Applying for Financial Assistance – Understanding Means Test and Activities of Daily Living

Financial assistance schemes and grants are available for families that are financially strapped. The percentage that a family is qualified for is usually pegged against results taken from Means Testing [...]

Numerous financial assistance schemes and grants are available to persons with disabilities and caregivers who are financially strapped. The percentage of schemes and grants a family is qualified for are usually pegged against results taken from Means Testing and the care recipient’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

Means Testing

Means-test is a method used to determine the level of subsidies a person is eligible for obtaining a service. It ensures that those from lower-income households receive more subsidies than those from higher-income households. The level of subsidy a person receives depends on the household monthly income per person and the latter is derived as such:

Household monthly income per person = Total gross household monthly income / Total number of family members living together

Example: $6000 gross household monthly income divided by 3 family members in the household equals household monthly income per person of $2000

However, if the household does not have a source of income, the annual value of the place of residence will be put into consideration. This situation could arise in the case of an elderly person living on their own.

The level of subsidies will be calculated based on the household means-test result, as well as the financial scheme or service applied for, as various services and schemes have different subsidy frameworks.

Activity of Daily Living

ADLs are basic self-care tasks involving health and hygiene. ADLs are important because these daily tasks are used to determine if someone needs continued or additional care. An increasing number of private and public long-term care insurance policies, schemes and programmes also rely on ADL measurements to determine the eligibility criteria and to allocate benefits accordingly.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) organises ADLs into these six categories:

  1. Washing – Ability to wash in the bath or shower independently as well as getting into and out of the bath or shower.
  • Dressing – Ability to put on, take off, secure and unfasten all garments and, as appropriate, any artificial limbs or other surgical/medical appliances.
  • Feeding – Ability to feed oneself food after it has been prepared.
  • Toileting – Ability to use the toilet independently or manage bowel and bladder function through the use of protective undergarments or surgical appliances if appropriate.
  • Mobility – Ability to move indoors from room to room on level surfaces.
  • Transferring – Ability to move from a bed to an upright chair or wheelchair, and vice versa.

Disability Money Matters booklet

There are several financial assistance schemes and grants which can help persons with disabilities and caregivers in financial need. However, amidst the daily challenges and joy of caregiving, it may be overwhelming for caregivers to carve out extra time, attention and energy to understand these financial aids.

Disability Money Matters guide cover

The Disability Money Matters is a handy guide collated by SPD’s social workers and it details the financial assistance schemes and grants that are relevant to people with disabilities in Singapore. It serves in unifying various financial aids so those in need can have a complete picture of the financial aids they are eligible to apply for. Fill up this form today to receive your copy of the Disability Money Matters e-booklet.