The government has rolled out various initiatives to help Singaporeans tide over this difficult period.
For those who have lost their jobs or suffered significant income due to the pandemic, they can tap on the COVID-19 Support Grant (CSG), which disburses up to S$800 a month for three months for those eligible.
Full-time national servicemen and interns do not qualify.
This grant will be extended to 31 December 2020, but with revised eligibility criteria.
From 1 October, those applying for the CSG should also not own more than one property. This is to ensure that the support is given to those with less means, explained the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).
All those who are unemployed and are applying for the CSG must also demonstrate job search or training efforts to qualify for the help, added the MSF in a media statement.
Applicants who have lost their jobs and are presently unemployed must submit supporting documents. These include a record of having turned in at least one job application or having attended at least one interview two months before their application for the grant.
They may also provide a record of attendance for job search or training programmes under Workforce Singapore or the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), or records showing applications for or enrolment in courses supported by SkillsFuture Singapore, among other supporting documents.
MSF said that this is in line with the government’s SGUnited Jobs and Skills Package, which helps workers affected by the economic impact of the pandemic acquire job-related skills and capabilities and access expanded employment opportunities.
“All CSG applicants, whether first- or second-time applicants, who are unemployed must demonstrate job search or training efforts to qualify for CSG support,” said the MSF.
How To Apply
The CSG started in May, and applications for the grant were initially due to close after 30 September.
However, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat announced in August that the grant would be extended until the end of the year.
At that point, more than S$90 million had been disbursed to over 60,000 residents under the CSG.
“First-time applicants who meet the current eligibility criteria may continue to apply for CSG until 6pm on Sept 30,” said MSF.
“The revised eligibility criteria will take effect from 9am on Oct 1,” it added.
Those who have already received the full CSG grant, or are in the final month of assistance, may apply for an additional three months of support from 1 October.
Individuals can apply online here.
Featured Image Credit: Sam Kang via Bloomberg
