Republic Run - June 09

"Are we there yet?"


Photos contributed by David Soh

Father's Day

In Singapore, Father's Day falls on every 3rd Sunday of June and this year, it happens to be 21 June 09. However, it might differ in different countries, click here to find out more...

Meanwhile to all the Dads out there, Happy Father's Day! :)

PCN - Park Connectors Network

Have you walked along Woodlands Street 13 and seen "PCN" signs on the path and lamp-posts? Ever wondered what they were?

It's part of the National Parks Singapore efforts to enhance the park experience.

The Woodlands Park Connector runs through the heartlands of Woodlands estate, connecting Admiralty Park, Woodlands Town Park East and Woodlands Town Garden. One of the main highlights is the linear park along the MRT viaduct (Woodlands Ave 3) where users can enjoy their workouts amidst the picturesque landscaped backdrop.

So start adventuring by foot, rollerblades or cycle to start the PCN experience!

Photo contributed by Mr Cheong

Launch of the Woodlands PCN - 26 Apr 09

Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WIS)

Been hearing about the Workfare Income Supplement (Workfare) Scheme? What is it?

The Workfare Income Supplement (Workfare) Scheme is a permanent scheme to encourage older low wage workers to find work and work regularly, while helping them save for their longer term and retirement needs.

Who qualifies?
To qualify for Workfare for work done in 2008, you must
1) Be a Singapore Citizen;
2) Earn an average monthly income of less than $1,500 during the work period;
3) Be 35 years old and above as at 31 Dec 2008;
4) Stay in a property with an Annual Value of $10,000 or less as at 31 Dec 2007; and
5) Work at least three months in any six month period in the calendar year for half the payout, or at least six months in the calendar year for the full payout.

To qualify for Workfare for work done in 2009, you must
1) Be a Singapore Citizen;
2) Earn an average monthly income of less than $1,500 during the work period;
3) Be 35 years old and above as at 31 Dec 2009;
4) Stay in a property with an Annual Value of $11,000 or less as at 31 Dec 2008; and
5) Work at least three months in any six month period in the calendar year for half the payout, or at least six months in the calendar year for the full payout.

Self employed or informally employed?

Not a problem. If you are self-employed or informally employed you will need to declare your income to CPF Board or IRAS and contribute to your CPF Medisave Account in order to qualify for Workfare. All qualifying members will need to fully pay up their CPF Medisave liability before Workfare can be allotted.

For more information, click here

Increase in Medisave Withdrawal Limits

The increase in Medisave withdrawal limits cannot be more timely, especially in downtimes like these.

From 1 June, Singaporeans will be able to withdraw more from Medisave to pay for surgical operations. This will reduce the expenses for all surgical patients, especially for those in Class A, B1 and private hospitals. Up to 300,000 patients are expected to benefit from the change.

Under the revised withdrawal limits, patients can save between S$250 and S$7,500. Currently, patients save between S$150 and S$5,000.

For example, for a knee replacement operation and to stay at a restructured hospital, the total bill could come out to $13,518. But with this new increase limit in place, the patient needs to pay only $5,668 in cash as compared to $7,618 previously. Now, that's a cash savings of $1,950!

Ministry of Health also announced this year that Medisave would be extended to cover home palliative care and non-urgent hospitalisation treatment overseas. We look forward to more favorable changes as our Government copes with Singapore's aging population.