Since the onslaught of the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore, many have unfortunately lost their jobs while others had their incomes reduced. Apart from the needy, it has also hit financially struggling families with school-going children even harder.
In the face of this new normal, students from these households could find it even more challenging to cope with their studies. Thankfully, the government has stepped in to offer financial relief to these students.
Financial Relief for Singapore Students
Who is Eligible?
According to Ms Indranee Rajah, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for Education, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will be giving out temporary relief to the following groups of students in the months of June and July 2020:
- Primary and secondary students on the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), including
- Students on the Special Education (SPED) FAS
- Secondary students on the MOE Independent School Bursary (ISB)
Financial relief for Singapore Students who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. | Photo: Indranee Rajah/Facebook
In her Facebook post (8 June), Ms Indranee mentioned that these efforts are part of the broader suite of assistance under the Unity, Resilience, Solidarity and Fortitude Budgets to help out Singaporeans during this trying time.
Previously during the circuit breaker, MOE also extended additional help to these students, together with the team.
How Much Will Students Get?
The financial relief will be given over two months, in the form of top-ups to students’ School Smartcard.
Primary school students: $20/month in June and July
Secondary school students: $40/month in June and July
This means that Primary school students will receive a total of $40, and Secondary school students at $80.
Where and When Can Students Redeem?
Students can redeem their top-ups from the Transitlink Add Value Machines across Singapore during these respective periods:
- June top-up (from 9 June 2020)
- July top-up (from 7 July 2020)
In her post, Ms Indranee acknowledges the strain that COVID-19 has brought upon students and their families in financially difficult situations.
Thus, the offering of financial relief and stepping up on efforts to “reopen schools in a careful and calibrated manner”.
“Together, we will see everyone safely through,” she said.
Hopefully, this can take some burden off the shoulders of these families.
Lead image via Indranee Rajah/Facebook and SGTrains.
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