S$800m more put aside as aid for individuals

Funds will go to those who have lost their jobs or will suffer pay cuts, and to help with utility bills; IMDA to launch Seniors "Go Digital" Movement

Mindy Tan

Published Tue, May 26, 2020 · 09:50 PM

Covid-19

Singapore

The government is setting aside an additional S$800 million for the Covid-19 Support Grant, which covers those who have lost their jobs, are placed on no-pay leave, or will have to bear significant cuts to their salaries in the coming months.

In the three weeks since the grant was launched, the government has received about 48,000 applications, said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in Parliament on Tuesday. (see amendment note)

Meanwhile, more than 100,000 self-employed persons will receive their first payout of S$3,000 this week. Mr Heng, who is also the Finance Minister, encouraged self-employed persons who do not automatically qualify or have marginally missed the criteria to approach the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC),…