Usage of AI Monitoring for Support Schemes when GST Revenue Outperforms Forecasts

Parliamentary Question by Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim:

To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance whether the Government will consider, through the use of artificial intelligence monitoring, introducing dynamic assistance packages pegged to inflation indices, or to provide automatic top-ups of family savings accounts when GST revenue outperforms forecasts so that support is more responsive to real cost-of-living pressures.

Parliamentary Reply by Second Minister for Finance, Ms Indranee Rajah:

The Government regularly reviews our social support schemes to ensure that they remain relevant and adequate. We consider not just inflation, but also economic and labour market conditions, fiscal sustainability, as well as the affordability challenges faced by lower- and middle-income households. This ensures that our support is sized and targeted appropriately, as opposed to automated mechanisms which may be too blunt. 

This year, we strengthened several structural social support schemes to ensure sustained and adequate support for households. For example, we announced higher long-term care subsidies and grants, with subsidies extended to more households. We also increased ComCare assistance rates and enhanced the Silver Support Scheme to provide higher payouts and benefit more seniors. We raised the income eligibility threshold for the GST Voucher – Cash scheme in August so that lower-income Singaporeans can continue to receive support. 

Where necessary, the Government will also provide one-off support to help Singaporeans manage immediate cost-of-living pressures. At Budget 2025, we announced a $1.2 billion enhancement to the Assurance Package, including CDC Vouchers and additional U-Save rebates.