Oral Answer to PQ on Silver Support Scheme and top-ups for seniors

NOTICE PAPER NO. 314 OF 2025 FOR THE SECOND AVAILABLE SITTING
QUESTION NO. 970 FOR ORAL ANSWER

MP: Mr Shawn Loh

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) whether the highest tier of Silver Support can be given to seniors above age 80 living in smaller HDB flats, considering that they would likely have outlived their life expectancy and depleted their CPF savings; and (b) whether the Government can top up the CPF LIFE accounts of low-wage seniors who continue to work to cope with living costs.

Answer:

1. The Silver Support Scheme is a targeted support scheme which provides support to seniors aged 65 and above who had lower incomes during their working years and now have little or no family support and resources in their retirement. Eligibility is determined by the senior’s lifetime wages, housing type, and the level of household support. Eligible seniors living in smaller flats with fewer financial resources will receive higher payments.

2. The Silver Support Scheme is part of a wider set of social support measures. These include the Workfare Income Supplement and the annual Earn and Save Bonus under the Majulah Package, which help boost the retirement savings of lower- to middle-income working seniors and can increase their CPF LIFE payouts. The one-off Retirement Savings Bonus and Medisave Bonus under the Majulah Package also provided an additional boost to eligible seniors’ retirement and healthcare savings in their CPF accounts. In addition, the Assurance Package helps defray living expenses for Singaporean households. Seniors who need further assistance to meet their basic living needs can approach their nearest Social Service Office to apply for ComCare.