What Budget offers for senior citizen

MR THAM Siong Tuck ('They too need help'; last Thursday) is of the impression that as a senior citizen who is not working, and living in a five-room HDB flat, he would not benefit from Budget 2011.

Mr Tham will in fact be receiving $600 in Growth Dividends and a Central Provident Fund Medisave top-up of at least $300 (it could be more depending on his age) in May this year.

This is besides the benefits that the other members of his household may enjoy. His household will also receive about $360 in Utilities-Save and service and conservancy charges rebates this year, and benefit from the removal of radio and TV licence fees.

We thank Mr Tham for his feedback and assure him that the Government continues to work with employers and unions to encourage employment of older workers. Besides what is already in place such as the Advantage Scheme, the Government also announced in the Budget a Special Employment Credit to be given over the next three years to encourage employers to hire more older workers.

Mr Tham can also consider going to the career centres at his community development council or the Employment and Employability Institute for help with job opportunities.

Lim Bee Khim (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Finance