On 19 Apr 2020, Straits Times covered a story on a low-income family in Singapore.
In the article, they talked about how this family of 6 had only $200 left to get through the next three weeks.
Sam and his family have to make every dollar count and on their shelves, all the family had was a few packs of instant noodles, some cooking oil, a half bag full of rice and a bottle of chilli sauce that’s “almost scrapped clean”.
As for the solidarity payout of $1,200 (Sam’s $600 and his wife’s $600 combined), it was used for some much-needed supplies and groceries.
The family is awaiting for their next ComCare payment of $1,200 which is supposed to be dispensed on 4 May 2020 and will last them for the next three months.
Covid-19 Made Everything Worse
He had lost what little income he used to earn helping his mother as a school canteen vendor after schools were closed.
And because his kids are now studying from home, he has to spend even more money to provide meals for his kids.
If it was business as usual, his children would have been subsidised under financial assistance in school.
His four children have to depend on one donated laptop and a limited data plan for their home-based lessons.
While schools are still open for students who need assistance to go to, Sam didn’t want to as he wants to protect his kids.
He says he’s tried calling the Social Service Offices hotline about his financial aid document but it was not picked up.
He left his number during the voice mail but knew, based on his experience, that his call will not be returned until days later.
The increased call during this Covid-19 pandemic will make it worse.
By now, you’re probably bawling like this kitty cat here and wondering how you can donate a bit to him.
And possibly even take to MSF’s Facebook and (angrily) ask, “Who exactly are you helping? Ladies bringing LV bags around?”
Well, hold your horses, dude, because the Ministry of Social & Family (MSF) has something to say.
MSF Fires Back With FB Post
On 23 Apr 2020, MSF took to their Facebook to write a lengthy post about “Sam” and his family (their words, not mine).
They said that they have been helping Sam and his family since before CB started, and will continue to do so.
They’ve also highlighted the assistance that Sam has been getting:
- Sam is getting $1,200 in ComCare assistance every month since Mar 2020 and the latest ComCare assistance he received was on 3 Apr 2020.
- MUIS has provided them with Zakat Emergency Assistance of $300 cash and $120 in vouchers.
- Husband and wife receive $1,200 in the Solidarity Fund payout on 14 Apr 2020.
- During CB, the family received help from MOE’s extended school meal subsidies, which gives each primary school student $60 and secondary school student $120, even if they stay home. Primary school students are also given an additional $20 via public donations.
- Each of his children who are in primary school receives $60 monthly from The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund
The family’s rent, utilities, service and conservancy charges, as well as medical fees, are all covered by ComCare Assist.
School fees for the family are also paid for by the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme.
Monthly rations were also provided for the family by community partners like Ang Mo Kio Family Services Centre (FSC) and Food from the Heart
It was added that Sam is going to receive $2,300 in ComCare assistance every month from May 2020 onwards for six months as he had lost his job when he was last assessed by the SSO.
When social services officers got in touch with Sam on 19 Apr, he shared that he did not call the SSO hotline nor did he leave his number on any voicemail.
You Can Read Their Full Post Below:
Needless to say, netizens were impressed at the help they were getting.
So who’s right and who’s lying? No one knows.
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But MSF Singapore does have something to say about the incident:
Building an inclusive and caring society is a collective effort. If members of the public would like to volunteer with our SSOs or community partners to support lower income households, or other vulnerable groups, such as rough sleepers and seniors who need help during the pandemic, you can drop us a private message on our MSF FB page.
TL; DR: Don’t just comment, just come on in and help instead of typing behind your keyboards.
Okay, so they might not mean that but hey, they could have, right?
