- The contact number for the Operations Branch Services is the same as ComCare Call hotline number, which is 1800-222-0000.
How does MSF deal with destitute persons who refuse assistance?
MSF uses moral suasion for the destitute person to be admitted into a Welfare Home. When this fails, we advise them on services and assistance available at social service agencies and urge them to seek such assistance.
Would MSF conduct follow-up assessments following a destitute person discharge from welfare homes?
For cases requiring monitoring, we will link them up with the social service agencies such as Family Service Center (FSC) and Social Service Office (SSO) prior to discharge.There is no one to look after my parent/relative as I am working. Where can I admit him/her?
There are various care options available:
a) Day Care Centre for the Elderly
Looks after your parent/relative in the day while you work
b) Sheltered Home
Ambulant and able to take care of himself/herself (aged 60 and above).
You can approach the sheltered home directly to apply for your parent/relative's admission and enquire about the monthly charges.
c) Nursing Home
Semi or non-ambulant and dependent in self-care or needs nursing care.
Nursing homes are under the purview of the Ministry of Health and placements in subsidized nursing homes run by voluntary welfare organizations are done through the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).
Application is to be made through the Medical Social Workers of the hospital/polyclinic where person is receiving follow-up medical treatment.
Can I be admitted into a welfare home I am living with a friend/distant relative but they are asking me to leave the place?
If you currently have a place to stay but must look for longer-term alternative accommodation approach the nearest Family Service Centre(FSC) to help apply for admission to Sheltered Homes.
If you are unsure where to go, this [website] will list the nearest FSC near you.
In addition, MSF's Social Service Office or SSO will be able to assist with Public Assistance (PA) allowance if person meets the criteria for assistance. This [website] will assist you in locating the nearest SSO.
My family member/relative suffers from a psychiatric illness and I am not able to care for him/her. How can I admit him/her into a home for psychiatric patients?
Discuss concerns with the medical social worker of the Institute of Mental Health or hospital/polyclinic where the family member/relative is receiving follow-up treatment for his/her psychiatric condition. The medical social worker would be able to advise on options available and assist with the application, if necessary.
I would like to know whether my relative/friend is residing in one of your welfare homes and a missing person report has been lodged with police.
You may call ComCare hotline 1800-222-0000. The operator will need to take down your name and contact number and the name and NRIC No. of your relative/friend. This info is required for the Operations Branch Officer to do a check on your request and contact you.
My family does not have a place to stay due to some unexpected circumstances. Can Ministry of Social an Family Development (MSF) help to provide temporary shelter?
There are SSAs that run temporary shelters for individuals and families, eg. New Hope Community Services. Families that qualify will generally be offered a 3-month stay while they work toward their permanent home. You can go to a Family Service Centre near them first to get the support of the FSC and possible referral for a temp shelter.Can I be admitted into a welfare home if I am a single elderly person and independent in self-care?
Welfare home should be considered as a last resort. If you are work capable and have savings which can tide you over for a short period, you should consider other options. You may also approach the Social Service Office (SSO) for financial assistance and a Family Service Centre (FSC) for shelter and housing assistance. If you are unsure where to go, this website will list the nearest SSO / FSC near you: [https://www.msf.gov.sg/our-services/directories]
If there are no other options, your admission into a Welfare home will be subjected to a social investigation. On admission, you will need to sign an Undertaking under Section 5 of the Destitute Persons Act, agreeing to abide by the conditions of the admission imposed under the Act and its Rules.
I came across a man/woman begging in the streets or who appears to be homeless. Who can I inform?
You can reach us at ComCare Hotline at Tel: 1800-222-0000 or email to [Destitute_Ops@msf.gov.sg]
To help us reach out quickly to extend help to the beggar(s) / homeless person(s) that you have spotted, the following information would be very helpful:
1. Where you see the person(s) or where you know the person(s) usually frequents
2. Date and time seen
3. Description of person(s) e.g. Race; age; tall/short; long hair/short hair, unique features etc.
4. Photographs(s) if any