More seniors get public aid
74 put on plan after it was extended to folk whose children can't support them
By Theresa Tan
Community Correspondent
Nov 20, 2008
MADAM Lim Kim Eng, 88, has eight daughters and a son, but would rather not talk about them.
Her son, a cabby, used to give her $200 a month but is now in Malaysia hiding from his debtors, and she has lost touch with her daughters.
The widow was earning $400 a month as a cleaner until 14 years ago, when she was deemed too old to work.
To survive, she turned to scavenging for cardboard and empty drink cans to sell, but had to stop when she was hit by a car and hospitalised for a few months.
Relief came in August, when she finally got on the Public Assistance scheme. She gets $330 a month. Families of five or more get a maximum of $1,100 a month.
Up till the middle of this year, she would not have qualified for this sum of money. Public assistance was specifically for destitute Singaporeans who were permanently unable to work and have little or no family support.
Read the full story in The Straits Times today.
SOURCE: The Straits Times (Singapore)
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This post is included for general information. Where are this poor woman's children? Why can't they look after their elderly mother?
In a western society -- someone would be held responsible and charged for elder neglect.
May be the authority in Singapore are unable to locate any of the 9 children to charge them under the Maintenance of Parents Act (Chapter 167B).
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