Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong launched the CDC Vouchers Scheme 2024 on 25 June, providing additional support to Singaporean households.
On 25 June 2024, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong launched the CDC Vouchers Scheme 2024. Announced earlier this year in February’s Budget as part of the enhancements to the Assurance Package, this scheme aims to help households cope with rising cost-of-living concerns.
The CDC Vouchers Scheme, first introduced in June 2020 during the pandemic, was designed to help lower-income households defray daily expenses while supporting local merchants and hawkers. Expanded to all households in December 2021, the scheme has continued beyond the pandemic due to ongoing high inflation caused by supply chain constraints and geopolitical events like the war in Ukraine.
DPM Gan highlighted that the CDC Vouchers Scheme demonstrates the Government’s commitment to addressing cost-of-living concerns. He shared a story about a resident from Choa Chu Kang, Mr. Jamil bin Md Amin, who expressed how the vouchers helped his family manage daily expenses such as meals and groceries.
Since its inception, the scheme has been well-received by Singaporeans. Approximately 1.3 million households claimed the CDC vouchers disbursed in January, with more than $500 million spent at participating merchants, hawkers, and supermarkets. To date, over $1 billion worth of vouchers have been used across four tranches.
DPM Gan also praised the transition from physical to digital vouchers, acknowledging the efforts of Mayors, CDCs, the People’s Association, and community partners in facilitating this shift. The digital scheme has seen significant success, with many seniors adopting e-payment transactions and more heartland merchants building an online presence.
Recognizing the ongoing concerns about the cost of living, the Government has enhanced the Assurance Package by $1.9 billion, bringing the total support to over $10 billion. A key component is the additional $600 CDC Vouchers for all households. The first $300 tranche is being disbursed starting 25 June, on top of the $500 distributed in January, making it a total of $800 for each household this year.
Households can claim the vouchers digitally via the designated website, with assistance available at Community Centres if needed. The $300 vouchers can be split equally: $150 for use at hawkers and heartland merchants and $150 at participating supermarkets.
In addition to the CDC Vouchers, other assistance measures include U-Save and service and conservancy charges (S&CC) rebates to be distributed in July, October, and January next year, as well as the Budget 2024 Cost-of-Living Special Payment in September.
DPM Gan concluded by urging Singaporeans to support one another, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual aid in overcoming challenges. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and partners who contributed to the success of the CDC Vouchers Scheme.
The launch of the 2024 CDC Vouchers Scheme reflects the Government’s ongoing efforts to support Singaporean households in managing daily expenses and coping with rising costs.
Source – PMO
