It’s been 11 months since the coronavirus first emerged, but it’s still wreaking havoc all over the world.
Lives have been lost, and millions have been stripped of their livelihood.
In September, Singapore’s unemployment rate climbed to 3.6%, surpassing the high of 3.3% recorded in September 2009 during the global financial crisis.
Worse, experts are expecting thousands more to lose their jobs in the coming months.Â
Fortunately, the gahmen is offering a little financial help.
Households That Have Family Members Unemployed Due to COVID-19 Will Get One-Time $500 Payout
Singaporean households that have unemployed family members will soon receive a one-time payout of $500.
This is part of the Ngee Ann Kongsi-Community Development Council (CDC) Covid-19 Relief Fund, which was launched on Monday (2 Nov) by DPM Heng Swee Keat and five district mayors.
$4 million has been set aside for the fund, of which $2 million was granted by Jamie Teo, president of non-profit organisation Ngee Ang Kongsi.
The remaining $2 million was pledged by the CDC.
The fund was reportedly set up to help Singaporeans aged 21 and above who have lost their jobs or income due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Applicants have to fulfil certain criteria to be eligible for the payout. Their unemployment or income loss has to be caused by:
- non-voluntary no-pay leave
- retrenchment
- termination for at least three months at the point of application
DPM noted that while the government has already set aside $100 billion to support Singaporeans, some families facing “unique circumstances” need more ” targeted solutions”.
For families struggling to make ends meet, this one-time payout will be a huge help.
DPM Heng added that the CDC is grateful to Ngee Ann Kongsi for their donation.
For those who don’t know, Ngee Ann Kongsi is a charitable organisation that was set up in 1845 to look after the religious and humanitarian needs of Teochew immigrants in Singapore.
Now a nonprofit organization, Ngee Ann Kongsi contributes to Singaporean society through educational and other charitable projects.
Encouraging Signs
Everything is doom and gloom at the moment, and any bit of good news can help to lift our spirits.
While unemployment has risen, employment in the services sectors has picked up, according to CNA.Â
Employment has increased in community, social, and personal services such as healthcare and public administration, as well as the food and beverage industry.
Resident employment has also bounced back to 2.34 million in September, quite a steep climb from the 2.29 million reported in June.
Moreover, the government has pledged to create 100,000 new jobs in 2021, to help Singaporeans who have lost their jobs amidst the pandemic.
This includes positions in healthcare, early childhood education, transport, information and communications technology, and financial services.
The path back to normalcy is a treacherous one, but as we’ve seen in past crises, we’re certainly capable of bouncing back.
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