, companies and organisations like the Ngee Ann Kongsi. We will continue to tap our diverse network of partners to aggregate resources to meet emerging needs," she said.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...me-payment-to-households-affected-by-job-loss
