SINGAPORE: Lower-income families in Singapore will soon get more assistance in health and housing matters, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua on Monday ( Mar 10 ).  ,
He told parliament that the Ministry of Social and Family Development ( MSF ) will introduce” a new model of support” later this year for the health needs of families under the ComLink scheme.
ComLink is a government programme providing financial help tied to conditions such as getting a stable job, enrolling children in preschools, paying off debt and saving up for a home.
” Being healthier allows us to live, work, and follow our dreams. But households trying to make ends meet does find it hard to keep track of health appointments or want help identifying appropriate healthcare services”, Mr Chua said.  ,
The new design may see family coaches help families seek a better life through measures like a better nutrition, exercise, and regular wellness screenings. Employees from care cluster will also assist families access the services they need.  ,
For people with complex health problems, coaches and medical staff will help develop and implement health actions plans that prioritise their needs, steps to take and nursing services to accessibility, Mr Chua said.  ,
For example, an individual struggling with badly managed chronic asthma may be reminded to consider their given medication, go scheduled tests and consultations and adjust their lifestyle and home environment– such as keeping the home free of possible allergens that may trigger asthma.
” We hope to improve households ‘ overall wellbeing, such that they can better do their another life objectives”, said Mr Chua. ” We will use insights from the trial to support more families in due course” . ,
TOWARDS HOME OWNERSHIP
MSF will also partner the Housing Board to help ComLink families in public rental housing work towards owning a home, said Mr Chua as he laid out his ministry’s spending plans for the year.
Housing officers will help determine the earnings and savings needed, subsequently work with the home instructors and the community themselves on an action plan.
” Family coaches will journey with them towards these goals and when they are ready to purchase a flat, HDB will help them navigate the process”, Mr Chua said.  ,
This complements recent enhancements to the Fresh Start scheme, to make housing more affordable for families living in public rental flats.  ,
It was announced at Budget 2025 in February that eligible first-timer ComLink families in public rental will be able to buy new flats on shorter leases. A Fresh Start grant for eligible second-timers will also be increased from S$ 50, 000 to S$ 75, 000.  ,