More Can Enjoy IDAPE Payouts

04 Oct 2002

In June this year, the Ministry of Health introduced the Interim Disability Assistance Programme for the Elderly (IDAPE) to provide financial assistance for needy Singapore citizens aged 70 and above when they become disabled. IDAPE assistance is also extended to needy Singaporeans aged 40-69 who could not be covered under ElderShield due to pre-existing disabilities.

IDAPE applications have come in since July. As at 30 Sep 02, NTUC Income has received 2, 662 IDAPE applications. Out of these, 1, 353 (or 51%) applications have been approved. Another 806 (or 30%) applications are pending.

Of the 19% unsuccessful claims, the majority failed the disability assessment rather than the means test. Of those who failed the disability assessment, the majority of them can perform all the 6 ADLs. These applicants may not have understood enough about the qualifying criteria for IDAPE when they submitted their claims. (See Annex A for figures).

Reaching out through VWOs

As IDAPE provides assistance to the elderly disabled, MOH reached out to organisations that had direct contact with this group. These included Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWO) nursing homes and home medical/nursing service providers. Administrators of VWOs nursing homes were briefed on the features of IDAPE so that they can reach out to their patients who will benefit from the scheme. Residents from nursing homes can apply for IDAPE with the assistance of the homes. 1, 485 applications (56%) of the total claims were submitted by the nursing homes on behalf of their residents. So far, 25 VWOs have submitted claims on behalf of their residents.

Thong Teck Home for Senior Citizens is among one of the nursing homes which helped its residents apply for IDAPE claims. Of its 78 applicants, 74 will be receiving financial assistance through IDAPE.

More can benefit from IDAPE

While the response to IDAPE has been encouraging, we believe that there are many more out there who could qualify for IDAPE benefits

but have not submitted an application.

The Ministry had earlier decided to give a concession to those who are disabled and who qualify for IDAPE, to receive their first payment in October if they submitted their applications between 1st July and 30th September 02. For these people, the 90-day Deferment Period for pay out would be waived. We are pleased to extend this concession till the end of the year, i.e. 31 December 02. This means that those who apply before 31 December 02 need not wait 90 days to receive their cash payout. This would give those who are disabled more time to submit their IDAPE applications.

Those who claim for IDAPE from next year onwards would be subject to the 90-day Deferment Period for pay out . The Ministry hopes that more elderly will make use of this scheme and enjoy the benefits that it offers to needy Singaporeans.