Yahoo Finance COVID-19 Budget: $145 million set aside for those who lose their jobs
SINGAPORE — While the best way to safeguard the well-being of citizens is by supporting them to stay employed, some workers will lose their jobs or see their incomes significantly reduced as the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak deepens, said Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Thursday (26 March).
To help those who lose their jobs due to the pandemic, the government will introduce a COVID-19 Support Grant at Social Service Offices from May to September this year, said Heng, who was announcing details of the $48 billion Resilience Budget in Parliament.
“Low and middle-income employees who lose their jobs can receive a grant of $800 per month for three months, to help tide them over while they find new jobs or go for training,” said Heng.
In all, the government is setting aside $145 million for the unemployed.
This includes via ComCare - by exercising more flexibility when considering application for ComCare during this period so that affected Singaporeans can get help.
And for families that may require urgent help while waiting for the new measures to kick in, a Temporary Relief Fund will be set up next month to help with immediate financial assistance - available at Social Service Offices and Community Centres.
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