The task force also proposed raising the eligibility threshold for means-tested subsidies to extend support to more middle-income families.
This increase in the per capita monthly household income threshold to about S$6,000 would mean about 80 per cent of households of people with disabilities would be covered.
“More families who do not qualify for subsidies today will therefore be able to receive support for disability services, recognising the significant and long-term care costs that many families may face while supporting a loved one with disabilities,” MSF said.
HIGHER NEEDS
As people with higher support needs and their families often require more intensive and sustained assistance over the long term, the task force recommended stronger funding support for selected services for this group.
The enhanced support will apply to the Enabling Skills for Life Programme and adult disability homes.
“These measures will help ensure that persons with higher support needs can continue to access quality care and support, while easing the financial burden on families,” said MSF.
Families of people with higher support needs can expect monthly fees after government subsidies for selected services to fall by about 25 per cent to 80 per cent compared with current levels.
For example, a family of four living in an HDB flat and caring for a person with higher support needs, with a monthly household income of S$6,000 – or S$1,500 per person – would pay S$40 a month for a day activity centre, down from S$210. For adult disability homes, the fee would fall from S$3,500 to S$700.
For a family of four with an income of S$13,000 a month – or S$3,250 per person – day activity centre fees would fall to S$400 from S$710, while adult disability home fees would fall to S$1,600 from S$7,000.
DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES, SHELTERED WORKSHOPS
To ensure families can access the support they need, the task force proposed increasing the number of spaces in day activity centres and sheltered workshops.
“Affordability enhancements must be accompanied by sufficient service capacity so that families can access the support they need,” said MSF.
The task force proposed to add another 1,300 spaces at day activity centres and sheltered workshops by 2030, beyond the 1,000 additional places announced in 2024.
This brings the total number of additional spaces to 2,300 by 2030, on top of the current capacity of 3,600.
In 2026, close to 440 day activity centre and sheltered workshop spaces have been set up in areas such as Queenstown, Bukit Merah and Ang Mo Kio. Another 440 spaces are expected to be operational in 2027.
“The additional places will enable more persons with disabilities to access appropriate support closer to their communities, while giving families greater assurance that their loved ones can continue to receive more care, support and opportunities for meaningful engagement over the long term,” MSF said.
