Singapore expands support for people with disabilities
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The Singapore government will lower fees and increase financial assistance for around 5,000 people with disabilities and their families by 2028.
The changes come from recommendations by the Taskforce on Assurance for Families with Persons with Disabilities, formed in December 2025 to improve support across all life stages. The government will also raise the income ceiling for subsidy eligibility, extending support to more middle-income households.
Families with higher support needs will see costs for disability services drop by as much as 80 percent, while lower-income families will pay no more than $10 monthly for some community-based programs. These changes build on previous adjustments made in July 2026, when subsidies and income ceilings were also increased. In addition to reduced fees, the Ministry of Social and Family Development will add 1,300 spaces to day activity centres and sheltered workshops by 2030.
These facilities provide skills training and community engagement for adults with disabilities, addressing long waiting lists that have caused stress for families. The government previously announced an addition of 1,000 spaces in 2024, bringing the total to approximately 5,800. The task force will release its complete recommendations in October, covering areas like employment and lifelong learning.
Wu Ping, a caregiver whose son attends the TOUCH Centre for Independent Living, expressed relief that the increased subsidies demonstrate broader community support for families raising children with disabilities.
